Best Breeds for Beginners

[Birdsandbugs]

Hello,

I am pondering the idea of buying some pigeons and wanted to know what breeds are out there and what their temperaments are like. I assist in teaching ornithology classes at my university and have brought my chickens in for lectures in the past, I'll tuck them under my arm and they'll fall asleep while i'm talking. Makes for a more interesting 8 am class.

Though I don't expect a pigeon to react the same way, it would be nice to have one that can tolerate being handled and is relatively docile/low energy. I would have the birds live indoors with me and bring them too and from the university for work so they won't get too lonely. (unless this is not recommended in which case, please let me know and I may reconsider a different type of bird)

Any breeds to recommend or inform me on are welcome. I was originally interested in archangel pigeons but read that they can be a bit more nervous and prefer privacy, so i'd like to find a breed of bird with a slight sense of adventure but isn't so rambunctious they can't sit still.

Thank you!

 

[Beer can]

I don't know much about pigeons, but have a couple friends that raise those fancy expensive racing one's and compete. Sounds like a lot of fun and they actually make some $$ out of it.

Those Pigmy Pouter pigeons are some crazy looking birds, I bet they would be interesting to bring to class. I think they are a mild mannered tame bird.

 

[stuckinthecity]

A breed that always catches the eye is the fantails. There's a few varieties to choose from. American Fantails, Indian Fantails, and the garden fantails...which I like the best. Their tail looks like that of a turkey that's strutting. Very cool breed IMO.
I have one fantail in particular who enjoys my company. She may not enjoy being handled, but it definitely doesn't stress her out.
I could be wrong, but I think the Indian's are more docile.
What you really want/need is to find birds for sale that have been hand raised. I hear they can be EXTREMELY tame.

 

[LamarshFish]

I have homers. I believe they are naturally pretty aloof, but I will say I am currently raising a squeaker, that was born in my loft, and I started experimenting with handing him daily for 10-20 minutes beginning at 2 weeks of age (to prevent full imprinting), and this bird is very tame, he follows me around, doesn't mind being held and even has started sort of cuddling up to my neck and face when he sits on my shoulder. So, I think if you were to raise young enough homers and handle them a bit each day, they can be nice birds.

Having said that, I am aware that there are a few other breeds that are more naturally less aloof than homers. I have heard from many roller owners that their birds are very friendly, and similar stories from fantail owners. One nice thing about fantails is that many of them can't fly too well, which may be helpful in a classroom environment--but, on the other hand, I have seen videos of fantails flying quite well. Just depends on the variety.

Nice thing about homers, if one gets away from you, you can expect it will return home likely faster than you get there.

One thing is for sure, if you're teaching ornithology, pigeons are great to talk about, they are honestly one of the most interesting birds!

 

[Cjnanah]

I am looking to purchase some white homing pigeons\doves. Any ideas on people who sell them.
Thanks

 

[stuckinthecity]

I am looking to purchase some white homing pigeons\doves. Any ideas on people who sell them.
Thanks

Are you a member on Facebook? Your best bet would be to find a pigeon group in your area and reach out to them...You can always try craigslist or something like that, but I've never seen any pigeon ads in my area.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I am pondering the idea of buying some pigeons

I have homing pigeons. If you have a pigeon that is "NOT" a homing pigeon it is just a bird to make you wish it was. That being said I would not mind having a pair of white Indian fantails.

 

[thinkyesi]

My husband and i raise pigeons, and a homer is always a great bird to start with. I dont really recommend fantails as a beginner bird because they dont fly and they get their tails damaged if the loft isnt big enough.
German owls or Satinettes are beautiful breeds but are also very sweet breeds and great flyers. Also best to get young. Not a baby. Or get a bonded pair. Baby pigeons are extremely hard to raise. They require lots of food every two hours for two weeks straight and eat differently than other birds.
If you get a homer or any pigeon make sure to never let them out of the loft for atleast a month. Because they will get lost or fly back to their original loft. They have to learn their surroundings first before being let out.
Also as soon as you get a bird, start whistling to it. Make a whistle call everytime you will feed it or give it water. That way when you start flying them you call them over and they will learn the whistle to come on command.
If you have any questions on pigeons please feel free to message me!

 

[LamarshFish]

If you get a homer or any pigeon make sure to never let them out of the loft for atleast a month.

I'd honestly give it at least 6 months, maybe longer, and wait for 3-4 rounds of raising young. Even after that, there's a risk it will take off--the instinct is very strong in some homers. If a homer has homed to another loft and you let it out after a month, I'd say 9/10 he's heading home or dying trying to.

 

[laughingdog]

Mookie and capuchin are two awsome affectionate breeds that are fancy and calm affectionate sturdy, but generally my rollers and homers are great, but ferals have always been best friendly birds, as they'll follow you everywhere they can and can become annoyingly clingy. Flying flights are also pretty interesting yet sturdy, they oddly seem to enjoy crowding in cages ect but love to form tornado in big close flock or kit.