So much to learn...

[Tammy]

Hi!

I am new to pigeons and was hoping you guys could help me out. I have been going through the old postings and have been overwhelmed with all the wonderful information. I have tried to find some information in library books, but unfortunately what I have found has been very limited.

We have a pond in the backyard with fish and turtles. We also have a box turtle in an outdoor habitat. I have enjoyed working with the turtles and taming them. It has been so cool when you are used to turtles scattering when they see a person to have them come to you for food.

I like the idea of having somewhat tame birds in our yard also, so we are considering adding birds to our outdoor habitat.

I am afraid though I have some questions that will seem very silly. If someone could help us out, I would appreciate it greatly.

1. What is the difference between pigeons and doves? I have seen some books that tell me there is no difference and some that seem to say they are different but don't elaborate.

2. Do both pigeons and doves have a homing instinct?

3. Do they both coo? If so, is this more of an early morning thing or all day?

4. Is it best to start with a pair or just one?

5. I have seen a lot of posts referring to homers. Is this a particular type of pigeon or a name used for a group of pigeons?

6. Are they friendly birds that tame easily?

7. Where do you find these at?

Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to help a newbie. I just like to know what I am doing before I start something and couldn't find a lot of information. I found a lot of sites on the internet, but they seemed to be aimed at people who knew more about what they were doing.

Thanks again,
Tammy

[Nick]

1.Doves=smaller
2.Yes
3.It is un off and on thing
4.A pair
5.They are a kind of pigeon
6.That depends on you
7.I have no clue

Good luck

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Nick
http://pigeonsrule.homestead.com/index.html

[bigbird]

see replys below:1.
What is the difference between pigeons and doves? I have seen some books that tell me there is no difference and some that seem to say they are different but don't elaborate.
There are differences, but for your subject here lets discuss behavior differences.
Domestic doves are not as hardy as pigeons for keeping outdoors in the wild. You would do better with pigeons. Keeping pigeons outside is a problem where I live because hawks will get them. I would keep pigeons or doves in a coop minimum 6' x 6', then let them out to fly around when I was there.


2. Do both pigeons and doves have a homing instinct?
Yes, they will both stay around if you let them go outside. Pigeons are hardier however.

3. Do they both coo? If so, is this more of an early morning thing or all day?
Dove coo all day long. Pigeon do not coo like doves. The male (cock) pigeon does something like a coo during mating. The females (hens) do a long moaning sound during nesting. Otherwise, pigeons are rather quiet compared to doves who like to coo all day. I believe only the male doves do the cooing, but I could be wrong.

4. Is it best to start with a pair or just one?
If you want a real tame pigeon, one that will fly to you for feeding, and follow you around, then start with only one. If you want a pair, you will they will not be as tame, and they will be more interested in each other and you.

5. I have seen a lot of posts referring to homers. Is this a particular type of pigeon or a name used for a group of pigeons?
Homers are a type of pigeon. All pigeons will home, but all pigeons are not called homers. Homers are use in racing because they can home from 500 miles away.

6. Are they friendly birds that tame easily?
Baby pigeons, when hand fed and treated like one of the family become very tame. Loft pigeons, raised by the parents are tame, but not so tame as a hand fed pigeon.

7. Where do you find these at?

Do you mean, where do you get pigeons?
The answer would be clear if you decide upon the kind, type and quantity of pigeons you want.
What part of the country do you live?
Regards,
Carl

[lukekerttu]

you can find pigeons just about any where they are all over but i would like to see more of them where i live

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luke

[Tammy]

Wow! Thanks for such quick responses. You've been a really big help.

I like what Carl said about the pigeons being hardy. I do have a question for you though, Carl. You mentioned only letting yours out when you are around because of the hawks. Do they stay and not fly off somewhere? I would hate to get attached to one and have a hawk kill it. I was just on a guys website that had that happen. I also like the idea getting one that has been hand fed. We live in South Carolina. How would I go about finding a breeder in the area?

Thanks again!
Tammy

[raynjudy]

Hey, Tammy:

Welcome!

We have a resident turtle too. He had pneumonia (He listed to one side when we floated him and there were bubbles in his nose). I gave him his penicillin shots eight years ago. To this day, he runs when he sees me!

We had another turtle, a road rescue, with a shell rebuilt from fiberglass. Sadly, he died of other complications.

Check your email for more pigeon stuff...

--Ray

[Tammy]

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the information! I am an information junkie when I start to do something.

I'll remember what you said about the turtles. If mine need shots, I'll let my husband do it.

Thanks,
Tammy