Cage size question

[mistyfog]

Hi,

I am trying to figure out what size cage to get for our future pigeons. We'd like to keep two indoors. ( we may also have some outdoors in the future, but not yet... still working getting my chickens appropriately housed!) I have read that it is better to have more length than height for pigeons. I saw one person had a cage that looks more like a bunny or guineapig (the flat bottom plastic cage).

What dimensions should I go for? Does anyone have any link to specific cages which have worked out well for them? There are tons of gorgeous parrot cockatiel cages out there - with play areas on top etc. but I am wondering if that will be 'lost' on a pigeon (i.e. they might not be interested).

We're hoping to get a couple young rescue pigeons, and raise them.

Finally, is it bad to keep a cage in a bedroom?
Thanks,
misty

[EgypSwiftLady]

Hi Misty,
I have a house pigeon and dove, they each have their own cages. The dove lives in a cockatiel size cage and the pij lives in a parrot cage with a play top. Both are allowed free fly time everyday in the house, I feel this is a must because they do live in these cages.
The pigeon does spend much of his time on his play ground and also has a favorite bell in his cage he loves to ring. Our dove also has a play pen on his cage top which he also loves.

As for having the pigeons in your bedroom, you might want to think twice about that I have my two guys in my office and everyday I have to vacuum the feathers and dander from all surfaces and I have an air filter that runs 24/7! Don't miss understand me I love my 2 they are a blast to have around but I wouldn't want them in my bedroom.

[John_D]

Our cages are normally used as 'hospital' cages, but they are equally as good as a pigeons 'private quarters' at night.

They are chipmunk or chinchilla cages from (in the UK) 'Pets at Home', which used to be 'Petsmart'.

They are 36" long by 18" deep by 24" high and have a couple of nice wide wooden shelves and a pull-out litter tray.

Yes, I agree about bedrooms.

The feather dust and 'bird proteins' from pigeons - and, indeed, other kinds of birds kept inside - can cause problems in a room where we spend quite a lot of time, e.g. sleeping. However, EgypSwiftLady mentions the air filter, and that should deal with any health issues from particles.

I only have pigeons in my apartment on a temporary basis, for quarantining, but believe me, just one pigeon on the loose in a bedroom can create plenty of mess. Every one I've had inside has really taken to using a nice soft bed as a napping place, or the top of a wardrobe or a curtain rail as a perch ... and they leave their little 'gifts' everywhere, and feathers galore depending on time of year

Best choose another room if possible.

John

[driph]

I bought one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160210081304


While I don't feel the cage is durable enough for a hookbill, it's great for a pigeon due to the width, shelves, and narrow bar spacing. You'd want to replace the food containers with something better, and ziptie down the small doors that slide up, but overall it's a good deal for the (really low) price.

[EgypSwiftLady]

Originally Posted by driph

I bought one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=160210081304


While I don't feel the cage is durable enough for a hookbill, it's great for a pigeon due to the width, shelves, and narrow bar spacing. You'd want to replace the food containers with something better, and ziptie down the small doors that slide up, but overall it's a good deal for the (really low) price.

driph, that is a really nice cage for pigeons/doves or many soft bills. I just might have to get one for my dove.

[mistyfog]

Thanks for the suggestions and comments.

I like that ebay cage too - it is definitely a reasonable price for such a large cage.

I guess we'll have to bunk the bird in another room - I'm not the greatest housekeeper and probably couldn't keep the bedroom clean enough!

thanks,
misty