AboutStacie G. Expertise I can answer questions related to health, care, behavior, and breeding. If you have an emergency situation, please take it to a veterinarian with avian experience. Unfortunately I do not know much about actually racing pigeons, but I do show exhibition king pigeons.
Experience I have raised pigeons for approximately 12 years now. I got started in the hobby by rescuing an injured feral when I was 12 years old and successfully rehabilitated him. Unfortunately, he was not releasable and so I kept him until he passed about two years ago. From that feral, I actually realized that pigeons were great companions and I had dismissed any previous misconceptions I had heard about them.
Now I am focusing my attention to the show king although I do have a few racing homers, utility kings, and MFC helmets.
Organizations National Pigeon Association
American King Club
Education/Credentials Mainly self-taught with my own experiences, but I have supplemented my knowledge with books and information from NPA and AKC.
Awards and Honors Numerous Best of Breed and Reserve of Breed in 4-H shows; Two Best in Shows acquired while in 4-H. (7 years ago!)
Best of Show and Reserve of Show in county fair
Expert: Stacie G. Date: 7/21/2008 Subject: Bird's Mouth
Question I have been given a pigeon as a gift. Its not my idea of a gift but I couldn’t say no because of how cute she is. Me and her do get along alright despite my lack of knowledge. A few things I need help with. Firstly when she is out of her cage I sit with her to keep her company and I can hold her. But she certainly doesn’t like it, and I have to chase her for it. Any way to fix that? I’m not gonna get another one but I don’t want her to die from loneliness. Secondly she doesn’t seem all that bright. My cat was onto of her traveling cage smacking it and she wasn’t worried. My cat is de-clawed and never around my bird without a cage between but should I be worried about my bird’s lack of fear for a predator? Also she has her chest feathers all rumpled and her beak looks odd. Like feathers sticking out of it and like a bit of brown where I think her feathers have fallen off her face. Ick. What should I do? Also me and my partner built her a cage but she doesn’t seem to know how to move up in the levels only down. Hmmm help would be awesome.
Answer Hi Lilly,
Since she is fairly new to your household, I expect it will take some time before she gets acquainted with you and forms a bond. It sounds like she is fairly tame and calm, but a lot of pigeons do not like to be captured. One thing you might want to do is have her come to you by sitting on the floor and offering her a tasty treat such as some of her favorite seeds. This might entice her to come closer to you without you having to chase her and to show her that you will not hurt her. Also, since she did not react to the cat, I think she has not really been exposed to predators to know what to do. In this case, it would be a good idea to keep her inside and away from pets and predators that could harm her. I am not sure about the feather description, as some breeds of pigeons do show a swirl of feathers on the chest area. Can you send me a picture? Also, it might take her some time to learn how to get up to the higher levels in the cage. Is there enough room for her to fly in it?
