The following list of requirements is based on animal welfare science that has evaluated birds‟
references and motivation for resources, and on the ecology and behaviour of wild birds. More
information on pigeon welfare, housing and care can be found in the references listed at the end of
this document.
Social housing
Both wild Columba livia and feral pigeons occur in large, mixed flocks and so pigeons should be
group housed in the laboratory. Groups should be carefully observed when first set up to make
sure that aggressive birds do not bully or injure others. An „escape area‟ for timid birds will help to
avoid distress and injury. Breeding can be prevented by not providing nesting places, in which
case birds may lay eggs but will not incubate them.
Plenty of pen space
Pigeons should be housed in pens that permit enrichment and a range of behaviours, including
flight wherever possible – they have been shown to strongly prefer aviaries that allow them to fly.
Long, narrow pens are best because they permit short flights. Cages are not suitable for housing
pigeons and should only be used if there is compelling scientific or veterinary justification. If they
must be used, it is a good idea to use modified cages, for example rabbit cages with shelving,
perches and toys, rather than “standard” pigeon caging. Ideally, pigeons should be housed with outdoor access wherever possible or even in wholly outdoor flights, in which case they will need
access to covered shelters at all times.
Solid floor
Grid floors prevent foraging so are not suitable for housing pigeons. Solid flooring with litter
material for foraging is preferred. Daily cleaning and the use of minimal litter will help to reduce
levels of dust created by the birds.
Environmental enrichment
Pigeons have been found to benefit from items hung from chains, including bird bells, mirrors and
toys designed for other animals such as cats. For aviary housed birds, foliage attached to
enclosure sides using thick gardening wire can provide extra perching and shelter. Branches hung
from the roof and scaffolding will provide a more stimulating environment in very large enclosures.
Perches
Each bird should have access to a perching area and perches should be sited at a range of levels,
to encourage birds to establish territories and reduce competition. In larger aviaries, box perches
approximately 30 cm square and 15 cm deep located in blocks along one wall simulate a „natural‟
environment and help to keep faeces in one area.
Water baths
Pigeons splash considerably when they bathe, so placing water baths inside larger, waterproof
trays should reduce soaking. Extra baths can be offered to birds on the day before cleaning so that
any substrate and dust will be damped down. Pigeons also enjoy showers, although they must be
monitored to ensure that they do not become chilled.
A varied diet and opportunities to forage
Pigeons are omnivorous and should be offered a wide range of grains and green food,
supplemented with pelleted diets containing animal protein such as chick starter crumbs. Small seeds such as millet, rape or linseed can be fed on the pen floor to encourage foraging or by hand
to help habituate the birds to humans. Turf or trays with other litter can also be used to encourage
foraging, taking care to site foraging areas away from areas where birds defaecate. Other favourite
treats include pinhead oats, hemp with peanuts, popcorn and mealworms. Note that birds fed ad
lib all the time will become obese, especially if they are only allowed limited opportunities to
exercise.
10cm of feeder length per adult bird
This feeder length will allow all birds to feed simultaneously, which will facilitate natural behaviour
and reduce aggression.
‘Flight rooms’ where appropriate
If it is really not possible for pigeons to be housed in pens that are large enough for them to fly, an
alternative is allowing birds part-time access to „flight rooms‟ with perches (such as a spare animal
room), provided that they are closely monitored to prevent bullying. Birds can be trained to retreat
to nesting areas or even to fly to the hand, as an alternative to catching them with nets.
