Quick Answer:
Yes, rock dove pigeons can make great pets! They are relatively easy to care for and have friendly, social personalities. However, there are some important things to consider before getting a pet pigeon, such as their need for space, special diet, and veterinary care. Overall, rock doves can be a rewarding companion pet for someone willing to put in the time and effort to properly care for them.
What is a Rock Dove Pigeon?
The rock dove (Columba livia) is a member of the pigeon and dove family Columbidae. They are also known as the rock pigeon or common pigeon. Rock doves originally lived on cliffs and rocky areas along coasts and have a feral population in cities around the world.
Some key facts about rock doves:
- Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia
- Habitat: cliffs and rocky coasts originally but now found in urban areas
- Coloration: gray-blue body with two dark wing bars; iridescent neck feathers
- Lifespan: 2-5 years in wild, 10+ years in captivity
Rock doves were first domesticated over 5,000 years ago and selectively bred into many colorful breeds of fancy pigeons. The original wild type coloration is called the “blue bar.”
Pigeon Intelligence and Personality
Despite their common city-dwelling ways, pigeons are actually highly intelligent birds. Studies show that pigeons can memorize human faces, solve complex problems, and understand concepts like space and time.
Pigeons form strong social bonds and enjoy interacting with humans. When raised from a young age, rock doves are very comfortable around people. They are called “pigeons” when they live in cities and “doves” when they are pets.
With regular gentle handling when young, pigeons become attached to their owners and are quite affectionate. They will perch on your hand, arm, or shoulder and enjoy your company. Some pigeons even learn to do small tricks through positive reinforcement training.
Advantages of Keeping Pigeons as Pets
There are many benefits to keeping rock doves as pets including:
- Intelligent and social
- Can be kept indoors or outdoors
- Relatively inexpensive to own
- Do not require walks like dogs
- Provide companionship and affection
- Fun to watch their unique behaviors
- Many breed varieties to choose from
Pigeons have co-existed with humans for thousands of years. When properly cared for and handled frequently, they can be very friendly affectionate pets. Their quiet cooing and roosting habits make them suitable for apartments or homes. They are also lower maintenance than a cat or dog.
Housing Requirements
Pet pigeons require plenty of space, both for housing and for exercise. Here are some essentials for rock dove housing:
- A spacious aviary or coop at least 6 feet long and 3 feet wide
- Outdoor flight pen for exercise and sunlight
- Nest box for breeding pairs
- Perches at various heights for roosting
- Access to a bird bath for bathing
- Protection from predators and extreme weather
- Proper ventilation and cleanliness
The coop and flight pen should be predator-proof, including from below to protect from digging predators. Pigeons are comfortable in a wide range of temperatures but need shelter from wind, rain, snow and intense sun.
Indoor housing in an enclosed room or large cage is also an option as long as they get adequate exercise time in a safe area. The cage should be a minimum of 6 cubic feet per bird. Proper ventilation is important for indoor pigeon keeping.
Pigeon Diet and Nutrition
Like all birds, pigeons require a diet specific to their nutritional needs. Here are some key components of a healthy pigeon diet:
- High-quality pigeon feed mix
- Access to grit for digestion
- Supplements like calcium
- Fresh water always available
- Fruit and vegetables provide variety
- No chocolate, alcohol, avocado or caffeine
Pelleted pigeon feed available from pet stores ensures they get a balanced diet. This should make up 60-70% of their intake. Supplement with healthy snacks like greens, corn, peas, and small pieces of apple. Avoid junk food.
Provide a calcium supplement especially for breeding hens to help form healthy eggshells. A mineral block can also provide essential nutrients. Make sure plenty of grit is available to help grind down food in their gizzard.
Handling and Taming
Regular gentle handling of young pigeons helps socialize them to enjoy human interaction. Use these tips for handling and taming rock doves:
- Start hand feeding as early as 2-3 weeks old
- Get them comfortable perching on your hand to feed
- Pet them gently and speak softly when interacting
- Limit chasing or grabbing them to reduce stress
- Sit with them calmly and let them adjust to you
- Reward them with treats for cooperative behavior
- Be patient and move slowly to allow them to trust you
With regular gentle handling for 10-15 minutes 1-2 times daily, pigeons will become quite comfortable around their owners. Some may enjoy sitting on your shoulder or cuddling in your lap.
Common Health Problems
When cared for properly, pigeons are fairly hearty birds. However, they can be susceptible to some conditions, especially if housed in poor conditions. Here are some common pigeon health issues:
Condition | Cause | Treatment |
---|---|---|
Bumblefoot | Injury or abrasion leads to bacterial infection of foot | Antibiotics, foot soaks, surgery in severe cases |
Psittacosis | Bacterial infection, zoonotic risk to humans | Antibiotics, quarantine infected birds |
Canker | Trichomoniasis parasite | Antiparasitic drugs, improve sanitation |
Worms | Intestinal parasite infection | Antiparasitic medication, preventative hygiene |
Lice and Mites | Parasitic infestations | Insecticides, isolate and treat infected birds |
Catching health issues early and keeping the loft clean can help minimize disease. Use a quality pigeon veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Quarantine any sick or new birds.
Enrichment and Exercise
In addition to a roomy habitat, pigeons require daily free flight exercise for their health and enrichment. Supervise their flight time in a predator-safe space. Other enrichment can include:
- Providing puzzle toys with treats inside
- Showering them with a light mist of water
- Supplying nest building materials
- Letting them splash in shallow water
- Offering mirrors or hanging toys
- Placing roosts and perches at varying heights
- Interaction with human flock members with petting, hand-feeding and training
Mentally stimulating their intelligent brains with toys and activities prevents boredom-related behavior issues. Make sure they get sunlight for natural D3 levels as well. The more enrichment, the happier the pigeon!
Finding a Pigeon Breeder
Check for reputable pigeon breeders in your area to acquire pet-quality birds. Show breeds like fantails and pouters have calm temperaments. Avoid pigeons labeled as food or racing birds. Here are some tips for finding a good breeder:
- Search pigeon clubs and associations for breeder listings
- Visit breeders to check the birds’ health and housing conditions
- Choose from established lofts with generations of bred birds
- Select energetic chicks that seem comfortable with humans
- Ask about parent birds’ personalities and any inbreeding
- Expect to pay $10-$50 depending on breed and pedigree
Avoid big operations focused on quantity over quality. Do not buy from markets or as food animals. The right breeder will be knowledgeable and care deeply about their birds’ welfare.
Permits and Regulations
Depending on where you live, permits may be required to keep pigeons on your property. Even if not mandated, check with your local animal and zoning offices. Key considerations:
- Limit on number of pigeons without a permit
- Requirements on enclosure size and placement
- Health certificates or vaccinations needed
- Humane care and husbandry regulations
- Noise and nuisance ordinances regarding cooing
- Restrictions on pigeon release for exercise flights
- Special considerations if in a historical district
Make sure you are following all state and local laws to avoid hefty fines. Be considerate of neighbors, keeping enclosures clean and flights low and supervised. Know the rules before bringing home your new feathery friend!
Finding an Avian Veterinarian
It’s critical to have a trusted avian vet to provide specialized care for your pet pigeon. Here are some tips to find a qualified pigeon doctor:
- Search directories of Association of Avian Veterinarians
- Ask local pigeon breeders and clubs for recommendations
- Look for clinics advertising “avian” or “exotics” specialties
- Choose a vet with 5+ years of bird medicine experience
- Ensure they are familiar with common pigeon diseases
- Inquire about emergency or after-hours bird care
- Schedule an annual checkup to establish relationship
Establishing a connection with a pigeon-savvy vet before issues occur is ideal. They can offer advice on nutrition, housing, common illnesses, and other aspects of preventative pigeon care. Your bird’s vet should be your partner in keeping your pet healthy.
Pigeon-Proofing Your Home
To allow indoor pigeon companionship, you’ll need to pigeon-proof any areas they have access to. Here are some tips:
- Restrict access if possible to one pigeon-friendly room
- Cover windows and mirrors with blinds or curtains
- Ensure ceiling fans are off when birds are loose
- Remove toxic houseplants and hide electrical wires
- Keep toilet lids down and use clips to secure other lids
- Clear away small or sharp objects that could be swallowed
- Keep other pets separate to avoid confrontation
Check for any small crevices along baseboards or bookshelves they could get stuck in. It may take some trial-and-error to find pigeon-proofing solutions that work in your unique home. Supervise their initial explorations to keep them safe.
Traveling with Your Pigeon
With proper precautions, pigeons can travel fairly well. Here are some tips for travel:
- Use a comfortable, secure, well-ventilated carrier
- Include familiar perch and soft blanket for comfort
- Ensure they have food and water access
- Minimize stressful activity and keep carrier darkened/covered
- Do not let them fly loose in a moving vehicle
- Never leave them trapped in a hot car
- Take outdoor/flight birds inside at least 2 weeks before
The most important thing is keeping their enclosure steady and avoiding sudden loud noises or movements that could panic them. Allow rest stops as needed. Traveling can be stressful to birds, so minimize trips.
Finding a Sitter for Your Pigeon
If traveling without your pigeon, a reliable sitter is crucial. Options include:
- Asking an experienced pigeon breeder
- Hiring a professional pet sitter comfortable with birds
- Keeping your bird with a trusted friend or family member
- Boarding at an avian-specialized kennel/veterinary clinic
Be sure to fully stock the sitter with adequate food, supplies, and detailed care instructions. Give them your avian vet’s contact info in case of emergency. Meet with prospects first to ensure your bird will be comfortable with them. A trial run is also wise before extended stays.
Signs of a Healthy, Happy Pigeon
How can you tell if your pet pigeon is feeling their best? Look for these signs of health:
- Bright, alert eyes and stance
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers
- Good appetite and energy levels
- Active movement and flying
- Normal vocalizations and cooing
- Well-formed droppings
- Good weight and muscle tone
- Interest in toys, food enrichment and human interaction
A sick or stressed bird may be lethargic, fluffed up, have soiled feathers or discharge near eyes/nose. Any condition lasting over 24 hours warrants a checkup. Catching issues promptly optimizes treatment success.
Conclusion
Rock dove pigeons can make for rewarding pets for owners willing to properly care for their complex needs. Their lively, social nature provides lots of enjoyment when they are housed in clean spacious habitats, fed a healthy diet, and handled regularly. With an avian vet overseeing their preventative healthcare, pet pigeons can live many years forming close bonds. While they require more specialized care than cats or dogs, pet pigeons can be treasured family members for dedicated bird lovers.