A Beginner’s Guide to Raising Pigeons
Raising pigeons is done for a number of reasons. Some people find them to be noble and loyal companions. Other people make a hobby of it and race their pigeons. Some people even raise pigeons to use as food or to be sold as a delicacy. If you are interested in raising pigeons, whatever your reason may be, it is important that you be well-equipped to care for your birds. The following information has been provided to help you start off on the right foot with your feathered friends.
Choosing the Right Bird
Before you begin raising pigeons, you need to decide why you’re raising them so you can choose the correct type. There are three main types of pigeons: utility birds (raised for food), flying birds (raised for racing), and fancy birds (raised and bred for their color and appearance). Make sure you choose the right kind of pigeon before investing your money. This will save you a great deal of hassle later on, particularly if you are breeding for a profit.
Pigeon Housing
Whether it is an expensive pre-built coop, or a handmade coop made from chicken wire and boards, it is very important to provide your pigeons with a comfortable home that fulfills their needs.
Special attention should be paid in regards to the ease of cleaning your pigeons’ home. Pigeons in general have messier droppings than other birds of comparable size, so you should expect to do frequent cleanings. If your pigeons are going to be kept in cage-like enclosures, then placing easily removable trays beneath each cage will help you cut down on cleaning time. Some people opt to nest their pigeons against walls and let the droppings land on the floor. Clearly this method would be better suited for rooftop coops or out in the country.
Ventilation is another consideration that you must keep at the forefront of your mind while you plan for pigeon housing. A hole or two placed in walls can provide adequate ventilation for your birds. It’s important to not make the holes too large though or your birds can escape. In addition to this, predators such as house cats will be able to get inside the coop.
Providing your birds with nests is also imperative when creating housing for them. Nests can be made from crates or nest bowls; it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is to provide proper nesting materials, such as straw or twigs. Animal supply stores may also carry nesting fluff.
If you plan on breeding your pigeons, it’s important to have each nest be large enough to accommodate a male and female pair. Also take into consideration the adult size of your pigeon type as some pigeons may grow to be more than 5 lbs.
Nutritional Needs
Properly feeding and watering your pigeons may be tricky at first, but is easy to get the hang of. If you are planning on breeding your pigeons or put them in pigeon shows, you need to give them a well-balanced diet with proteins, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals as well. Birds that are properly fed and nourished will produce more eggs and be able to care for their young better. Special pigeon feed is available in some specialty animal food stores and online as well. If you choose to make your own, be sure to include cereals, grains, grit, peas, and beans.
Food should not be given to the pigeons on the ground, particularly if you have chosen to allow their droppings to fall. Ground feeding may lead to diarrhea and bacterial infections. Some people choose to feed their pigeons in a group trough, and others have individual feeding containers for each nest. Make sure you keep a strict feeding schedule, twice a day is best, and that you feed your pigeons at the same time daily. This will help reduce stress.
Proper watering is also important. Unless you are keeping a single pigeon as a pet, it is wisest to purchase a water bowl with a reservoir. This will save you from the hassle of adding water to the bow throughout the day, and will make sure that the birds get fresh water as their water depletes.
Be sure to keep their water clean by switching it out and cleaning the bowl at least every two days. This will help ensure that your birds are happy and healthy, and prevent many possible infections from happening. In cold winter months in areas that reach freezing level, it is important to switch the water out more frequently in order to prevent it from freezing over.