Do pigeons make good pets?

Birds are common companion animals, and believe it or not, pigeons are among those birds thought to make good pets. In fact, pigeons have a long history of being pets; they were popular among the working class of Americans during the Industrial Revolution, and as smart, affectionate birds, they could be quite pleasant to have around. The only downside to having a pigeon as a pet is that it will require significant attention. Pigeons live in a group setting, and they are not accustomed to being alone. If you're going to keep a pigeon as a pet, you should have two, or have another animal it can bond with. While it may seem counterintuitive to introduce a bird to a dog or a cat, other domestic pets can be very good companions for pigeons. Just be sure to monitor such interactions. After all, dogs and cats are natural predators for birds. If the personalities aren't right, your pigeon might end up on the dinner menu. Domestic pigeons are not the same as wild pigeons, either. Rescuing a pigeon off the street doesn't mean it will adapt well to life in a home. If you want a pigeon as a pet, it is best to get one that has been bred in captivity.



Go back to the Wilmington Bird Control home page.