Pigeons as Pets Beginners Guide: Episode 2 - Choosing & Acquiring a Pigeon

In this Episode I discuss types of pigeon; where to acquire a pigeon including breeders vs rescues; how to prepare for your pet's arrival and what to look for when picking up your bird.

[@cyberskooma0001]

You are, genuinely, one of the only good sources of information on these birds. Thank you so much for making these videos.

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Thank you so much!

[@cyberskooma0001]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 I do have a question, because information online seems to be all over the place. How do I tell the difference between a pigeon a dove? I'm aware the doves make different sounds? Is that all? EDIT: Just kidding. I see you have a video on it.

[@sniffiejoe9370]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731i have young pigeon i notice it has a few bold spots on his neck and head ,it comes and goes and it keeps on pecking anyone know why i gave it 2 baths but it keeps on itching its feathers

[@militer8313]

I really like the way you speak. English is not my first language but you are very easy to understand!

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Thank you very much!

[@hkokoo]

I'm hoping to get a little dove/pigeon companion of my own soon and there is so little information about the care of these animals as pets!! These in depth videos are so appreciated especially when I'm very anxious to get everything right :D thank you very much!

[@xdarkangerx7601]

One thing I might add on for anybody else like me who's found this channel later, when getting a bird don't just ask about it, CHECK where you're getting it from, especially if from a breeder. Even if the individual bird your getting is safe and healthy, that's no guarantee that the previous owner is doing 100% right by their birds. I won't go into too much detail (as it's rather personal), but when I was getting into contact with people to adopt a pigeon I was severely mentally compromised and as a result simply didn't have the energy to do a proper background check with the breeders. The end result was a poor bird riddled with parasites that I had to foot the bill for. I don't beat myself up over it anymore because I really did do all I could, and don't regret it because I ended up with the sweetest, cleanest pigeon in the world (and oh boy did it feel good having a mentally healthy pet for a change), but doing your due diligence is important not just for supporting shelters and breeders who ARE doing right by their flock, but as a safeguard against unforseen health and financial burdens.

[@shrimp3981]

Thank you! This is very helpful, I’m getting a pigeon in a few days and I’ve done 7+ hours of research but I’m still learning things from you :)

[@TheHolyMeeps]

We rescued a racing pigeon a little while ago. It stayed at our home for a week until we got in contact with the owner and we sent it back. I LOVED this bird. It was still a young one and it changed my opinion about pigeons drastically. I've been negotiating with my parents but they really don't want a pet in the house so I'm doing my research for when I want to get a pigeon after I move out.

[@carinapotts443]

Thank you for your thoughtful and thorough coverage of this topic! 🙏🙏

[@Sidda7]

Thank you for this series! So well explained and knowledgeable.

[@Staycuriousred]

Thank you for these videos. I never expected to have a pigeon, but one needed rescuing so now I have a bird :p Love getting to see your perspective and appreciate the knowledge :)

[@ocean_kin1922]

I’m working towards being able to move out within the next 2 years and I’ve wanted a pigeon for around 1 year now, so I’m doing all the research I can! Thank you for teaching us! 😊

[@xanderteh9389]

you are so knowledgable it is incredible to listen to! Thank you!

[@TurkiBooNyc]

I’m so lucky my husband brought me home a 5 month old Shiraz last night lol, I’ve had wild pigeons stay and nest around my windows but I FINALLY GOT MY DREAM BABY so I need friends now with pigeons lol anyone wanna be friends?!

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Aww, Shirazi pigeons are gorgeous, my bird Ana is a Lahore which are sometimes called Shirazi pigeons but Ive also seen Shirazi used to refer to ones with clean legs (no feathered feet). Enjoy your new baby! :-)

[@Woofanoofus]

A Lahore pigeon is my dream pigeon but I’m not having a lot of luck and there are like no breeders near me who would sell me just one. It made me so excited to see a Lahore pigeon in your video lol. I hope I can get a Lahore pigeon one day :,)

[@sriramgali-lv8ep]

Thank you for info. Can you please advise feeding time and amounts please per pigeon

[@hellyw08]

I was so excited to find this channel! I was wanting a pigeon as a pet when I found this page and Anna’s information is so good. Unfortunately the wind has gone out of my sails as I’ve been blown off by every breeder I’ve contacted and can’t find anywhere that will let one adopt in the U.K. Has anyone else found that if you want one as a pet rather than as fancier then it is much harder to acquire one?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Breeders are quite skeptical about pet pigeons so its not unusual to get resistance to getting a single bird. Unless youre looking for a very specific breed, rescue centres are often looking to rehome pigeons which are not releasable for various reasons. This could be rehabbed ferals, racers or lost fancy pigeons. You could try joining Pigeon Adoptions UK or Pigeon Rescue and Protection UK on facebook and state you want to adopt and you may have luck that way :-)

[@hellyw08]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 skeptical is an understatement! Many thanks for pointing me in the right direction! You’re an excellent and encouraging source of information and really seem to care about doing things the right way!

[@ekamor3754]

Hey! Thank you so much for the information that you presented in this video! It was very useful and unique! I have a question though (may be even idea for the next video:)): what are the best breeds of pigeons to have as a pet (the least aggressive ones, the ones that are naturally lazy.. I guess :D)? You mentioned Lahore are the good ones, but what other breeds? Like I heard that Modena's are the concentration of evil, so even thought they are breed for meat (naturally not best flyers), they won't make great pets... although.. this may not be true..

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Its true, Modenas are grumpy birds, even judges dont handle them at shows! There are hundreds of breeds and im not knowledgable on them all, but some reliably good pet breeds are Lahores, Kings, Fantails, any Owl type breed. Pouters are friendly but not for the novice as need specialist feeding. Most pet pigeons I see online though are racer or feral types, especially if rescued!

[@ekamor3754]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 Thank you very much for your time and the answer! :)

[@k.a.s.8247]

Very informative, but agree with Jon. You start out speaking loud and clear, then you slowly drop you tone and volume. Very hard to follow your speech. So sorry I cannot hear the end of your sentences. Would love to hear more about you knowledge of pigeons. Wonderful topics and beautiful bird.

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Thanks, Ive been doing my best to work on this and have a new camera and microphone since this video was made so hopefully newer ones will be better :-)

[@doodlywizarddog8020]

I have a question, how did you get your Lahore pigeon? I have been searching for ways to find breeders for them but ive been having issues finding some. Im not planning to get one right away yet but i would like to perhaps find a breeder and learn about them if i can. Also i love this series you are doing! Its very informative!

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

My first Lahore was from a breeder but my current two are both rescue birds I got through a pigeon rescue facebook group im in :-)

[@doodlywizarddog8020]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 Oh ok, thank you!

[@amandahagen2053]

Thank you for all the information. A racer just self rescued at my moms and we have had issues trying to find info on caring for her. Question, its a solo bird, but she is still very skittish and doesn’t love us yet. She was isolated for a bit due to mites from being out in the wild but now is indoors. How long does it typically take to win her over? Shes indoors but we bring her out to a different cage when we are in the yard. We have let her “fly” indoors a few times but she doesn’t really fly unless shes spooked or making a break for the window. I guess my overall question is I dont want to stress her out with too much handling but want her to relax and get the exercise she needs. Thank you for the help!

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Pigeons need patience and time, they might come around quickly or slowly but more often or not they form some relationship eventually. I tend to let the birds decide, and that can take longer, but some people are for the hands on approach. I hope to do a video on this at some point as theres so much to say that wont fit on a short comment but the Pigeons as Pets facebook group has so many folks on there who can share their experiences and reassure you in this area :-)

[@bournazianvahan]

Thank you for your detailed information. Follow-up Questions: 1. If acquiring 1 pigeon as an indoor pet, is there a difference between male and female in terms of temperament or suitability? 2. If acquiring as indoor pets 2 pigeons, so that they can socialize with each other, is it appropriate to get either 2 males or 2 females, so that I do not have to deal with breeding issues? 2.a. If not a problem, would you suggest 2 males or rather 2 females for this scenario?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

There are no guarantees with pigeons but hens are generally more placid. A pair of hens will more readily pair than 2 males but they will still lay eggs (albeit infertile) so still need good care and supplements to keep them healthy. Good luck :-)

[@bournazianvahan]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 Thank you!!!

[@queenthoria7483]

Uh oh I've watching your videos and doing research. Now I'm thinking about getting a pigeon. I have a rabbit. He is very calm and gets along with other animals (he lived with cats and ferrets before I got him) Would you know if there's any concerns for a pigeon and a rabbit living in the same house?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

I am not aware of any specific concerns about keeping rabbits and birds together although it may be helpful for you to join facebook group Pigeons as Pets as there are lots of folks there who could share their experience of keeping pigeons and other animals :-)

[@deepakshetty9233]

good one

[@zitaoliu981]

I found a pigeon nest with eggs in it. Do you think it is a good idea for me to take the chick when the egg hatch?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Hi, it is best to leave it to the parents to raise the chick naturally and in any case, it may be illegal (it certainly is here in the UK) to disturb an active nest and take the eggs or babies

[@ncc17701a]

Don't remove the chicks. Trying to hand-rear squabs is very time consuming. They need to be kept warm and fed every few hours. There is no real substitute for pigeon-milk (this provides antibodies and nutrients the squab needs). Its definitely best to leave it with the parents if the nest is active.

[@tateportman4867]

Is a fancy or a racing pigeon better

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

If you want to keep a pigeon as an indoor pet, a medium or small breed of fancy pigeon is better as racers are athletes and should ideally live outside in a loft or aviary where they can have plenty of free flight and exercise

[@rhomtown2000]

Would a cockatiel and a pigeon be okay together? Like I’d put them in separate cages if I need to. Just want them both to have company rather than fight.

[@crouchingidiot]

i definitely wouldn’t recommend having them together. they both require very specific care needs. you could put there cages by eachother but don’t put them both together

[@maureenmackey4879]

I’m looking at getting a King pigeon. A fledgling. I love the white. I know they are squab pigeons but I’d love one. We had years ago. I could get Doves, but they are 4 years old, probably bonded to each other. No bonding to me. The King is from a breeder, are healthy, etc. Dilemma. Can you help me choose Or anyone out there have advice please. I like the bonding part very much

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Kings are a great pet breed and it will be much easier to tame a young bird. I say go for it!

[@ehsaanyousef2273]

Are all pigeons able to free fly, or come home? And secondly, I'd really like to keep a small homing flock in a pigeon loft. Will those birds be tame if I interact/feed them everyday? Like I'd like to give them their freedom to fly, but at the same time be able to pet them and give them cuddles.

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Not all pigeons are suited to free flying or have homing abilities. Many fancy pigeons are not good flyers and cannot home at all. Racing homers are of course made to free fly but its likely that they may not become as hand tame as pigeons kept indoors as pets.

[@ehsaanyousef2273]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 hmm that makes sense. Do you mind giving me a run down of which breeds do have the homing capacity or refer me to a web page where I can find more info about specific breeds? Also will homing pigeons be tame if I give them food and interact with them, even while they love outside?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

@@ehsaanyousef2273 only racing homers have well developed homing skills although tumblers/rollers do have a limited homing ability from short distances and do acrobatic flying. I only keep fancy pigeons so im not an expert on flying breeds so you would be best to contact a local pigeon racing or flying club near where you live and members would likely be happy to help you get started. No pigeon is absolutely guaranteed to become tame but if it was hand raised, hand fed or with lots of human contact theyre more likely to become friendly

[@ehsaanyousef2273]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 Alright thank you for your answer! Sorry I didn't see your reply to my second question so I ended up asking it again.

[@William.Williams]

Hey:) I wonder can u put 2 “random” birds together or do they have to like each other before hand?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Unless you got them as a pair, pigeons should be introduced gradually, each with their own cage space before putting together in neutral territory first. Hens and 2 pigeons of different gender are more likely to get on peacibly but 2 males might get on or they might not. My 2 birds have a bit of a love/hate relationship but generally get on okay. Good luck!

[@toastz_]

I live in a small town in Canada, and I'd like to get a pet pigeon but- I literally don't know where to go to find them...

[@bibelle118]

Hey!! I’m curious about how possible it is to teach pigeons the basics of training? Mainly recall and step up 💜

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Thats an interesting one! - Ive never tried to train my birds, theyve generally stepped up by themselves once theyve trusted me and if theyre bonded to you they will usually come when you call, although I usually make a pigeon call rather than call their name!

[@thebudgieartist3391]

I regularly feed a pigeon flock on the outer side of my city (hamburg) and they fly on my hand and pick food out of my hand. Once I get a house I will capture some of them, show them the pigeon house i will have built with much food so they can fly back and tell the rest of them where to find me. I will not keep them trapped in there. I just want to show them so they can come and eat whenever they are hungry. And yes i plan to get a house in hamburg

[@delafontainedoes]

Can pigeons be trained to free fly the same way that parrots can? Have you taught any of yours?

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Racing, Flying breeds and to some extent feral rescued pigeons can be trained to free fly to and from an outdoor loft or aviary, or from you if the bond is strong. Domesticated pigeons are good candidates for free flying because of their domestication but as Im sure you know, free flying is not without risk as birds of prey do like pigeons. Fancy pigeons should not be free flown as many are not strong flyers, and they have no homing instincts at all. I have fancy birds so have not trained them to free fly although I did have a hen called Lola who was so strongly bonded to me she would sit out in the garden with me with no cage or harness but you have to be really sure of a rock solid bond for that. Always put contact telephone rings on your birds if free flying them :-)

[@CatDCord7]

I have pigeons also see my videos I put Same like you put

[@pathtohidden5785]

My pigeon wont come down how do i get him fown

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Their favourite food or treats will usually tempt a pigeon down or their mate if they have one. You can set up a dog crate or similar cage with the door open with a long string tied to it, put food inside and pull the string once the bird goes inside. My own pigeon Spencer got out for several hours but remained in the street and I went out every hour and ensured he could see me and the food. He came down at dinner time when he was hungry and jumped in the food box and we shut the lid to get him in! Good luck :-)

[@jonarseagenxuav]

YOU START OUT LOUD THEN YOU GET QUIET N I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT YOUR WHISPERING ABOUT

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

Thanks, Ill check the sound levels for my next recording!

[@elayneadamczykharrington]

Sound and voice is perfect. Zero complaints here. Concise and clear. Thank you for the comprehensive instruction/guidance.

[@IIIElijah]

Peace be to you, Pigeons are little Princes and Princesses of 5th Heaven. Godly like the Chickens. Bingo prizes of beauty. Loyal and loving imprints. Jesus sure knows our hearts. 8th day 1000 yrs with my friends before what the human heart has never imagined. "Do you know my friend Thomas?" Jesus sent me to ask of you.

[@CatDCord7]

Your pigeon breed is Lahore pigeon

[@thecrazypigeonlady8731]

She certainly is -my favourite breed! I also have a black Lahore called Dewie that I hope to feature in a future video :-)

[@CatDCord7]

@@thecrazypigeonlady8731 ok