Domestic Pigeon

Merck says pigeons are relatively quiet and are often kept in colonies. Unusual Pet Vets describes a calm, soft cooing, more peaceful than louder parrots. Animal Diversity Web says pairs can form at any time of year and stay together for life, that the male builds the nest and that both parents incubate the eggs. During nesting both sexes can be aggressive toward intruders.

Pigeons flock while feeding, sunning and roosting. For companionship, Unusual Pet Vets recommends keeping birds at least in pairs and regular interaction with friendly birds.

Pigeons suit people who like a quiet, orderly bird and can set aside time for cleaning. You need enough room for a loft or a large cage.

Animal Diversity Web writes that the wild rock pigeon (Columba livia) is native to Europe, North Africa and southwestern Asia. City pigeons are the same species and are now found almost worldwide. The domestic pigeon is a form of that ancestor bred by long selection: racing, fancy and show breeds.

Ecologically, wild pigeons eat seeds and forage on open ground. Wild lifespan is about 6 years, while in captivity it can reach 35 (ADW).

Domestic pigeon breeds are very varied: white, gray, brown, spotted, crested, or with a tail that fans out. The wild type is the gray rock pigeon with a green-purple sheen on the neck. Ask the breeder about your bird's breed and traits.

It's hard to plan care without knowing the breed or type: a racing pigeon and a crested or fantail fancy pigeon may not have the same needs. Ask the breeder you buy from about the breed's traits, parentage and feeding schedule.

• Bathing: Unusual Pet Vets says pigeons enjoy bathing, and a shallow bath and regular misting support healthy grooming. See bird baths.
• Enrichment: You can set up foraging games by hiding food between paper scraps or foliage (Unusual Pet Vets).
• Perches and platforms: Natural perches of varying width and texture help prevent pressure sores on the feet; the bird should be able to wrap its feet around about two-thirds to three-quarters of the perch's circumference (Unusual Pet Vets). Platforms can be offered too.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning and disinfection and keeping food and water free of droppings (Unusual Pet Vets); see cage cleaning.

Unusual Pet Vets says pigeons are social birds that should live in groups of at least two, indoors in a large cage or outdoors in a loft or aviary. Outdoor housing should protect against weather extremes, wild birds, rodents and predators, offer a place to hide, be well ventilated and keep the floor dry. Larger groups need enough room to avoid overcrowding.

RSPCA Australia says birds fly horizontally, so the loft or cage should be long rather than tall, the bird should be able to spread its wings without touching the sides, and birds kept only in a cage need an aviary or safe flying opportunities.

• Materials: Easy to clean and non-toxic; RSPCA recommends strong wire and mesh that keeps wild birds out.
• Hygiene: Food and water dishes where droppings can't fall in; stainless steel is preferred (Unusual Pet Vets).
• Location: Away from foot traffic, noise and predators (RSPCA).
• New birds: Unusual Pet Vets recommends a quarantine of at least 2 weeks (strictly separated from your other birds).

Unusual Pet Vets says pigeons are mainly fed a quality grain and seed mix, with a commercial pigeon or parrot pellet making up a significant part of the diet. Greens, vegetables and a little fruit should be finely chopped or grated; pigeons can't chew their food. A small amount of fine grit may be offered. Fresh water should always be available, and stainless steel bowls are preferred.

The same source gives a rough breakdown: grain and seed 30 to 50 percent (avoiding mixes with sunflower seeds), pellets 20 to 30 percent, greens and vegetables 20 to 30 percent and fruit 5 to 10 percent. Foods to avoid: avocado, garlic, onions and chives. Work out your bird's diet plan with a vet who treats birds.

Unusual Pet Vets says pigeons are prone to numerous infectious diseases. The information below is for general knowledge; see a vet who treats birds for diagnosis and treatment.

• Infections: Viruses (adenovirus, pox, herpes, paramyxovirus, rotavirus), bacteria (Salmonella, Chlamydia psittaci, E. coli), external parasites (mites, lice) and internal parasites (trichomonas, coccidia, intestinal worms).
• Obesity and foot sores: Obesity and pododermatitis (bumblefoot), an infection on the underside of the feet, are common in captivity.
• Psittacosis (chlamydia): Merck says pigeons resist this infection but can be carriers. The bacteria spread through nasal discharge and droppings and survive for months in dried droppings; it can pass to people. Wear gloves, wash your hands and disinfect cages and dishes daily when handling a sick bird. If you get flu-like symptoms, tell your doctor you keep birds.
• Droppings and dust: ADW notes that histoplasmosis can spread through pigeon droppings; hygiene and ventilation matter when cleaning a loft, and ask your doctor about your own health.
• Regular checks: Unusual Pet Vets recommends a health check every 6 to 12 months, including chlamydia testing.

Merck says pigeons live up to 20 years, and ADW says about 6 years in the wild and up to 35 in captivity. Care, diet, cleanliness and vet checks affect lifespan.

Ask the breeder about your bird's age and health history; an older bird may need more frequent checks. Caring for a long-lived bird is a commitment of many years.

• Space and legal rules: Rules on keeping pigeons in apartments or housing complexes can vary by place; talk to your building management and municipality. We don't state a nationwide rule here; check the local one with the competent office.
• Buying wildlife: In Türkiye, Article 18 of the Land Hunting Law (No. 4915) restricts the sale and transport of wildlife taken against the rules, and catching and selling native wild birds (such as the goldfinch) is prohibited. The domestic pigeon is a captive-bred species; buy from a breeder whose source is clear.
• Check the seller: RSPCA recommends sellers who share the bird's parentage, history and diet and offer a refund or replacement for health problems.
• Vet check: Have the bird examined by a bird vet after purchase and quarantine new birds.
• Time and cost: RSPCA reminds readers that birds are not low maintenance and that setup and ongoing care can be costly.