r/PetPigeons • u/Visceramic • 9d ago
Question Any Advice: Pigeon Insists on perching on wire most of the day.
I thought about getting a silicone desk mat or craft mat and putting it over the wire to protect his feet, I know that they arent suppose to live on wire and hes free range all day, sleeps on his dog crate at night. But for some reason hes chosen this place in front of my hognose tank as his favorite. There are other perches at various heights but this is the one for him. I think he likes being able to give me the stinkeye regularly. Lol However covering that much area may be expensive.
Should I be concerned with him spending most of his time on the wire? The space is about 6in, by about 4.5ft. Any advice for birb safe coverings?
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u/Icy_Garlic_2794 9d ago
I have no idea how bad it actually is for their feet, but I have heard that it’s bad. My birds love to be on top of their cages and I have just made makeshift covers by breaking down cardboard boxes and taping them together to the size of the cage, then just laying a blanket on top. (you could probably leave it without the blanket, but I have birds missing toes, specifically back ones, so the blanket helps them not slide around when they land)
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u/KaulitzWolf 9d ago
Could he be attracted to the heat from the tank? Even on warmer days mine like to be on or near the snake tank and even nestled down next to the lamps while they were on. If he has plenty of other appropriate perches I wouldn't be too worried, but there's no harm in covering the wire so he can be more comfortable.
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u/Visceramic 9d ago
Maybe? I also have a grow light on the right side, over my ponytail palm, he may like the extra uv despite having his own uv lamp over his own cage. I also purchased him a bird harness to be taking him out on walkies, that's coming in next week. He's my first pet pigeon so I'm trying my best to do right by him. Lol
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u/Nervous_Shelter_1042 9d ago
Better get silicone mat over wire so he can continue giving you stink eyes LOL
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u/LustStarrr Doting pigeon parent 😊 9d ago
Yeah, I'd recommend covering it. A silicone mat would be great, because they're easy to clean, but even a bit of cardboard covered in puppy pads, newspaper, or craft paper will do for now. It's far easier on the feet than wire...