Pigeons are gentle, intelligent birds that can make great pets. Before bringing home your new pigeon friends, you’ll want to make sure you find a reputable breeder or aviary and properly prepare to care for them. Buying the right pigeon breed and setting up the proper housing are important first steps to pigeon ownership. With some preparation and research, you’ll be ready to welcome these amazing birds into your home.
Where to Buy Pigeons
When looking to purchase pigeons, you’ll want to buy from reputable breeders and aviaries that focus on pigeon sales and care. Here are some options to find pigeons for sale:
Pigeon Breeder Associations
Most pigeon breeds have dedicated breeder clubs and associations. These groups often have member breeder directories so you can find reputable, experienced pigeon breeders in your area. Some associations to check are:
– National Pigeon Association – Lists breeders of many popular pigeon breeds like homing pigeons, fancy pigeons, and performing pigeons.
– American Tippler Union – Specializes in the tippler breed of endurance flyer pigeons.
– American Giant Runt Association – Dedicated to giant runt pigeons specifically.
– American Modena Club – Focuses on modena pigeons known for their fancy feathers and docile temperaments.
Local Pigeon Clubs
See if there are any pigeon fancier clubs in your city or state. Local clubs often have members who breed pigeons and can connect you with reputable sellers. You may also find postings for pigeon sales at club meetings.
Pigeon Specialty Stores
Some pet stores specialize in bird and pigeon sales. Call around to pet shops in your area to ask if they have any pigeons for sale. Be sure to ask about the source of their pigeons to ensure they come from responsible breeders.
Pigeon Supplies Stores
Stores that sell pigeon supplies like feed and housing often have local breeder contacts. They may also have bulletin boards where pigeon breeders advertise birds for sale. Check both online and brick-and-mortar pigeon supply retailers.
Pigeon Auctions
For specific breeds like racing or homing pigeons, attend a pigeon auction to buy birds. Auctions allow you to bid on prized pigeons from acclaimed breeding lines. Be prepared to provide proper documentation at auction registration.
Online Pigeon Marketplaces
There are many pigeon sales websites that connect buyers and breeders. Some popular online marketplaces include:
– Pigeon Farmer – Features an extensive breeder directory and sale listings for many breeds.
– Palomacy – Specializes in adopting rescued pigeons in need of new homes.
– Pigeon Auctions Online – Hosts regular online auctions for racing and show pigeons.
– Doveline Aviaries – Large online aviary with breeder contacts and pigeons for sale.
When buying online, read reviews of the breeder, ask for recent health certificates, and request photos of the actual pigeons for sale.
Individual Pigeon Breeder Websites
Do some searching online for pigeon breeder websites. Reputable breeders often have their own dedicated websites showcasing the pigeons they have for sale, their credentials, and recent health tests. This can help you learn more about a breeder before purchasing.
Choosing Pigeon Breeds
With over 350 pigeon breeds, you have lots of options! Consider these factors when deciding on pigeon breeds:
Your Experience Level
For beginners, stick to hardy, docile breeds like king pigeons. More delicate, active flyers like Birmingham rollers are better for experienced pigeon keepers. There are also breeds developed specifically as pets rather than sporting birds.
Flying Ability
Think about how much you want the pigeons to fly. Non-flying fancy breeds like fantails do well in enclosed spaces. For free-flying flocks, choose endurance flyers like tipplers or active tumbling breeds like Birmingham rollers.
Climate
Certain breeds like English pouters have thin feathering suited for warmer climates. Heavier-feathered breeds can overheat. In cold climates, look for cold-hardy breeds.
Space Requirements
Larger pigeon breeds require more housing space. Check adult sizes to ensure your facilities can accommodate them. Smaller breeds like figuritas, owl pigeons, and archangels are more suitable for urban lofts.
Special Considerations
Some breeds require specific care – English trumpeter pigeons need wipe clean ceres, show king pigeons need bathing, and monk pigeons can be difficult breeders. Make sure you can provide for the breed’s needs.
Temperament
Most pigeons are quite docile, but some breeds like Schmalkaldener moorheads are shier. Select friendly breeds if you want to handle your pigeons often. Racing birds are bred to be less tame.
Cost
Common breeds like homing pigeons tend to be less expensive. Rarer breeds or special colors and feather patterns have higher prices. Factor in care costs too – fancy breeds often need more medical attention.
Buying Healthy Pigeons
When purchasing pigeons, inspect them carefully for signs of health and vigor. Here’s what to look for:
Age
Buy young pigeons between 2-6 months old for easier training and acclimation. Mature pigeons over 6 months can work too but may be stubborn. Avoid elderly pigeons.
Size & Weight
Check that the pigeon is a normal size and weight for its breed. Look for plump, well-rounded breast muscles and healthy fat coverage. Thin or stunted growth indicates illness.
Feathering
Feathers should be smooth, shiny, and defect-free. Ruffled, damaged, or dropped feathers can mean disease. Check for lice or mites crawling on feathers.
Eyes
Eyes should be clear and bright without discharge or weeping. Crusty, swollen, or cloudy eyes are problematic.
Nares & Beak
Nostrils should be clean and free of discharge. The beak should shut properly without overgrowth or deviations.
Mouth
Check inside the mouth for lesions, inflammation, or discharge. Pale skin or mucosa can mean anemia.
Droppings
Ask the breeder if you can examine the pigeon’s droppings. They should be solid with white urates, not loose or discolored.
Parasites
Look for lice, mites, and their eggs along feather shafts. Check legs and feet for scaly face mites.
Sneezing & Coughing
Any sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge may be a respiratory infection. Listen for raspy, labored breathing.
Injuries & Defects
Avoid pigeons with injuries, disabilities, or birth defects like crossed beaks, missing eyes, or splayed legs.
Temperature
A normal pigeon’s body temperature is 107°F. Feel the feet – cold feet can indicate illness.
Handling
Pick up and handle the pigeon. It should be docile and calm without struggling. Check that wings fold properly against the body.
Records
Ask to see any testing records for diseases like paratyphoid and pox. Vaccination records are also helpful.
Selecting Pairs vs. Single Pigeons
Most first-time pigeon owners should start with just one or two same-sex birds to bond with. Buying in proven breeding pairs takes more experience and preparation. Here are some guidelines:
Pairs of Birds
Pros:
– Already bonded and less likely to fight
– Can start breeding right away
– Less work introducing and pairing later
Cons:
– Double the costs of two birds
– No control over choosing exact birds
– Harder to quarantine and observe just one bird
– Risk of them breeding before you’re ready
Single Birds
Pros:
– Lower initial costs
– Can handpick each bird
– Easier health observation in quarantine
– Introduce a mate later when ready for breeding
Cons:
– May fight when eventually paired
– Delayed breeding until birds bond
– Can become territorial of you as owner
If getting both sexes, house separately until bonded to prevent breeding. Let them interact through a wire partition first.
Preparing Proper Housing
Pigeons require specific loft housing for health and happiness. Consider these loft elements:
Location
Choose a dry, well-ventilated area protected from excessive sun, wind, and cold. Allow 2-3 sq ft per pigeon inside the loft.
Size
The loft should be at least 6 feet tall to allow flight and perching. Width and depth depend on number of pigeons – larger breeds need more space.
Materials
Use rot-resistant wood, PVC plastic panels, or welded wire for walls. The roof should be weatherproof materials like metal or composite shingles.
Doors
Include a human access door at least 2 feet wide along with popholes leading to the outdoor aviary and flight areas. Use predator-proof latches.
Ventilation
Good airflow prevents mold and illness. Add ventilation gaps, windows, roof vents, and fans as needed.
Perches
Provide perches made from natural wood, plastic, or metal. Place perches at different heights with 12-24 inches between each.
Nest Boxes
Include individual enclosed nesting boxes for roosting and breeding. Make sure to add a perch and nesting material.
Flooring
Cover dirt floors with sand or wood shavings. For solid floors, use linoleum, sealed concrete, or rot-resistant boards. Slope slightly for drainage.
Outdoor Access
Attach an outdoor aviary or flight cage to the loft so pigeons can sunbathe and exercise. Include shelter and roosts.
Protection
Use 1/4 to 1/2 inch wire mesh on windows, vents, and popholes to keep predators out. Bury fencing 1-2 feet underground to prevent digging.
Having the proper loft set up before bringing pigeons home is extremely important for their health and adjustment. Be sure to fully enclose and pigeon-proof their living space first.
Picking Up Your Pigeons
Once you’ve found the perfect pigeons and prepared safe housing, it’s time to bring them home! Follow these tips for picking up your new pigeons:
Arranging Transport
Live pigeons should always be transported in well-ventilated pet carriers, modified cat cages, or customized pigeon boxes designed for travel. Never transport in cardboard boxes. Line with newspaper and provide food and water for long trips.
Acclimating the Pigeons
Keep newly acquired pigeons in a separate quarantine area for 4-6 weeks before introducing to your permanent flock and loft. Observe for illness and treat any issues.
Avoiding Stress
Minimize stress during transport by keeping trips under 6 hours, providing food/water, maintaining proper temperature, and limiting noise and disturbances. Keep pigeons separated if fighting.
Preparing the Loft
Clean the loft fully before the pigeons arrive. Add fresh bedding, fill food and water containers, and pre-warm brooding areas if needed. Dim lights help reduce stress.
Releasing Pigeons
Once home, move the transport cage inside the loft. Prop the cage door open so pigeons can exit freely when ready. Provide food and water immediately.
Monitoring Initial Days
Check on pigeons frequently once home. Ensure they are eating, drinking, and resting. Make any adjustments to help them settle in. Call a vet if health issues occur.
With careful pickup and transport, your pigeons will soon feel right at home in their new loft! Be sure to give them time to acclimate while providing close monitoring and attentive care.
Caring for New Pigeons
Bringing home new pigeon pets requires special care and precautions during their transition period. Here are some tips:
Quarantine
Keep new pigeons separated for 4-6 weeks before introducing them to other birds. This prevents spreading any contagious diseases.
Observe Behavior
Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, poor appetite, increased thirst, discharge, or shedding feathers. Call your vet if concerned.
Provide Stress Relief
Reduce anxiety by keeping noise, disturbances, and visitors low during their adjustment phase. Ensure they have places to hide and retreat.
Offer Familiar Food
Feed new pigeons the same diet, brand, and style of food they were used to eating previously to avoid digestive upset.
Check Droppings
Monitor daily droppings for abnormal changes indicating illness. Normal pigeon poop has solid dark green feces and white urates.
Weigh Regularly
Weigh new pigeons weekly and record it. Rapid weight loss can signify illness requiring veterinary care.
Limit Handling
Avoid overhandling and overwhelming pigeons during quarantine. But do inspect them thoroughly at least once daily.
Provide Perches
Ensure adequate perch space is available, as pigeons feel safest when perched high up. Place familiar perches from old home.
Check for Injuries
Examine pigeons all over for any wounds incurred during transport like feather or skin damage. Treat appropriately.
With attentive care and gradual transition, new pigeons can successfully adapt to their fresh start in your aviary! Enjoy bonding with your delightful new pigeon pets.
Conclusion
Embarking on pigeon ownership is an extremely rewarding journey, but does require some preparation and knowledge to do it right. Finding reputable breeders, selecting healthy birds, creating proper housing, and giving thoughtful transitional care enables your pigeons to live happy, enriched lives with you. Do your research, get the necessary supplies, and make your loft welcoming and safe. Be sure to quarantine, monitor health closely, and give new pigeons time to adjust. With your attentive care and devotion, you’ll soon have a marvelous flock of feathered friends thriving under your wings!
