Pigeon or Dove?

[paulforpigeons]

Hi,
I am looking for a single bird to keep in my home in as a companion animal and I am not interested in the parrot species. I was wondering what was easier to tame a pigeon or a dove? What would make a better indoor pet? I would either be getting a 2 month old dove or 3 month old pigeon. Thanks for the help!

Paul

[TAWhatley]

Hi Paul and welcome to pigeons.com. Both doves and pigeons tame down fairly easily and make very good pets. You will find lots of wonderful stories about pet pigeons here at pigeons.com. Please let us know what you decide to get.

Terry

[John_D]

Hi Paul,

I think it might depend on what species of dove you are considering. Various exotic species are bred in captivity specifically as pets, but their needs can vary in terms of size of accomodation, 'tameness' of nature and even their food. A bird the size of a Diamond Dove will have different needs to, say, an Indian Ringneck.

Pigeons can become very 'human-friendly' but they are quite individual in their natures. A young pigeon such as you mention could quite readily become very friendly and 'adopt' you. Again, their care can depend to some degree on whether it is a fancy breed or a 'standard' pigeon. A pigeon will certainly need flying time and a good space to live in, so either an indoor environment (preferably animal-free) with freedom to get plenty of exercise, or a small, but secure and predator-proof, loft or aviary would be best for it.

John (UK)

[paulforpigeons]

Hi,
The breeds that I am looking into are ring neck dove, figurita pigeons and modena pigeons. I do noy know anything about the personality types of the 2 pigeon breeds though, nor have i been able to find any. what do you all think?

Paul

[maryco]

Hello and welcome!

Below is a piece I attached about "Basic pet pigeon care" .. Hope it comes in handy!

I have 2 pet pigeons myself, Dotty and Pearl are their names. They have been with me for about a year and a half now and everyday I discover new things about them and we become better friends, Pigeons are really such a joy!


Here are some pics of them:
http://community.webshots.com/user/marypigeon

Enjoy!


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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.

Also once or twice a week you can offer the pijjie a shallow pan filled with water to bath in, pigeons love baths and it's so fun to watch them splash around too!

If you have any questions please post them here..


Mary

[TerriB]

Paul,

I have seen figuritas at several shows - they are a beautiful small pigeon and seemed very nice. I have several Old German Owls, which are very sweet and friendly. I also have a King pigeon, which is a utility breed like the modena. Walter is quite a bit larger and definitely...feisty. I assumed that meat breeders might not have focused as much on nice temperament. But then I've seen some Giant homers that were extremely pleasant.

Different blood lines within a breed might have different personalities, so if you can spend some time with the breeders other birds, you could see if they suit what you want. Good luck!

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Terri B

[paulforpigeons]

HI,
I have decided on a birmingham roller! What do you all think? Is that a good choice. The pige is 2.5 months old. Is that young enough to start a good relationship? Mary your pigeons are adorable!!! Thanks for all the help and kind words!

Paul

[maryco]

Hello Paul,

Thank you!

Dotty is a feral male that I caught from my balcony, as you probably noticed he only has one foot (don't know how that happend). I got him in Nov. 2002
And Pearl was a lost homing pigeon, she dropped over here about a month after I got Dotty (End of Dec.) she was very hungry so I managed to catch her easily.
They got married on New Years day 2003!!!

I hope you will also find a pet pigeon to be a wonderful companion

Mary