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PIGEON NESTS
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types of nests
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feral rock pigeons

Feral rock pigeons, or common city pigeons, are a domestic species. They breed most often in the spring, but many lay eggs year-round. If they have a good nesting site, they will lay eggs again as soon as their babies are grown and leave the nest.


wild pigeons and doves

There are hundreds of different species of wild pigeons and doves. They usually lay eggs in the Spring only, and then leave the nesting site when the babies are grown. In most countries, it is illegal to break or harm a wild pigeon's nest while they are using it for their eggs or babies.

The information on this page is about feral rock pigeons, but some information may also apply to wild pigeons and doves.



-> -> the tips for encouraging feral rock pigeons to leave are in the last section at the bottom of the page. -> ->




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timeline
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life cycle



waiting for the second egg

Mom will lay one egg first, then another egg 48 hour later. Once both eggs are laid, she will sit on them together.


taking turns sitting on the nest

Mom will take turns with Dad sitting on the eggs, so she can have a break and go to eat and drink water. Dad usually sits in the eggs around lunch or 11 am to 1 pm, but the time may vary a bit.


leaving the babies alone

As the babies grow up and get their adult feathers, the mom and dad will spend more time away from the nest to get food for the growing babies. If the babies are alone before they have their adult feathers, that may be sign that something is wrong.

babies


laying more eggs
Once they have a good nesting site, rock pigeons will lay one set of eggs after another, as they are a domestic species and have been bred to reproduce continously. Wild doves lay eggs once a year.


replacing eggs

You can purchase fake plastic eggs online which you can use to replace the pigeon's eggs. The best time to do this is right after the eggs are first laid, before the chicks have time to grow inside them. If the eggs are kept cold, the chicks will not grow in the eggs. The pigeons will sit on the eggs for a few weeks before moving on. Pet pigeon owners use fake eggs as birth control.

https://www.pigeonrescue.org...

https://youtu.be/...



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living with the pigeons
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using your balcony

City pigeons are a feral domestic species and they usually adjust easily to humans
If your balcony family is shy, you can gently tap on the window or door, and talk to them slowly so they can get used to you.


communication tips



treats




food

The best seed mix is a "mix for pigeons and doves". Wild bird seed is the second best choice. The seeds that your parrot or pet bird eats are okay too.

Placing food out near the nest may attract jealous pigeons who want the nest site, and result in bullying.

water

A bowl of clean water changed once or twice everyday will help the pigeons stay healthy. The water bowl should be at least 1 inch or 2.5 cm deep for their beaks, which they use like straws. If the pigeons tip their bowl over, look for a spill-proof dog bowl or place a rock in the bottom of the water bowl.


calcium

Once pigeons have a long term nest, they will keep laying eggs again as soon as the previous babies are grown. If you decide to let the pigeon couple nest on your balcony for a long time, the mother will eventually need a mineral supplement called "grit", so she doesn't become deficient in calcium or other minerals. Look for products labelled "high-calcium grit" or "oyster shell grit".

Sesame seeds are high in calcium. They are usually sold next to the spices.


how to water your plant

If the pot has a hole in the bottom, the best way to water your plant is by using the saucer or pan underneath the pot. The dirt in the pot will absorb the water like a sponge, and the roots of the plant will get water.

If the pot does not have a hole in the bottom, you can look for a glass ball for watering at a local dollar store or garden store. The ball of water if filled and there is a tube that goes deep into the dirt, which leaves the top part of the plant pot dry. You could also look for a tube and slowly drop water in a few drops at a time, if you can not find a glass watering ball.


do you want to share your photos or ask questions?

"Balcony Babies" is the group for people who are watching their balcony babies grow. www.reddit.com/r/balconybabies



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common problems
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egg binding

If the mother pigeon seems to be unwell, or is dropping both of her wings, she may be having trouble laying her egg, which is called egg binding. Egg binding is often linked to a calcium deficiency.

The brand "tums" stomach anti-acid tablets contain calcium. They can be crushed and put in water in an emergency.

there are tips for egg binding in this guide:
www.pigeon.guide

You can also search or post online for previous egg binding discussions.

make a post
other websites



injuries from bullying

Balcony families may suffer from aggression from other pigeon couples who want their nest site. Putting food out only at night time is a good way to help prevent other pigeons from becoming jealous of the nest site. Be aware that rats may be attracted to seeds left out at night if your family is nesting on the ground.

Feeding between the parents and baby may also look aggressive.


big poops

When pigeons are sitting on eggs, they often hold their poops in order to keep the nest tidy. They may have a few big poops a day, instead of many small ones.


"are the babies still being fed?"

As the babies grow up and get their adult feathers, the mom and dad will spend more time away from the nest to get food for the growing babies. Check to make sure their crops or neck pouches are filled with food. The babies should also be energetic, keep their eyes open during the day, and poop often.

babies


yellow or dark bumps on face

dried food

The most common cause of yellow bumps is dried food from messy eating. It can usually be wiped off with a damp cloth.

canker

Canker is a yellow, cheesy growth that usually begans in a pigeon's throat. It may spread through the whole mouth and begin to grow outside of the beak. Medicine can be used to treat canker.

Canker is spread through drinking water. Clean water helps to prevent canker.

immune help for sick pigeons.

pigeon pox

Pigeon pox causes bumps to grow on a pigeon's face and feet. It is most common in baby pigeons.

pigeon pox






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do you
want the pigeons to leave?
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replacing eggs

You can purchase fake plastic eggs online which you can use to replace the pigeon's eggs. The best time to do this is right after the eggs are first laid, before the chicks have time to grow inside them. If the eggs are kept cold, the chicks will not grow in the eggs. The pigeons will sit on the eggs for a few weeks before moving on. Pet pigeon owners use fake eggs as birth control.

https://www.pigeonrescue.org...

https://youtu.be/...


how to move a nest

You may want to move a nest from one area of your balcony to a place close by.

It is easiest to move a nest after the babies hatch, because the pigeons will follow usually follow their babies. If you are moving a nest with only eggs, the pigeons will become confused very easily, and abandon their nest. Move the nest onto a flat surface (like cardboard or a pan), and move it 15cm or 6in at a time. Wait for the pigeons to have time to adjust before moving it 15cm or 6in again. It is easiest to do this when the light is dim or low.

If possible, pigeons like to nest in empty plant pots filled with dirt.


humane deterrants

balloon with eyes
The best pigeon deterrant is a balloon with eyes. The eyes remind the pigeon of a hawk or predator, and the balloon will move in the wind, causing the pigeons to think it is alive.

Balloons with eyes can be made at home using a balloon, string, and a marker. You can also purchase them online from large shopping websites, or a brand called "terror eyes"

shopping bag
Tie the ends of a plastic grocery bag to a pole, like a broom stick, and flap the bag at them two times a day for a week. Continue to flap the bag at them for longer if needed.

reflective pin wheels and flags
The pigeons may also dislike reflective pin wheels and strips that move and spin in the wind.

lights
The pigeons may dislike flashing lights. Look for flashing fairy lights, light changing led strips, and motion sensor lights to use at night. Make sure the lights are suitable for outdoor use or waterproof.

nets
Nets or netting is see as unsafe for the pigeons, because they often get caught in it, and stay stuck until someone rescues them. It may cause injuries.  


emergency humane deterrant - hawk calls

This technique usually only works once, so it is best to use on a day day when the pigeons need to leave for their own safety. It will not work for babies who can not fly yet.

Wait until as many of the pigeons as possible are close by. Download a real hawk call, and play it over a very loud speaker. The sound will scare the pigeons away from the area for a short time.





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