If you end up with a mated pair, you may need to keep the pigeons from breeding. Female pigeons lay eggs every month. Once they’ve laid two eggs, remove the eggs and replace them with warmed-up wooden eggs. Both pigeons will continue to sit on the wooden eggs until they realize they won’t hatch. Destroy the real eggs by leaving them outside for other animals to eat. This process will need to be repeated each month. [2] X Research source If your female bird is sitting on a fake egg, it won’t continue to lay eggs. Laying eggs too often can result in calcium deficiency and death. Any female bird can lay eggs, though without a male bird they will be infertile. You can find fake eggs online. For example, try http://theeggshop. com/.

Most adoption services will cover any initial vet bills. They sometimes also allow you to foster your birds to see if you make a good match. Adopting may provide you with birds that either require more time before they’re tamed, or that never become fully comfortable being touched or handled by you. Be ready to spend lots of time building trust.

Birds from breeders may be ready to be handled more quickly than rescued birds. However, they’ll likely cost more than rescued birds.

Before you take the pigeon to the rescue, call the facility to be sure they’re prepared to care for and then safely release the pigeon. You can find a map of bird-safe rescues located in the United States here: http://www. pigeonrescue. org/resources/some-pigeon-dove-friendly-rescues-in-the-us/ Most animal rescues will not kill the bird unless it is beyond saving or has a low quality of life.

Make a solid, sloped roof to keep out the weather and provide a “attic” for roosting. You may want to leave a small area of the roof exposed to the elements by covering it just with your wildlife-proof mesh. This will brighten up your aviary and allow your pigeons to play in the rain. Enclose the sides of the aviary in wildlife-proof mesh with with openings of an half-inch (1. 27 cm) or less. Pigeons prefer long, rectangular spaces that make it easier for them to fly around. Avoid circles or hexagons. Note that some larger types of pigeons, such as King Pigeons, require outdoor aviaries.

A cement floor is crucial for keeping out digging predators. If you can’t lay down cement, line the floor with hardware mesh with openings of an half-inch (1. 27 cm) or less. Your mesh will need to be covered with earth or drain rock to protect your birds’ feet.

Pigeons usually require 1/2 inch (1. 27 cm) to 5/8 inch (1. 59 cm) bar spacing because they have small heads (they shouldn’t be able to stick their heads out between the bars). Good cage liners also include newspapers or bird litter.

Be sure to avoid cooking with Teflon or non-stick pots and pans, as these give off toxic fumes that could injure or kill your birds. [10] X Research source If you can’t mount a full spectrum light in the room where your birdcage is located, place a full spectrum lamp near, but not directly next to your birdcage. [11] X Research source

It may be a good idea to keep young children away from your new pigeons during the first week or so. Children may not fully understand why they have be quiet or calm around the birds, and this may cause the birds to think they’re predators.

Stay outside of their enclosure the first few times you do this. The security of the cage or aviary will let the bird know they’re safe. Once they’ve eaten out of your hands a few times, either open the cage door or let yourself into the aviary to feed them more directly.

If you’re worried about getting pigeon poop in your house, use pigeon diapers, also known as pigeon pants. They’re adorable and practical. Clipping the birds’ wings could make it easier to tame them and may be safer because the birds will be less likely to fly into ceiling fans, walls, or out-of-doors. However, some consider this practice to be inhumane.

You can also find bird cage locks, which are available online and in pet stores.

Outdoor birds will also need nesting boxes to keep them warm and dry during wet or cold weather.

Healthy birds are very conscious of their cleanliness, so if your bird isn’t bathing, they may not be feeling well. Mist your bird with water and see if having damp feathers inspires them to bathe. If not, contact your vet.

Good-quality pigeon or dove feeds will contain a mixture of safflower seeds, crushed oyster shells, bird-safe grits, and a few other seeds and grains.