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BEFRIENDING PIGEONS

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The easiest way to earn a pigeon's trust is by feeding him, but even when he knows you don't have food he will still remember you and want to visit.

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meeting pigeons

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finding flocks

Pigeons are most common where there is a source of food and high foot traffic.

places to find pigeons

parks
downtown
busy beaches
town squares
piers and docks
outdoor restaurants
train or bus stations
streets with fast food and coffee shops
shopping malls where people walk to the mall rather than drive, or shopping malls where people eat outside

food

types of food

regular birdseed
birdseed mix for pigeons or doves
grains from your kitchen like rice, oats, peas, corn, and lentils (uncooked or cooked)

treats

unsalted peanuts
unsalted sunflower seeds

communication tips

eat near the pigeons
sit sideways to the pigeons
talk quietly
walk slowly
bow, nod, and tilt your head (it's how they talk)

quick behaviour guide videos

from moose's flock

https://www.instagram.com/...

getting pigeons to jump up on you

Some flocks of pigeons are already comfortable with sitting on people. Other flocks may take a long time to do it. Whether or not a pigeon jumps up on you is mostly based on their personality and experience. Once one pigeon jumps up on you, others will want to as well. Some pigeons will always be more shy.

steps

Hold your arm out away from your body with the seeds in your hand.

Feed the pigeons very slowly, and give them time to get impatient for the next seeds to fall from your hand.

Wait and see if any brave pigeons will jump up to get the seeds.

Pigeons may feel more brave early in the day when they are hungry.

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common health concerns

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crop adjusting

Sometimes pigeons shift their crops or neck pouches after they eat, or "yawn". This is normal.

molting

Pigeons grow new feathers every Spring and Autumn. They may look very sick or funny while this is happening. He may have large patches of missing feathers or white flecks called "pin feathers".

You can help a pigeon who is molting by offering him a warm bath or misting him with a warm spray bottle of water.

more information

https://www.reddit.com/...

nigel

https://www.reddit.com/...

stringfoot

Stringfoot is a common condition where strings get caught around a pigeon's foot. It is usually easily treatable, and can be removed in a few minutes while you sit outside.

If you help a pigeon with stringfoot, he may bring his friends to see you.

"Scrungly Pigeons" "Scrungly" pigeons are pigeons with greasy-looking feathers and dirty-looking ceres (the white part above the beak). These pigeons usually have longer term health issues relating to an immune problem, such as a viral, fungal, or bacterial illness. They may also have feather lice or pigeon flies. Scrungly pigeons will benefit from a couple lentil-sized pieces of raw garlic and a bit of extra food when possible. They may need more help such as medicines or a week of rest and recovery in a warm, safe place.

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hot weather

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Providing water is a big help to pigeons in hot weather.

cups of water

You can leave water for pigeons out in a disposable cup. If you are travelling or commuting, many coffee shops or fast food restaurants will give you a free cup of water.
You can provide a small cup of water to drink, or a larger dish for both drinking and bathing. Water dishes should always be at least 1 inch (2.5cm) deep for their beaks, which they use like straws.

The plastic cap from your water bottle will probably be too small, but you can try if you have nothing else.

baths

Baths allow pigeons to both drink water and cool down Bath containers should be at least as long as a pigeon and deep enough for the water to touch their bellies Large spill-proof dog bowls make good pigeon baths that stay upright, or a rock can put placed in the bottom of a plastic container

prevent mites, lice, and pigeon flies

Thyme baths can help prevent mites, lice, and pigeon flies in feral flocks.

Thyme tea is made from 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1 cup (250 mL) of boiling water. Cover the tea while it cools so the good oils stay in the cup. Keep the thyme tea in the fridge, and make it fresh every two days. Thyme tea is safe for pigeons to drink.

If you do not have thyme in your country, you can also use fennel.

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