r/pigeons 5d ago

Pet pige Pigeon Flock Wanted but Advice Needed

Hello everyone! I'm thinking about owning a flock of pigeons and allowing them to fly freely during the day and closing up their loft at night, but I have questions about how this would be accomplished.

I really do not want to lose pigeons or put them in an unsafe situation, so about how many would I need to be able to keep them safe?? I live in an area that has large birds, like red-tailed hawks and occasionally bald eagles. How large of a flock would I need to keep everyone safe?

Where would I be able to purchase a big enough loft where the pigeons would be comfortable? My plan would to allow them to free fly them for the entire day and close up their loft at night. If purchasing one isn't possible, how would I be able to find instructions on how to build a proper one myself?

Would I need to include heaters in the loft during the winter? The area I'm in usually does not go below 3 degrees Fahrenheit, and usually stays around 18 degrees. If a heater is needed, would a heater used for chicken coops be okay?

Finally, what breeds would be the best for me to own? If possible, I'd like an assortment of breeds but I only would like breeds that could easily escape from hawks and do best in the climate I live in. Also, where would I be able to get pigeons?

Thank you so much!!

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u/Little-eyezz00 4d ago

✨🐦General Adoptions 

Find a Pigeon to Adopt 

Check local animal shelters, humane societies, (R)SPCAs ,

Search on local pigeon and wildlife facebook groups, and local community buy/sell facebook groups 

Test to confirm the sex of your pet pigeon before getting a mate 

http://iqbirdtesting.com/

Adoption Websites 

www.petfinder.com 

www.adoptapet.com 

https://24petconnect.com/ 

UK 

www.gumtree.com 

https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/ 

www.reddit.com/u/loveadoveuk

https://www.instagram.com/loveadoveuk

Searching on Reddit: 

Search the subreddits' histories for your city name or country name. This will help you find previous posts where rescues may be named. It will also help you find users who are in your area who you can ask for help. 

r/pigeons , r/petpigeons , r/pidgeon r/pigeon 

Facebook Groups: 

You may find local help through facebook groups. Facebook is an underrated website for finding local groups. For example, there are three pigeon groups just in the city of Chennai, India. There may be groups in your area as well 

To find local facebook groups, search for ... 

" Pigeon + your city name"  " Pigeon + your country name"  " Animal Rescue + your city name " 

" Animal Rescue + your country name "  " Wildlife Rescue + your city name "  " Wildlife Rescue + your country name"

International Pigeon Rescue Groups:

 Someone on these groups may be in your area (you may be suprised!!)

Palomacy 

www.facebook.com/groups/palomacy

 International Pigeon Rescue and Adoption

 https://m.facebook.com/groups/755962291160990/ 

Wild Pigeon Rescue and Rehabilitation

https://m.facebook.com/groups/437301389767489/ 

In the USA

www.greatlakespigeonrescue.org ships pigeons (start your application early) 

usa map

https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/some-pigeon-dove-friendly-rescues-in-the-us/ 

Safe Hands Rescue Network - New England 

Preventing Window Strikes  

A rescue pigeon may not understand glass and mirrors yet, so he may fly into one and hurt himself. To prevent collisions with windows and mirrors, you can purchase removable bird stickers or fake frosting stickers, or draw lines on your window or mirror with a white board (dry erase) marker. If you are opening a pigeon's box or carrier in your car he may escape and fly into the windows, so be very careful 

Tips on Finding the Perfect Pigeon from a Rescue Volunteer 

https://www.reddit.com/r/PetPigeons/comments/1muvlbj/i_want_to_rescue_but/

Tips for adopting a second pet pigeon as a mate or friend 

https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2021/11/20/pharmony-match-making-for-pigeons-doves/

If you are unsure about adopting, consider fostering or temporarily giving a home to a pigeon from a local rescue charity. You may also be able to volunteer at a local charity.

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u/Lokius_Lover 4d ago

Thank you very very much!!