How to Raise & Breed Feral Pigeons

Feral pigeons are direct descendants of the rock dove that inhabit towns and cities and come in a variety of colors. Escaped racing and homing pigeons also may contribute to feral pigeon flocks. Reasons for raising feral pigeons include finding orphan babies (also called squabs), some of which may be injured with a broken wing or missing foot. According to the Association of Pigeon Veterinarians, keeping feral pigeons is not any more of a health hazard than keeping other pets. All you need is proper food, time and patience to domesticate feral pigeons successfully.

Things You'll Need

  • Coop
  • Nesting box
  • Feed
  • Treats
  • Training room
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a loft large enough for free flight, ample natural light (direct sunlight preferred) with a dry interior, several roosts and good ventilation. Always keep it clean.

    • 2

      Train pigeons in a small room with limited roosting areas at regular daily intervals, remaining still at all times. Whenever the bird stops flying, keep picking it up by placing a finger under its chest -- repeating the process until it sits on your finger to eat. Try a variety of treats until you find one it especially likes. Talk and coo to it the whole time.

    • 3

      Feed with grain as the staple diet food found at local feed stores. Pigeons also need a mineral grit mixture and clean water daily. All three items are usually fed separately. Supplement with fresh leafy veggies.

    • 4

      Provide your pair of mating birds with a nesting box in the loft in a quiet atmosphere. When the eggs are laid, do not disturb them; they should hatch successfully in a couple of weeks.