building my own cage

[babypidgey]

Since I am getting another pigeon (yay!) I will need a new cage. However, I live in a small apartment and have limited space and so cannot have two cages at one time. To fix this problem (and stay within my budget) I am building a new cage. I wanted to know what you think:

H-18", L-36", W-20"
I will be placing a removable divider in the center to keep them separated at the beginning with the option of taking it out should they become BMF, so each section will have it's own door and will only measure between 16" and 17" in length. Is this big enough? I haven't purchased any materials yet, so changes can be made.

Thank you!

[warriec]

this cage is good. i have seen a pair kept in smaller cages. note that you cannot keep any young because then you will not have space.

[maryjane]

Hi BabyPidgey, how nice of you to build your pigeon and your "expected" pigeon a new cage. I'm assuming your birds are given time each day out of the cage? Or rather, they will be spending most of their time out of the cage? Those should be fine measurements for a night-time cage or for when they have to be put away for a bit, but sounds way too small if they're going to be in there much. Especially if you'll be dividing it; that would give each bird a foot-and-a-half high cage, a foot-and-a-half long, and not quite two feet wide. Kinda like a human being kept in a bathroom. As was mentioned, pigeons have been kept in much smaller cages than that, and it's a shame and also very bad for the pigeon. I am unfamiliar with your story, and you probably have your pigeon out most of the day so it would be just fine. If not, go ahead and build larger. I lived in apartments for five years, full of cages lol. My pigeons had free-flight in the house but we did also rescue rats, guinea pigs, turtles, etc. Many cages fit right up against a wall and can be put out of the way. Hope some of this helps and good luck.

[Fever]

I've been plotting out a little aviary to fit in my apartment, too, since I feel so guilty keeping them in a cage that they pretty much free-fly in their very own bedroom. I'm still in the measurements phase right now. Keep us updated on how it works out! I have never built anything in my life, so I'll be interested to hear how it goes for you.

[babypidgey]

My pigeon is not out all day every day as I only like her to be out when I am at home in case something were to happen (although I've pretty much pigeon-proofed the room). She has free range of my bedroom for about 4 hours per day Mon, Wed, Fri, 6 hours per day Tues and Thurs, and nearly 10 hours per day on Sat and Sun.

I hope this is enough. I wouldn't want to live in a bathroom. I leave her in the cage when I am at class and work. Mostly she is out in the evenings.

Also, you'll be happy to know that today I've started hand-feeding. It is the messiest thing I think I have ever voluntarily done and there are seeds EVERYWHERE!! But I've already noticed her number of attacks to my hands have lessened and she is allowing me (almost) to touch her wing if I move very slowly.

Since she is used to having food available all day long, when should I feed her, how often, and how long should I give her to eat? I don't want her to starve.

[warriec]

here is a better idea

[warriec]

i took this off a love bird book but should work very well with pigeons

[mr squeaks]

Squeaks' home is a metal animal cage that can be collapsed for moving. They are available through stores like Petco or Petsmart.

His home measures: 29" L x 21" W x 23" H. It is big enough that he can flap his wings without touching the sides. I also have it on a table 17" off the floor. It's next to my bed in my 1 bdrm apartment (660 sq. ft.).

When I worked, he would be in his home. He was/is always out when I'm home.

It's important that EACH pigeon have enough room to be able to flap their wings without touching the sides.

The beauty of this "home" is the pullout bottom that makes it easy to change paper. He also has a small flat shelf that is resting on two dowel rods. There is even room in one back corner to put his 7"x7" egg basket AND a fake tree limb diagonally across the other back corner.

Of course, Squeaks cannot fly (partial wing amputation), so I don't have to worry about height.

I'm sure others will be along with comments too.

Hope this help! Best of everything...

Shi &
Squeaks