How to Raise Wild Caught Pigeons

Pigeons are easy to raise and breed. Wild pigeons, if captured as adults, may be ornery, but if you acquire a young bird, it should be easy to tame as a pet. These birds are very social, quiet, unobtrusive, require little maintenance and are fairly inexpensive to care for. The biggest expense in pigeon care is investment in setting up a pigeon loft.

Things You'll Need

  • Pigeon loft
  • Perch boxes
  • Fly pen
  • Pigeon mix feed
  • Galvanized feed trays
  • Galvanized waterers
  • Grit
  • Crock bowl
  • Filter mask
  • Bleach
  • Shallow pan
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase or build a pigeon loft. Pigeons can handle cold weather, but need to be kept dry. The loft should be draft free with good ventilation. The loft doesn't have to be large or elaborate. For a few birds, a loft the size of a rabbit hutch is adequate. Lofts are available commercially or, if you are handy, plans are available to build your own. Large, walk-in lofts are best for pet birds because they allow you to interact and bond with the birds.

    • 2

      Provide a fly pen. Commercially built lofts come equipped with a fly pen. Pigeons need access to an outside area where they can get fresh air and exercise. If you are building your own, choose wire that is a small enough gauge to keep wild birds out and strong enough to keep predators from getting in.

    • 3

      Equip the pigeon loft with a galvanized feeder and waterer.

    • 4

      Place perch boxes in the loft. Perch boxes may come with pre-built lofts, but if you build your own loft, you will need to purchase or build your own perch boxes.

    • 5

      Feed your birds pigeon mix feed. Pigeon food in pellet form is also available. Provide fresh feed once or twice daily and dispose of any leftover food to avoid contamination.

    • 6

      Give the birds constant access to fresh, clean water. Fill and clean the bird waterer regularly. Keep the water clean; many avian diseases are spread by dirty waterers.

    • 7

      Keep grit available at all times. Birds need grit to digest food properly. Serve grit in a crock bowl, as the minerals in grit will cause galvanized feeders to rust.

    • 8

      Scrape and clean the pigeon loft regularly; weekly cleaning is best. Wear a filter mask to keep from inhaling pigeon dust, as dust can cause allergic reactions in some people. Wash feed trays, waterers and grit crocks with bleach. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.

    • 9

      Place a shallow pan of water in the fly pen. Pigeons enjoy an occasional bath, especially in warm weather. Remove the pan after an hour to prevent birds from drinking the dirty bath water.