New Perches for My Fancy Pigeons
Here at my Bedford, New York farm, our long list of spring projects continues with the "planting" of a new perch for my fancy pigeons.
My pigeons live in a very safe and comfortable pen near my stable, where they get lots of attention from visiting friends and family. Inside their enclosure, they love to perch on the roof of their dovecote and watch various activities around the property. During one of my visits, I noticed they were not utilizing the smaller perch set up for them outside the coop - perhaps it was just too low for their liking. I asked Pete and Fernando to create a new perch for them - one that would allow lots of pigeons to gather together up high and see all that is around them.
Enjoy these photos.
-
- Pigeons are very observant and one of the most intelligent of all the bird species. These birds have a remarkable capacity to recognize and remember many things. Here are some of my fancy pigeons watching their new perch being “planted” in their enclosure.
-
- This perch outside the pigeon coop is not used as often as I would like. I realized it was likely too low and instructed the crew to make a much bigger and taller one.
-
- Pete starts digging a hole on one side of the pen making sure the location does not block their tree perch or their flight space. Pete uses a post hole digger, which is used to dig narrow holes. The tool is jabbed into the ground in the open position and then closed to grab and pull out the soil.
-
- Here’s a closer look at the post hole digger – this tool is available at any hardware store. A post hole digger is also known as a clamshell digger, because of its resemblance to the seaside shell. It doesn’t take long to dig the hole deep enough for the post. Pete makes sure it is at least a foot and a half deep.
-
- Pete uses a tamping bar to loosen the soil around any big rocks in the hole.
-
- And then Fernando and Pete “plant” the first post into the ground. Fernando backfills as Pete holds the post straight. No cement needed.
-
- Once it is secure, level, and straight, Pete packs the soil firmly with his foot – this post is definitely not moving.
-
- Pigeons are very docile, gentle and sweet-natured birds – everyone at the farm loves visiting them. And they are also well-guarded by the neighboring peafowl, who chase any aerial predators away from the pen. Many of my birds have been raised here at the farm, so they’re all accustomed to the various people and noises. These pigeons are very curious.
-
- Fernando and Pete place the second post into its proper hole – so far, so good.
-
- And then they lift up the horizontal piece and put it in place. They center the log appropriately, and check that it is level. It will be a great viewing spot for all the pigeons.
-
- Pete uses an eight inch screw and matching bolt to attach the horizontal log to the vertical supports.
-
- Here he drills in the other screw and bolt.
-
- This perch is very safe and secure.
-
- The pigeons are watching very intently from the roof of their coop. The entire project takes less than an hour to complete.
-
- Inside, Pete and Fernando also built this new ladder perch – it fits one entire wall of the pigeon enclosure. We keep these shelters very dry to prevent bacteria and disease from developing – water and moisture are the enemies. Pigeons can be quite messy, but it is important to keep their enclosures as clean as possible.
-
- It doesn’t take long before the pigeons start using it. They already love their new roost.
-
- Some of the pigeons watch from their nearby nesting boxes. Pigeons mate for life and both female and male pigeons share the responsibility of caring for and raising their young.
-
- And here it is – all complete. I think it looks great.
-
- I am sure these birds will soon fly to their new perching spot to check it out. They love to perch together. An adult pigeon is about 13 inches in length and can weigh up to 20 ounces.
-
- The pigeon enclosure is very long – they love flying around from place to place. This new perch is a nice addition to the space. Here at my Bedford farm, I always enjoy teaching visitors about the many birds I keep – the peafowl, the Guinea fowl, the geese, the chickens, and of course, my pigeons. I am so glad my pigeons are happy here at Cantitoe Corners.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
