[Mario Vega]

Hello, please forgive me for bothering you! I saved a female pigeon a couple of months ago. Since then we've bonded, but it seem she thinks I am her mate (she gently pecks me with her beak on my head, face and arms; she ''presents'' herself from time to time, etc.). Will this be a problem in the future? I leave her alone for several hours a day when I'm working, but I spend the rest of the day with her. I do not keep her in a cage! I let her do whatever she pleases in the apartment (I clean constantly after her). I leave a lot of food (for racing pigeons); water for bathing and drinking; grit (several types of it); minerals and vitamins. I really want to give her an amazing life! Could you please give me some advice, I beg of you! I am not a native english speaker, so please excuse any mistakes you may encounter. Thank you in advance!

 

[Marina B]

That is normal behaviour, you are the only one around that she has contact with. Does she have a nest? Females can lay eggs in the absence of a male. She will incubate them for 18 days and then lose interest.

 

[Mario Vega]

That is normal behaviour, you are the only one around that she has contact with. Does she have a nest? Females can lay eggs in the absence of a male. She will incubate them for 18 days and then lose interest.

She does not have a favourite place. She sleeps every night on a different piece of furniture. I want to know if seeing me as her mate will make her frustrated (to the point of self-mutilation!!!) and aggressive, as some sites claim will inevitably happen!? I want her to be happy!
P.S. Letting her go is not an option!

 

[LovelyBonnie]

She does not have a favourite place. She sleeps every night on a different piece of furniture. I want to know if seeing me as her mate will make her frustrated (to the point of self-mutilation!!!) and aggressive, as some sites claim will inevitably happen!? I want her to be happy!
P.S. Letting her go is not an option!

Hello! Sorry I'm a bit late to this discussion, but I hope I can still help. Parrots can and sometimes will self-mutilate if frustrated, bored, or for a multitude of other reasons, but pigeons do not do this unless there is something else going on (such as an injury, itch, etc. that may cause the pigeon to pull feathers). You do not have to worry about her self-mutilating out of frustration.
As long as you are giving her the attention she needs, her seeing you as her mate will not make her frustrated. You will not need to give her a pigeon mate either unless you feel your life has become too busy to properly tend to her emotional needs anymore. She'll most likely stay happy as long as you continue what you're doing.
Since Marina brought up nests, providing her a nest in the cage or somewhere convenient for you to access, (such as a low shelf, your bed, somewhere you can reach, etc.) can be another way to keep her content. If you get her a nest and she lays eggs, you will have somewhere to leave the eggs without worrying about moving or losing them while she incubates. I'd recommended getting a nice cat bed or hut (machine washable would be easier for you), and let her check it out. I hope this helps. ^-^

 

[Mario Vega]

Hello! Sorry I'm a bit late to this discussion, but I hope I can still help. Parrots can and sometimes will self-mutilate if frustrated, bored, or for a multitude of other reasons, but pigeons do not do this unless there is something else going on (such as an injury, itch, etc. that may cause the pigeon to pull feathers). You do not have to worry about her self-mutilating out of frustration.
As long as you are giving her the attention she needs, her seeing you as her mate will not make her frustrated. You will not need to give her a pigeon mate either unless you feel your life has become too busy to properly tend to her emotional needs anymore. She'll most likely stay happy as long as you continue what you're doing.
Since Marina brought up nests, providing her a nest in the cage or somewhere convenient for you to access, (such as a low shelf, your bed, somewhere you can reach, etc.) can be another way to keep her content. If you get her a nest and she lays eggs, you will have somewhere to leave the eggs without worrying about moving or losing them while she incubates. I'd recommended getting a nice cat bed or hut (machine washable would be easier for you), and let her check it out. I hope this helps. ^-^

Thank you so much! You are amazing! You've lifted a great weight off my chest! Words cannot express my gratitude! Thank you very much!

 

[LovelyBonnie]

Thank you so much! You are amazing! You've lifted a great weight off my chest! Words cannot express my gratitude! Thank you very much!

I'm glad I could help! I hope you and your pigeon continue to live a happy life together ^-^

 

[VictoryPigeon]

sorry for a late reply, but pigeons usually do this. they will not get frustrated if you leave for a long time. if you feel you are too busy to tend to her love and affection needs get her a mate. just remember if you get a mate they might have babies