Bringing a pigeon or dove into your home as a pet is a rewarding experience, but it comes with the significant responsibility of providing a safe and comfortable living environment. Central to this is selecting the appropriate cage. This guide will delve into the essential considerations for housing these unique birds, ensuring their well-being whether they live indoors or outdoors.
Pigeons and doves are flock animals by nature, and while they can adapt to life as indoor pets, forming strong bonds with their human companions, their housing needs are specific. This article focuses exclusively on cages, offering guidance for those who have chosen to provide a home for unreleasable birds.
Indoor Housing for Pigeons and Doves
Indoor pets thrive in spacious cages that serve as their secure home base. The general rule of thumb is that bigger is always better, with length and width being more crucial than height, as these birds do not exhibit climbing behaviors like parrots. For one or two mated pigeons, a minimum cage size of 42 inches wide, 27 inches deep, and 30 inches high is recommended. For one or two doves, a cage measuring at least 32 inches wide, 32 inches high, and 21 inches deep is suitable.
The cage floor should be a flat, easy-to-clean surface like wood, linoleum, plastic, or a custom-cut yoga mat. Wire bottoms are uncomfortable and detrimental to the birds’ feet. Incorporating shelves provides essential resting and activity areas, offering more versatility than perches. Pigeons and doves benefit from a large mirror and a weighted basket or nest box for comfort and security. Heavy, ceramic, flat-bottomed crocks are ideal for food and water, and a casserole dish or plant saucer can serve as a bathtub.
Locating the cage in a well-lit area is important, as these birds have poor vision in dim light. Providing access to unfiltered sunshine or avian-safe full-spectrum lighting is also beneficial. Position the cage in a social area of the home where the birds can interact with the family, providing companionship and stimulation. Concerns about drafts are generally unfounded; fresh air is beneficial. However, owners must be vigilant about household hazards such as Teflon-coated pans, smoke, scented products, open windows, hot stoves, and ceiling fans.
Safety Considerations for Indoor Cages
While indoor cages primarily serve to confine birds and protect them from household hazards, they must also offer protection from potential threats like cats and dogs. If such pets reside in the home, cages with narrower bar spacing are necessary to prevent paws and snouts from reaching the birds. It is crucial to remember that even seemingly secure indoor cages may not be sufficient to protect against determined or wild predators.
It’s also vital to understand that clipped wings are not a foolproof method for preventing indoor flight. Birds with clipped wings can still become airborne within the house and are susceptible to getting lost if they escape outdoors.
Outdoor Housing: Aviaries and Predator-Proofing
For pigeons and doves living outdoors, a predator- and rodent-proof aviary is essential. A single bird should never be housed outdoors alone, as this can lead to stress and loneliness due to their flocking nature. Even when housed outdoors, daily supervised out-of-cage time within a secure house environment is crucial for exercise and socialization.
Ensuring Predator and Rodent-Proofing for Outdoor Enclosures
Outdoor enclosures must be sturdily built with narrow bar spacing and raccoon-proof latches on all doors. Cages designed solely for indoor confinement, such as many dog crates, are not safe for outdoor use due to their wide bar spacing and lack of robust predator protection. Predators like cats, hawks, raccoons, and even rats can easily access birds housed in inadequately secured outdoor cages.
When considering pre-made outdoor enclosures like rabbit or chicken coops, buyers must be extremely cautious. These are often not inherently safe for birds without significant modifications to add predator-proof bottoms and secure latches. Similarly, some large outdoor cages, while sturdy, may have bar spacing too wide to safely house pigeons or doves, necessitating modifications with hardware mesh.
Aviaries designed for outdoor use must be constructed to prevent any gaps larger than half an inch. Latches must be secure and resistant to clever predators like raccoons. For birds housed in aviaries, ensuring they have safe access to sunshine or appropriate full-spectrum lighting remains important.
Key Takeaways for Cage Selection
- Size Matters: Prioritize length and width over height.
- Flooring: Opt for solid, easy-to-clean surfaces over wire.
- Enrichment: Include shelves, mirrors, and suitable nest boxes.
- Location: Place cages in social, well-lit areas.
- Indoor Safety: Protect from household pets and hazards.
- Outdoor Safety: Ensure absolute predator and rodent-proofing.
- Expert Consultation: When in doubt about cage safety or suitability, seek advice from avian experts and rescue organizations.
Providing the correct housing is a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership for pigeons and doves. By carefully considering these guidelines, you can create a secure and enriching environment for your feathered companions, ensuring their health and happiness. For further information on creating safe aviaries, resources are available from organizations dedicated to pigeon and dove rescue.
