Heating/cooling?

[roxtar]

There are wild pigeons that live in Moscow for goodness sake. They don't need any type of artificial heating and all depending on who you listen to, you may be doing more harm than good. IMO just make the loft so that you can close it up and keep them out of the drafts in the winter time. The exhaust fans are a good idea for the summertime in my opinion.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by amoonswirl

Hi Victor,
I am wondering how you pigeon-proofed the fan in your loft. I am planning to move my birds out to an enclosed porch on the back of my house very soon.

It does get hot out there in the summer and a fan would be just the ticket to keep the air circulating during those heat waves. But how to keep it safe?


btw- michbird - Hope you don't mind my tagging along on this thread- very good considerations and advice!

Hi Amoonswirl,
I have read how some folks use a small cage. I tried it last early fall, but had to take it out for a small bird we rescued, so now I put 1/4 inch hardware cloth as a surround, and just plug/unplug it when needed. It has not gotten really that hot yet, so I have not used it. My pigeons are enjoying their flight pen, under a big shade tree , but it at least is there if I need it.With the heater, I have a small stainless steel crate (similar to an old milk crate)that I use as a cover.I put the heater inside it, with the crate turned upside down. The elements are far enough that the metal does not get hot.Sometimes it's fun to be creative, as long as the birds safety is in mind.

Originally Posted by roxtar

There are wild pigeons that live in Moscow for goodness sake. They don't need any type of artificial heating and all depending on who you listen to, you may be doing more harm than good. IMO just make the loft so that you can close it up and keep them out of the drafts in the winter time. The exhaust fans are a good idea for the summertime in my opinion.

Hi Roxtar, I know sometimes I overdue it ,but my 8 pigeons are family pets, and I do spoil them, but that would be the case with all my pets.

[Charis]

Right on, Victor. You rock.

[roxtar]

Originally Posted by Victor

Hi Amoonswirl,
I have read how some folks use a small cage. I tried it last early fall, but had to take it out for a small bird we rescued, so now I put 1/4 inch hardware cloth as a surround, and just plug/unplug it when needed. It has not gotten really that hot yet, so I have not used it. My pigeons are enjoying their flight pen, under a big shade tree , but it at least is there if I need it.With the heater, I have a small stainless steel crate (similar to an old milk crate)that I use as a cover.I put the heater inside it, with the crate turned upside down. The elements are far enough that the metal does not get hot.Sometimes it's fun to be creative, as long as the birds safety is in mind.




Hi Roxtar, I know sometimes I overdue it ,but my 8 pigeons are family pets, and I do spoil them, but that would be the case with all my pets.

I'm not ridiculing anyone for what they do for their birds, I'm sure there are a lot of people that have forgotten more than I'll ever know about pigeons.

[michbird]

Thank you, all, for your replies
OK, so what I have learned here is this: There is a variety of opinions on this subject. Pigeons do well in a variety of climates, hot or cold, but drafts and poor air circulation need to be avoided. Whatever you do, the pigeons should be protected from anything you install. I have been so indecisive on this, but think I have finally reached my decision.
I'm going to install the exhaust fan, since it is not a strong fan and does not create a draft worth mentioning. I don't have to use it, though I beleive it could at least come in handy when the pigeons are out flying and I am in there cleaning their loft.
I'm not going to opt to install the heater, though I am going to insulate the poo out of the loft I have decided I would like my pigeons to acclimate as closely as possible to natural climate. If I were to release my birds - well- this is Michigan, and unpredictable. I would sure feel badly if my pigies were used to a constant 70 degrees and ran into extremes on their way home, etc. I beleive this would be a cruel thing. If I were raising fancies, I might think differently on the subject and opt to install the heater (This may even be where some of the differences in opinion come from too).
I now have my plans all drawn up. I have a fishing date with my brother tomorrow, then we are going to hit the building supply on the way home with our list. I,m hoping to start going on this, and will post pics as I go along

[Victor]

Sounds like a fun project Mari! The best will be seeing the completed structure.

We built our coop last August, and am still trying to "perfect" it.

Make sure it is bigger than the number of pigeons you have. Mine needs to be expanded in length now as I have two extra birds.Treesa made a good point.

It is important that the front of your pigeon structure where the window areas are, face the south or south east so they can get first sunlight on those cold wintry mornings. It really helps.

[george simon]

Originally Posted by michbird

I plan on starting with a proven breeding pair, which will have to be kept as prisoners. I do want them to have lots of room, so the tall aviary/flying area is important to me. The front aviaries pictured on the loft plans will still be there, but they just look like takeoff/trapping areas to me.

Hi Michbird, You have recieved a lot of good advice on heating/cooling so I will not address that what I wish to point out is the tall aviary area.You must keep in mind that if you try to catch your bird that a tall aviary makes it differcult to catch the bird as the bird can fly over your head and out of your reach.I am 6foot tall and I have an aviary that is 7 1/2 feet tall I now know that it should have been 6 1/2 to 7 feet tall belive me the 1/2 a foot makes it just that much harder to catch the birds. GEORGE

[Charis]

Really good point, George. I have the same problem and it's even more difficult for me as I am not 6' tall.

[michbird]

Thank you, George It wouldn't be that tall- I guess tall to me is just taller than the ones on the front of the loft LOL. I'm 5'4" and it would probably just be tall enough for me to stand up in there, since it will not be peaked like the loft itself is
LOL Victor- I will probably keep "perfecting" as well...kinda like rearranging furniture, nothing ever seems to be "just right"

[george simon]

Michbird glad to see that you have it under control. .GEORGE

[abisai]

Like many have said . . .pigeons live under all types of climates . . .no need for heating as long as they're well fed, make sure the H2O doesn't freeze up.

[TerriB]

Originally Posted by michbird

Thanks, Terri Is that the temp they fly best in, or the temp they should live in?

According to Dr. Walker, that is the optimum living conditions for pigeons.

[Pegasus]

I like the idea of heating/cooling in the loft, I wanted to point out that pigeons survive from extreme heat as long they have clean water all the time, extreme cold as long as the floor inside are dry. Nothing much to say to that but clean, dry and well taking care of are the key to make them healthy, plenty of air vents (with or with out fan) is important, I think different climate inside and outside the loft will change their body temperature as well, they might get sniffles or colds...But everyone can do what they want for their lovable birds...Good Luck Fellas