How to Build a Carrier Pigeon Nest

Carrier pigeons were used during the first and second World Wars to transport messages across enemy lines, and these birds can still be used to send communications today. If you already own or are interested in keeping carrier pigeons, you must be sure to provide them with a comfortable habitat. One of the main requirements your pigeon will have is a nest or at least a nesting box in which your bird can build its own nest.

Things You'll Need

  • Sheets of untreated plywood
  • Wood screws
  • 2 metal hinges
  • Nesting material
  • 2 metal L brackets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the location of your carrier pigeon nest or nesting box. If you have an outdoor shed or garden, this location would be ideal for your pigeon. If you live in an apartment or have little outdoor space, a nesting box can be attached to your balcony or under the eaves of your house.

    • 2

      Construct a plywood frame for your nesting box by first cutting two 12-by-16 inch pieces, two 12-by-24 inch pieces and two 16-by-24 inch pieces of untreated plywood.

    • 3

      Lay one of the 16-by-24 inch pieces of plywood flat and attach the walls to the appropriate sides. Align one of the 12-by-16 inch pieces of plywood with the 16-inch edge of the bottom panel and screw it in place with wood screws. Attach the second 16-inch wall to the opposite side of the bottom panel.

    • 4

      Attach one of the 12-by-24 inch pieces of plywood to the bottom panel by aligning the 24-inch edge and screwing it in place.

    • 5

      Cut a 6-by-8 inch square out of the middle of the remaining 12-by-24 inch piece of plywood, aligning the bottom of the square with the 24-inch edge. This opening will be the entrance by which your carrier pigeons can access their nesting box. Attach the piece of plywood to the bottom panel by aligning the 24-inch edges and screwing the plywood in place.

    • 6

      Secure the walls by screwing the vertical edges together where they connect at the corners. Install the top of the nesting box by screwing one half of two metal hinges to the inside of the back wall and attaching the other half of the hinges to the underside of the top plywood panel.

    • 7

      Fill the nesting box with nesting materials to create the nesting environment for your carrier pigeons. The ideal materials to use are small and pliable so your pigeon can move them around to build the nest. Provide things like small twigs, leaves, hay, pine needles and wood shavings.

    • 8

      Mount your nesting box in the desired location. If you keep your carrier pigeons in a coop or loft, mount the nesting box on the wall by screwing the horizontal end of a pair of L brackets to the underside of the box and attaching the vertical end to the desired position on the wall. Using the same procedure, mount your nesting box to the side of your house or garden shed if you prefer one of these locations.