Guidelines for Choosing Pigeon Cages
Raising and training birds can be a fascinating hobby, and when the bird is a pigeon, cages are the number one accessory needed to get the enthusiast started.
Types of Pigeons
People raise pigeons for a variety of reasons. There are three main categories of pigeons, and the type chosen to be raised will depend on the reason behind the hobby. When the bird is being raised for use as meat (called squab), a “utility” bird will be used. For homing pigeons, “flying” pigeons will be the choice. Those who simply enjoy the beauty and grace of the pigeon will select “fancy” pigeons, whose appearance and color can win big awards at shows. Within each of these categories, several sub-types exist.
Pigeons are actually relatives of the parrot, and share many of the parrot traits. Some of their outward features are similar; the cere covering the beak as well as the powder-like down that covers their feathers are found on both birds. In addition, both parrots and pigeons are life maters, and as parents produce a crop milk to nourish their youth. Pigeons easily learn to enjoy their human counterparts; bonding with them in a manner that can greatly aid in training.
Homes for pigeons
While each of these categories of pigeons is quite different and unique in their own right, they all have a common need for a comfortable and appropriate home. When making the decision to keep pigeons for whatever reason, becoming familiar with their characteristics and habits is necessary in order to provide the care they need. This is true with their food as well as their habitats. Homes for the birds are generally some type of cage, with hutches being the most common. There are specific requirements that are necessary for pigeon cages to possess in order to be appropriate for the birds.
- Size. Most pigeons are, first and foremost, flyers. Even when they are not allowed free flight, they will exercise their wings by flapping them vigorously. This habit means they need to have plenty of room for this exercise without striking their feathers on the sides of the cages. The cage should be as large as possible, especially when several birds are kept.
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Food stations. As with many birds, pigeons are ground feeders; evidenced by the hordes of pigeons often seen in parks, walking about pecking at the ground. When kept, their food should be supplied in a similar manner. Arranging dishes for seed, food and water near the floor of the cage provides the most natural way to feed the birds. Perches or shelves can be added to the side of the cage to make accessing the food dishes easier if desired.
- Sanitation. Pigeons can be quite messy. While some keepers will spread newspaper, wood chips or kitty litter on the floor of the cage, constant cleanup is required when this is done. A better idea may be to leave an open wire floor under which is a plain, solid surface that can be scraped and hosed down to clean weekly. This not only makes cleaning easier for the keeper, but also keeps disease down for the birds.
- Shelter. Your pigeons need to receive some amount of natural sunlight; however, they also need to be able to shade themselves when needed. When the pigeon cages are outside, it is important to protect the birds from cold drafts as well; using removable or retractable screens on the sides can be helpful.
Different types of pigeons will also come with different requirements, but their cages are typically fairly similar. Learning the characteristics of the type of pigeon you obtain will help you to provide the appropriate type of cage they will need, and create a more hospitable habitat for them.