Adopted by a Pigeon

[JimisCat]

Hi...First off, I'd like to know what the average pigeon's intelligence level is! And second, my daughter and I lost 2 cats last week-one to disease and the other was killed in the street...But yesterday, wew were "adopted" by a pigeon!
He appeared out of nowhere, outside the front door...he does not appear to be injured, he's actually pretty tame. He disappeared last night, but reappeared today, and walked in our house of his own accord!! He's now in my 6 year old's room, we put newspapers in a laundry basket for him, and he has water and seeds as well.
WHERE would this bird have come from?? Is he lost? Should we try to "pet" him? or pick him up? I haven't seen him even attempt to fly. Does he need gravel or something to digest his food? We leave the door open for him, I don't want to keep him against his will. Anyone's advice would be appreciated!!!! Thanks

[TAWhatley]

Hello and welcome to pigeons.com! Pigeons are actually quite intelligent especially in their ability to pick the right people to help them whey they need it. Congratulations! You were chosen!

Does the bird have any bands around either or both legs? If so, it is definitely a domestic pigeon and that is why it is tame. Even without being banded it could have well been someone's pet. If it is banded and there are letters and numbers on the band(s), we may be able to trace who the owner is.

Given how tame it is, I wouldn't recommend giving it the chance to get back outside and into harm's way. If it's happy inside, then let it be and enjoy the bird.

Pigeons should have oyster shell grit available in a separate dish from their food. If you click on the link to Resources at the top of the page here at pigeons.com you will find some good information about the general care of both baby and adult pigeons.

The bird may be a racing pigeon that has lost his way or one that needed to stop for a rest. The pigeon might also be one of the fancy/show breeds that do not fly well. Do you have a picture of the bird you can share or at least describe it for us? Regardless, I'd let him stay for the time being.

If the bird is willing to be petted and/or picked up, then that is fine. If he is frightened by such actions then just go slowly and gently with him.

Please let us know how things are going and what you would like to do with the bird.

Nice to see another Southern California person on the list .. I am in Lake Forest in South Orange County.

Terry Whatley


[This message has been edited by TAWhatley (edited November 10, 2003).]

[bigbird]

Thanks for your message.
Yes, you have been adopted.
Now all you have to do is show your love and devotion, you will have a friend for life.

You will need to purchase some "pigeon feed" from the feed store.
A little feed, some clean water, some pigeon grit, and a nice place to live, that is it.

Stay tuned to this forum and you will learn more and more about how wonderful a pet pigeon can be.

Good luck,
Carl

[maryco]

Hello and thanks for adopting the sweet pidje
I have 2 pet pigeons myself and one is a racing pigeon named Pearl,

here are some photos and below I've attached a post about basic pigeon needs that might come in handy.. http://community.webshots.com/user/marypigeon


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Pigeons make wonderful pets and are pretty easy to care for, here are some basic things that pigeons need:

1. Fresh water (I usually change it twice a day)

2. A pigeon mix either from a supply store or you can make your own by buying some seeds from a bulk store and mixing them (Pigeons like things like Milo, whole white or green peas, whole corn, millet, safflower, raw peanuts (NOT salted or dry roasted)..etc.

3. Pigeon grit (Not gravel from a pet shop) you can get red cross grit from a feed supply store, it contains crushed oyster shells and is a good source of calcium.
Also you can offer him chopped cuttle bone and crushed egg shells.

4. If your bird is an indoor pet he will need a vitamin and mineral powder that goes in the water since he won't be able to produce any vitamin D3 without direct sunlight, so you can buy a supplement from a pet shop.

Housing:

A nice cage will do, the pigeon should be able to stretch out both wings and still have some room. Pigeons don't really like round perches so you can get a flat perch.
The droppings should be cleaned once a day to keep the cage clean and the pigeon healthy.

You can add ACV (Apple cider vinegar) to the water once a week, this helps keep the bird healthy also.
The dose is 1/4 cup or alittle less per gallon of fresh water.

If you have any questions please post them here..


Pigeons make wonderful pets and are pretty easy to care for, here are some basic things that pigeons need:

1. Fresh water (I usually change it twice a day)

2. A pigeon mix either from a supply store or you can make your own by buying some seeds from a bulk store and mixing them (Pigeons like things like Milo, whole white or green peas, whole corn, millet, safflower, raw peanuts (NOT salted or dry roasted)..etc.

3. Pigeon grit (Not gravel from a pet shop) you can get red cross grit from a feed supply store, it contains crushed oyster shells and is a good source of calcium.
Also you can offer him chopped cuttle bone and crushed egg shells.

4. If your bird is an indoor pet he will need a vitamin and mineral powder that goes in the water since he won't be able to produce any vitamin D3 without direct sunlight, so you can buy a supplement from a pet shop.

Housing:

A nice cage will do, the pigeon should be able to stretch out both wings and still have some room. Pigeons don't really like round perches so you can get a flat perch.
The droppings should be cleaned once a day to keep the cage clean and the pigeon healthy.

You can add ACV (Apple cider vinegar) to the water once a week, this helps keep the bird healthy also.
The dose is 1/4 cup or alittle less per gallon of fresh water.

If you have any questions please post them here..

[cyro51]

I am so sorry about the cats! But I wonder how pigeons know where they will be welcome and where they will be needed? Your new friend will prove to be such a comfort! When I am sad or upset I go to my aviary and cuddle a pigeon and find I am soon at peace again.

Cynthia