Frequently Asked Questions

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• How do I apply to adopt a pigeon? Anyone over the age of 18 can fill out an Adoption Application. If the intended pigeon owner is a minor, the parent must be the one to fill out the application and be in contact with the rescue through the adoption process.

• Who can apply to be a foster? Anyone over the age of 18, and within a 1 hour driving distance of Louisville, KY, can fill out a Foster Application.

• Should I adopt a single or pair of pigeons? Pigeons are very social and need consistent companionship to be their happiest. All pigeons need a minimum of 4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time a day. Single pigoens need at least 6 hours of companionship per day (more is much better). For this reason, single pigeons are more appropriate for those who work from home or are home often. For someone who has a busier schedule, a pair would be more appropriate and ensure all of the pigeon's social needs are met. While a pair of pigeons may not bond to you the same as a single pigeon (pigeons tend to only prefer touch from their mates), they can still develop a friendly bond with their owners and make great pets!

• Can I have a pet pigeon if I have other birds? Yes! Notably, hookbilled birds (parrots) should not be caged with pigeons and any interaction with your pet pigeon should be monitored at all times. Pigeons should not be house alongside chickens, as chickens can seriously injure a pigeon.

• Can I have a pet pigeon if I have cats/dogs? Yes, many of us have households with both feathered and furry friends! However, if you have cats or dogs, a predator-proof cage (like a Critter Nation) is highly encouraged. It is also best to have a separate room when your bird can safely fly and play away from your furry friends. Even if your cat or dog is very frieldy and docile, no interactions between your furrchildren and pigeon should be unmonitored.

  
  

• How much is the adoption fee? Shipping fee? The adoption fee is $40 for a single bird and $40 for a pair of birds (2 for 1!). The shipping fee is $70.

• Do you ship to me? Is shipping safe? We ship anywhere within the continental United States. If there is a rescue geographically closer to you, we will normally encourage you to adopt from them (unless your heart is set on a specific bird). Shipping is safe, however, it is still stressful for the pigeon, so we try to reduce this as much as possible.
  

• How do you care for a pet pigeon? Pigeons need a minimum cage size of 36" x 24" (for a feral-sized pigeon, larger for bigger breeds). Outdoor aviaries should be predator-proofs by 1/4 inch hardware cloth all the way around (for aviary ideas, see Palomacy's page [here]). They have a specialized diet and pigeon-specific grit (see nutrition tips from Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue [here]). Pigeons should never be allowed to "free-fly", as they are prone to predation and becomming lost (see safety tips from Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue [here]). Indoor pigeons will require your time and attention, as pigeons are social animals. They also require 4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time a day.

• How do I manage pigeon poop for my indoor pet pigeon? Pigeons can wear "pigeon pants" or "pigeon diapers"! They can wear these diapers for a maximum of 4 hours at a time. There are many amazing brands, such as Bev's Bird Boutique. Etsy also have many styles available!
  

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