Pigeons and Doves: General

General Information

The domestic pigeon belongs to the family of birds classified as Columbidae. This family includes over 300 breeds of pigeons and doves, all descending from the rock dove (Columbia Livia). They originated in Eurasia and are now found all over the world. They have had a relationship with humans since approximately 3000 B.C.

Pigeons come in many color combinations and their plumage can include anything from feathered feet (muffed feet) to crested, maned, or hooded heads. There are four categories of pigeons:

1. Utility pigeons are raised for meat.
2. Flying pigeons are recognized for their brilliant flying skills (rollers, sky cutters, tumblers, tipplers).
3. Racing homers are known for their speed and homing abilities.
4. Toy pigeons, the largest category, are known for their fancy shapes and colors, such as the fantails, pouters, croppers, and archangels.

What should I know about pigeon and dove behavior?

Pigeons are faithful and mate for life. This sort of commitment may be responsible for the pigeon’s bond to its owner and home, as illustrated by its homing instinct. It will often defend its mate and territory aggressively. Otherwise, these birds have a pleasant personality, quiet nature, and a peaceful cooing voice. They are generally hardy birds that are easy to tame and care for.

Where can I get a pigeon?

Pigeons may be purchased from a pet store or a reputable breeder. When selecting a pigeon, try to choose a young bird, as it may be easier to tame and train. Older, wild, colony- or parent-raised birds may prove challenging to tame. Hand-raised babies often make better pets because they have been completely socialized with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to new environments and situations.

Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (e.g., people of different ages, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the veterinarian) to help promote a calm, well-adjusted pet. A lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely to be a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, you should have it examined by your veterinarian within the first 2 weeks.

Where can I get a dove?

There are a wide variety of pet doves that make wonderful pets. Doves can be very colorful, like the bleeding-heart dove (seen here), and can be large, like the ringneck dove. With time and training, doves can be tamed to sit on one’s hand or shoulder. These birds can be purchased from a reputable breeder and from some pet stores. Proper caging and diet are essential to maintain a healthy, happy pet.

What veterinary care do pigeons and doves need?

Pigeons and doves should have regular, routine, veterinary health checkups. Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination, grooming (nail or feather trim as necessary), and laboratory tests, as needed. A yearly fecal examination is essential for pigeons kept outdoors, as intestinal parasites are common in these conditions. During these semi-annual checkups, your veterinarian can address health, nutritional, and maintenance issues. Veterinary checkups help prevent disease and help maintain a long-lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird. Vaccinations against pigeon paramyxovirus and Salmonella paratyphoid are highly recommended.

It is not advised to keep wild-caught pigeons as pets because they may harbor external and intestinal parasites, chlamydia, and/or several viruses that can affect other birds.