How to Pair Two Pigeons

Pigeons eat small seeds and fruit and are gray with white plumage. The now-extinct passenger pigeons were used for thousands of years dating all the way back to ancient Egypt to carry messages back and forth, especially in times of war. Pigeons today are raised primarily as pets or for pigeon racing. The birds will breed easily in captivity and will feed the young themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Nesting box
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a male and female pigeon from your flock who are proven breeders. This can be determined by observing males you have watched breed with other females, and by noting which females have laid eggs in the past. Put the pair together in a pen which is securely enclosed so they do not have access to other pigeons in the flock. It may take a few weeks for them to bond since pigeons prefer to select their own mates.

    • 2

      Provide a nest box for your pair of pigeons that is big enough for them to sit together. Pigeons will usually build their nest out of small twigs, sticks and stems, but you can purchase a pigeon nesting box at your local farm supply store or pet store. A female pigeon will lay two eggs, and both the male and female will take turns incubating the eggs, which take anywhere from 14 to 18 days to hatch. At times, the pigeons may sit on the eggs together.

    • 3

      Release the male pigeon back into the flock after the baby pigeons are approximately 1 month old. At this time the babies are able to eat on their own. Up to that point, both the male and female pigeon will take turns feeding the babies a substance known as "pigeon milk," which is produced in the digestive system of both the male and female pigeon in their crop. The female pigeon will need a few weeks longer to recuperate before she is released back into the flock.