A question about feral pigeons

[Jojopotato]

Feral pigeons are the pigeons we find in the streets around houses etc. right?

How do you then obtain "feral" pigeons for pets? Is it not illegal or against the national wildlife assoc. to catch and keep wild animals?

I think the "feral" pigeons are beautiful, and would love one for a pet.

Just curious! Thanks all Jojo

[Charis]

No...it's not illegal to have feral pigeons. I get them when they have been injured, sick or orphaned. Their orgins are from nonferal pigeons. If you would like one or two as pets, I think we can work something out.

[Lovebirds]

There's plenty to go around. Just don't go out catching them because you want a pet. If they are born in the wild and are living and surviving in the wild, that's where they should stay.
Rescueing one that has been injured or is sick is a different story.

[Charis]

FYI..the ones I have are non-releasable for one or more the reasons Tressa mentioned.

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by Jojopotato

Feral pigeons are the pigeons we find in the streets around houses etc. right?

How do you then obtain "feral" pigeons for pets? Is it not illegal or against the national wildlife assoc. to catch and keep wild animals?

I think the "feral" pigeons are beautiful, and would love one for a pet.

Just curious! Thanks all Jojo

Feral pigeons are wild pigeons that you see around houses and in streets and cities, and in parks.

We do not obtain feral pigeons for pets, it is inhumane to take a feral pigeon out of its habitat in order to make it a pet. Many of us here do have pet feral pigeons, but only because they were rehabbed due to an injury or disease and have been classified as non-releasable because they could not survive in the wild due to them becoming bonded to humans or because they are handicapped due to an injury.

[sasha008]

Many (some formally feral) pigeons as well as doves needing homes can be found on this site and others. I'm sure you could find one somewhere. Be sure to check out http://www.petfinder.com/ and do a search for pigeon and dove

[Jojopotato]

Thank you for the information... Yeah I would never catch a animal from the wild and expect it to become a pet... Its not right in my mind... Even a frog etc...

I just thought they are very pretty and have read many posts where you all have mentioned your feral pigeons...

Thanks again for the information...

Jojo

[Hambone]

Hmmm ...... I dont see anything wrong with having a feral pigeons for pets . Heres how I see it .... my hen Ruby is a rehab feral and altho a bit wild compaired to my homer , she is free to come and go from the loft whenever she pleases , most of the time they are open trap , but she IS trap trained and doesnt fear it at all . I only lock them in at night to protect them from predators . She has given me 2 sweet little squabs and likes it here .

I say grab a couple and put 'em in lockdown for a few weeks until they get familiar with you and your loft , treat them with kindness , and then let them go free .... chances are they will stick around , if not then it wasnt meant to be . They will have a much better , safer life with you than facing the hardships in the wild . Wild pigeons have a lifespan of 3 to 5 years max , sheltered birds can live 20 + years .

People keep so called "tame" birds , parrots etc from a breeder , pet shop , etc in cages never letting them enjoy their freedom outside and to me thats more unnatural than having a wild bird that you care for .

My .02 cents worth

Hambone Bob

[little bird]

Oh Dear....seems I just went thru this arguement with Goulian.
Hambone Bob...dear man....this forum does not condone the bird-napping of healthy ferals to make pets of them.
It is inhumane, cruel, abusive, and in some places illegal to trap and bird-nap ferals. Leave them alone!!
There are so many needy pigeons who would love a caring, safe, forever home. Your choice...fancys, big 'uns, l'il 'uns, black, white, orange, rust, pink, purple, etc. including ferals .....take your pick. The rehabbers are up to their dums with homeless, unwanted, abandoned birds. You want a pet.....just ASK! Leave the wild ones alone!!
There...you got my nickel's worth. As a friend of mine said....chalk my attitude up to... too much medication and I'M COMPLETELY OUT OF CHOCOLATE!!

[Jojopotato]

I have indoor birds, and they have cages... However the cage doors are never closed...

They have the run of the house, and I am happy to clean up after them. Not a problem for me, although some of my friends think its a bit too much..

I have five birds, four children, a hubby, two dogs, a turtle, and 8 Gold fish... Yes it was planned to include the children and hubby... All need tended too.. Whats the difference, if you love them?

My Gold fish live outdoors in my pond, the turtle in a forty gallon storage container indoors... and the dogs, they are indoor/outdoor dogs.. My children 3 boys and a girl, well the boys are boys... My daughter, 17 and independent, she left home about a month ago... Not sure if she is coming home or not. We once had a feral cat living under the trailer with her four young ones... Boy were they wild... Eventually Animal Control on one of their routine pick up of stray animals caught them all..

I am not into keeping wild animals, but the birds outside have homes to stay in as long as they like, frogs come and go and if I found a injured or needy Pigeon it too would have a home.. I would make plans for a outdoor home for it so it could come and go, not a problem.. (my hubby had a magpie named socks, who was abondoned as a baby, he took care of it, and it would hang out around the house and fly up to his car when he came home from work. Eventually socks took off.. Everything needs its freedom, even if its just having the cage door opened and the freedom to fly around the house. And if I thought it would benefit my indoor birds to be outside and the freedom to come and go, I would of done it.. But some animals just werent bred for the great outdoors..

Anyways I will keep my eyes open for needy birds..

[little bird]

JoJo...you're my kinda gal!! You got the right attitude and you practice what you preach. Bless you forever.

[goga82]

plase dont go around tryin to catch perfectly healthy ferals, it would be inhumane.
walk around, be patient im sure a bird in need or a baby that fel out of the nest will need your help.
on the other hand u can always purchase racing pigeon, they look just like our ferals.
they are not expensive and im sure if u asked how and where to get it, people on the site would help u out,
and one more thing.. let me tell u something.. i will always chose to have a pet pigeon rather than a dog.
they get so tame , its crazy, they follow u around the house..
u can take them outside without a leash , like u would do to the dog
i was never scared that my pigeon would leave my sight if i took him out, but with a dog, u gotta be alert
and good luck it is the right way to go..
pigeon for life

[goga82]

and there is plenty pigeons up for adoption.
where are u from???
see some rescue centars im sure they have enough ferals that need a good home
they are the cutest and smartest birds on the planet

[spirit wings]

THIS THREAD IS FROM 2008, THE DATES ARE AT THE TOP OF THE POST.