They are not a necessary thing to have if you have solid nest bowls, I just saw that too, but i don't have those, because it so much easier to just put sand or shavings in the bottom and let them build what they want, I heard that cedar shavings can be harmful too, I used this with no ill effects, but why chance it when there are other safe things....maybe someone can shed more light on the subject....

 

Nest pads are okay depending on what kind they are. Certain ones emit fumes that are toxic to the birds. Others, are safe.

 

Some nest pads unravel, get thready and the threads can get wrapped around the toes. I had a baby loose a toe as a result.
The the thing in cedar that repels insects is bad for Pigeon's lungs.

 

I use the big cardboard paper type disposable nest bowls and put a handful of pine shavings in it and give the birds tobacco stems.
they use those to build their own nest.

 

I use them and have no problems with them. My first year using them, I hatched 38 out of 40 eggs hatch and all the young bird healthy. They do make them out of coconut husks that are probably the best if you can find them. They breathe better. I think the benefits out weigh the problems in cold weather. You may stop using them in the warmer climates. My thoughts are that as long as the nest stays dry you are ok whatever you use. I would think that shavings, sand etc could get damp and cause problems. I use the disposable nest bowls with a trimmed nest felt to fit. I reuse them to the point where they get worn. I do keep them in the same nest all season, replacing them when needed. Keep in mind, that I do live in a dry climate.

Randy

 

Does anyone know WHICH ones are Toxic. I'm not looking to buy a different kind I already have bowls and these nest pads I just want to make sure they are safe. Or if someone knows off hand I have the hand washabe-reusable Nest Pads/Belgium Nest Pads from Foy's. If anyone has a Catalog handy they are the brown ones on page 76.

 

Did you ever find out which felt nest pads were toxic?

 

That's a old post as you know but I find let them use their own nesting material even nest boxes without a bowl they are happy with and I always have a box of tobacco stems handy for them as well but when I have to bring a pigeon into my house for old age reasons and being picked on when they cannot defend themselves or maybe having breathing problem with their wings down or something (16-18 years old}, I use round cotton nest pads with slick material on one side and cotton on the other side and exchange them everyday with fresh ones and they really like them, then I take the pads out side as time goes and clean them all off and spread the dust and whatever they have in their pad and bring the pad in and put in my washer and of course my birdies are spoiled until they expire from "old age".. I have a large size cage in front of my windows and I slide it out (on a wheeled cart} at night and close my heavy duty curtain to keep them warm for they are very old..I have four in the house right now and I look at it as a retirement home for pigeons.. I love pigeons and at one time I had 60 of them in my loft that I named the broken wing loft because they are all handicapped in some way--a bum leg or broken wing or other ailments. When a wild pigeons stays in my yard I try to get it well and then I release it..Right now I have about 12 or 13 pigeons and I am trying hard to outlive them--lol. I have a loft and a attached fly pen so they are out in the fly pen in the daylight to get some sun then about 5:30 pm or so they go into the loft and if they are any stragglers I entice them inside the loft with 6 windows and guard wires that open up for safety so no critters with get in when I close the guard wires against the open or closed window...that's my set up and just wanted you to know..I would take pictures for you but my camera(digital) is broke...c.hert