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Pigeon
Pigeon
Origin
South Asia
Europe
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹2,500
Basic Lifestyle
₹3,500
Premium Lifestyle
Top 5 Traits
Curious
Social
Gentle
Affectionate
Intelligent
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 17 Jun 2025
Introduction to Pigeons
Pigeons are also known as Columbidae. They are gentle, social birds that have lived alongside humans for centuries. They come from wild rock pigeons and have become beloved companions around the world. Known for their soft cooing and graceful flight, they often form lifelong bonds. Their intelligence and adaptability help them thrive in both cities and rural areas. With a clean space and balanced diet, pigeons make calm and loyal pets. Want to know more about these birds? Let’s explore in further sections.
Characteristics
Affection
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Vocalization
Silent
Vocal
Intelligence
Low
High
Social Behavior
Prefer Isolation
Very Social
Nutrition Guidelines for Pigeons
Monthly Food Expenses
₹1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Ideal weight
238 - 380 grams
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
List of foods
Seeds
Vegetables
Fruits
Legumes
Cooked eggs
Pellets
Nuts
Pigeons require a balanced diet that contains proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. Here is what you should focus on while designing a diet for your bird.
Foods that are harmful to Pigeons
Avoid anything with these ingredients
High-fat foods
Salty snacks
Chocolate
Avocado
Alcohol
Onions
Garlic
Just like how you got an idea of what all the food items should be fed to your pet bird. It is also essential to know what food items can cause harm to your pet. Here is a list of those food items that should be avoided-
Healthcare Guide for Pigeons
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹1,000 - ₹1,500
Recognising Stress
Feather Plucking
Loss of Appetite
Decreased Social Interaction
Changes in Droppings
Aggression
Common Health Issues
Respiratory Infections
Nutritional Deficiencies (e.g., Vitamin A deficiency)
Pigeon Paramyxovirus (PPMV)
Pigeon Fungal Infections
Pigeon Malaria
Wing and Leg Injuries
Energy Level
Medium
Preventative measure
Physical checkup every 6-12 months
Annual Blood Work
Beak Assessment
Nail Trimming
Feather Assessment
Environmental Enrichment
Use Cage Covers
Common health issues found in Pigeons
Here are some of the common health issues found in pigeons-
Prerequisites to pet a Pigeon
Time Commitment.
Noise Tolerance.
Living Space.
Enrichment Activities.
Ideal habitat for Pigeon
Initial Setup Cost
₹2,500 - ₹ 3,000
Monthly Expenses
₹1,000 - ₹ 1,500
Essential Equipment
Bird Cage
Perches
Food/ water dishes
Toys and Enrichment
Cage Liner Paper
Bird Cage Bedding
Cuttle Bone
Compatible mates
Mourning Dove.
Ringneck Dove.
Diamond Dove.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon.
- Choose a sturdy, spacious cage or loft for your pigeons.
- Make sure they have access to fresh air but are protected from sun, wind, and predators.
- Provide a flat, sheltered spot for nesting.
- Give them enough room to fly and move around freely.
- Keep the space dry and well-ventilated to avoid dampness.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of pigeons?
Pigeons generally have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Is pigeon bird good for home?
Pigeons can be great pets for home, they are affectionate and friendly. However, keep in mind that they have some health issues associated which can affect humans.
What food do pigeons eat?
Pigeons eat seeds, fruits, vegetables, insects and small vertebrates.
What are the most common diseases in pigeons?
Common pigeon diseases include salmonellosis (paratyphoid), pigeon herpesvirus, and coccidiosis. All serious infections that require prompt care.