How to Care for American Fantail Pigeons

With their beautiful tails, slender necks and small eyes, it's no wonder that American fantail pigeons are popular among bird owners. They come in a variety of colors, some yellow or blue, while others have an almost checkered color pattern. Like any pet, fantails require special care, a fact which any current or future owner should keep in mind.

Things You'll Need

  • Large bird enclosure
  • Newspaper
  • Flat perches
  • Millet, milo (grain sorghum), safflower, wheat, barley, unpopped popcorn, green and white peas, buckwheat, vetch
  • Pigeon grit
  • Food dish
  • Water dish
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Instructions

  1. Caring for an American Fantail Pigeon

    • 1

      Choose a cage large enough that your fantail can fly easily. Keep the cage as clean as possible by regularly spreading fresh newspaper or other absorbent material on the enclosure's floor. Purchase flat perches, which allow your pet to stretch its wings. Clean all perches regularly to avoid bacterial diseases that could harm your bird.

    • 2

      Feed your pigeon a mixture of grains such as millet, milo, safflower, wheat, barley, unpopped pop corn, green and white peas, buckwheat or vetch. Inspect all food for insects before feeding your pet. Purchase grit at a pet store. Grit is a necessary digestion aid for pigeons. Ask for grit that has vitamin supplements to help maintain your bird's health. Treat your fantail with snacks such as unsalted peanuts, raw sesame seeds, sunflower hearts, safflower, hemp, kale, carrots, lettuce, sprouts and thawed peas.

    • 3

      Refill water containers twice a day. Fantails need clean water that is chemical-free. Clean the water dish regularly as they become very dirty very quickly.

    • 4

      Bathe your fantail at least once a week during winter months and no more than twice a week during warmer months.