Though pigeons are often frowned upon in North America and western Europe as “flying rats,” or, in general, seen as vermin, many people throughout the Middle East and other parts of the world commonly raise pigeons and doves as pets. Dating back to ancient times, pigeons have primarily been kept for companionship, correspondence, and food, though in recent years competitive breeding, homing, and racing have been popularized by those who raise the birds.
Generally easy to care for, pigeons may live for as long as twenty years if properly cared for and protected from predators, such as outdoor cats. Proper pigeon health for a long life begins with an excellent diet, of which a high-quality feed is most important. Some stores may carry dove or pigeon-specific foods, though some individuals may want to pass altogether on commercial blends and make their own. Like humans, pigeons need Vitamin D3, and so a supplementary vitamin is recommended if you are intent on keeping your avian friend indoors. Occasionally give unsalted, unroasted peanuts as snacks; hemp seeds and fresh vegetables or fruit are also frequently enjoyed.
Also important to digestion are probiotic supplements (to increase positive gastrointestinal bacteria) and grit (to aid in the digestion of solid foods). Grit may be found at any rural supply center or feed store, while probiotic supplements can be located there and probably at any nearby pet store.
Finally, as an additional consideration for your pet’s diet, add apple cider vinegar to their water supply on a weekly basis to increase gastrointestinal acidity, which in turn may prevent certain pigeon-borne diseases.
Housing for pigeons often takes two very different routes, the first of which is the traditional loft housing method. Favored by Middle Eastern cultures and by those people who traditionally raise domesticated pigeons, loft housing can accommodate dozens or even hundreds of birds, and simply consists of a sheltered area outdoor where your birds can rest for the night. Once the loyalty of a particular bird has been obtained, they will rarely leave for long, having a strong homing instinct. Food is a nearly foolproof method of keeping hand-raised birds nearby, even when given free roam. Of course, some may eventually fall to urban predators (i.e., house-cats) as a tasty evening meal, but generally they will survive for five to ten years.
Pigeons kept indoors need a very large cage, with plenty of room to flap their wings and move about. Not particularly preferring stick perches, small and flat raised platforms may well accommodate the building of nests for breeding. Information on mating for particular patterns, eye colors, and other desired qualities can be found here.
Finally, regular bathing helps to prevent skin-borne illnesses, such as red mites, feather lice, and pigeon lice. Signs of illness in any pigeon may include the following: Rotting or bruised-looking skin, milky eyes, and thinned, less-fluffed feathers that does not occur around molting time. Simply fill an old tub with an inch or so of room-temperature water, and the birds will naturally take to bathing themselves; after all, their native habit, on the rocky coasts of the Old World, has nurtured an inner desire to frolic and bathe in water.
In keeping with the ancient art of pigeon raising, certain cultural traditions are being kept alive in many parts of the world. Certainly the popularity of keeping such birds as domesticated companions has been popularized in recent years by the internet, and, with publications such as ‘Pigeon Talk,’ it can be expected that more individuals will soon own pet doves or pigeons.
