Pigeon Question

[dogman23]

Just got done with the pigeon loft and I have 10 homers coming in 2 weeks. My question is I have 8 nesting boxes in it, so do the males and females share nesting boxes or do they take turns sitting in the nest. Or do the males find there own nest or not sit in a nest at all. This is my first time with pigeons and I see others using nesting bowls so I didn't know if each bird needs its own bowl or what. The pup comes next weekend and the homers the following week. Lots of work but Its going to be fun......

[DonF]

They will pair up and one at a time sit's the nest.

[ezzy333]

Just got done with the pigeon loft and I have 10 homers coming in 2 weeks. My question is I have 8 nesting boxes in it, so do the males and females share nesting boxes or do they take turns sitting in the nest. Or do the males find there own nest or not sit in a nest at all. This is my first time with pigeons and I see others using nesting bowls so I didn't know if each bird needs its own bowl or what. The pup comes next weekend and the homers the following week. Lots of work but Its going to be fun......

You should put in some perches so they have a place to roost when not on the nest.

Ezzy

[dogman23]

Thanks guys. I already have 6 perches in it. So I guess I am good than, I hope.

[dogman23]

Here is a picture. I don't think its that bad for the first thing I ever built LOL...

[Duckdog]

Looks pretty good to me, but I'd for sure get something on that OSB board you used for the roof. That stuff doesn't fare well in the elements for long. Even if you just tar papered it until you shingled (or whatever kind of roofing), that would suffice. Just staple the heck out of it so it doesn't blow off.

[CDN_Cocker]

What have you done for ventilation? That is the key to successfully keeping and raising pigeons.

[dogman23]

Yeah I am shingeling it in a few, the floor on the inside is just wire like the aviary. I assumed that was enough ventilation unless I am wrong?

[Rod W]

Good Looking Coop!!! You had some good advise! Where are you at in N Mich?

[dogman23]

Traverse City. All I need now is the new gsp pup in 5 days. Can't wait.

[dogman23]

I think I am a slow learner though cuz I can't figure out how to or what the easiest way is to hold the bobs up on the door so the birds can get out and fly? Thanks for all the input guys. Its greatly appreciated.

Jason

[deseeker]

I just use a bungee cord on the inside of the shed to hold them up---if you want them down just take the bungee out.

[dogman23]

I had a skinny metal stake longer than the bobs and I cut off the end that had a loop on it so it fits perfect, put in 2 staples on each side of door, just slide the stake through under bobs works perfect and easy. Problem solved.

[dogman23]

Do you need nesting bowels or are the nesting boxes good enough?

[V-John]

I would put a bowl in. That way the chicks have something to push against so you dont have chicks with splayed legs. And it keeps their eggs from rolling all over. Even with nesting material it can happen.

[Mountaineer]

Looks like it will work tho I would have considered slanting the roof the opposite way.
If droppings build up too quickly on that small screen, I have used 1" welded mesh to good luck...but your method is better for predator control.
Enjoy the birds...watch the dust.

[BellaSpinone]

Another improvement, run electric out for a water heater. I am always glad every spring after the last freeze. Get kind of tired hearing the wife complain about having to break ice out of the waters. Thinking about extending electric out this year, been 8 years about time. May have to be later in the summer though. Need to dig a trench for the underground. Wife is really busy in the garden this time of year. Weeds must be really bad could hear her cussing clear over to the pond. Had to turn up the radio to hear the game.

[ezzy333]

Electricity is real nice in the lofts. As far as water goes, you can water when you feed and go back in 15 or 29 minutes and dump them. That way you won't need to break ice. When it is cold the only time they drink is after they eat.

Ezzy

[zigzag]

Just an idea for the roof rather then shingles would be the metel roof sheets used for awnings and such. You could extend the overhang slightly and then just hose off the roof when the droping build up. I also think the birds will be less likely to roost on the metal roofing. Your on the right track to building a great gun dog. If you don't have a launcher or two yet. Start looking for those. Good luck with pup.

[dogman23]

Thanks guys for the help. I am still debating the metal roof. I can run a extension cord to it in winter to keep water from freezing. I didn't even think about the slant of the roof until I already attached the aviary to front. Oh well, I guess I am not perfect after all:)

[ezzy333]

Thanks guys for the help. I am still debating the metal roof. I can run a extension cord to it in winter to keep water from freezing. I didn't even think about the slant of the roof until I already attached the aviary to front. Oh well, I guess I am not perfect after all:)

Absolutely nothing wrong with the slant of the roof. The birds will enjoy having more water coming down and the birds will be much less likely to sit on the roof.

Ezzy