Lofty Ambitions

I am currently investigating the basics of building a pigeon loft in my backyard so that I can acquire racing pigeons and, somewhere down the line (if all goes well), begin a ceremonial dove release company (like this Bay Area company). Both pigeons and doves are of the same species, although some varieties are commonly referred to as “doves” because of their smaller size, color, and incessant cooing. White racing pigeons (homers) don’t coo as much (like the turtle dove) but they fit the stereotypical perception of Dove and should be a big hit when released at weddings, funerals, and special events.

One website suggested I check with local ordinances first. I called the city of Marysville and was informed that the structure needed to be at least 40 ft. from any dwelling. I took to the backyard with a tape measure and found that my maximum distance would be about 32 ft. YIKES! I continued to research and found that the city of Marysville was classifying my pigeons as “livestock fowl” which was addressed recently in California State Legislation. The state legislation exempted homing pigeons from the “livestock fowl” classification in city and county ordinances. I spoke again with the planning department of the city of Marysville and sent them an email of the state legislation. I also noted that guinea pigs and rabbits were included in the same ordinance which makes lots of homes and several classrooms in our neighborhood out of compliance. After discussing the pros and cons of what constituted addressing it through the proper channels (file a $50 fee for an interpretation or petition those who represent me on the city council), the city planner thought it best if we meet together next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I found a loft. I'm so excited to be able to buy a ready-made loft instead of starting from scratch. I found one in Redding (via craigslist) that looks like a few modifications and a coat of fresh paint will be all it takes to get ready for occupation by my birds.

After remodeling and painting my loft, I will obtain a flock of young birds, and begin the process of training them to enter the loft (officially known as "settling" the birds) and then fly home from greater and greater distances. The next step is to pitch and conduct school assemblies about homing pigeons (incorporated into my current educational services business) and then expanding to wedding, funeral, and special event releases. Pigeons are hardy birds, have a fascinating history, and – as white doves – are beautiful and inspirational. Stay tuned for more pigeon news!

Izzy Was... Wuzzy Is... Yuba County Pigeon Parents

Izzy didn’t make it. I’m sure it had a lot to do with the 3 separate 16 ft. falls that he suffered after being put back in the nest by a well-meaning idiot. Despite all of the hype on the web about pigeons being hardy, and following instructions to the best of our ability, he never perked up, couldn’t eat or drink on his own, and finally succumbed to his injuries.

However, we took in his nest mate on day two and dubbed him Wuzzy. Wuzzy had more feathers and was friskier. He also had a HUGE gaping head wound. The experts call this “nest abuse.” We actually saw his pigeon parents pecking him while he cowered, cried, and attempted to stay in the nest. Once they succeeded at getting Wuzzy to leave the nest, we scooped him up to protect him from the cats. In two short weeks, he has begun flying the garage for short periods. His head is completely scabbed over and he eats lot of seed, drinks, and bathes.

The Yuba County pigeon parents immediately began to remodel the nest and it looks like they (in typical Yuba County impoverished, welfare mentality, goofed up fashion) have laid another egg or two. They are the worst pigeon parents ever. I’m betting they’re meth or crack pigeons and, if you sat them down and discussed the situation, they would swear they were the greatest parents ever. They’ve made a huge mess of our porch and we aren’t enjoying the up-close look at nature any longer. I was considering leaving a ladder out against the post so that the cats can do my dirty work.

Then, I read further into the pigeon care websites and found that their behavior is normal. If the parents don’t have room for a second nest, they evict the first pair of chicks at about 24 days post-hatch to make room for another set of eggs. It looks like two sets of chicks a year which means we’ll be evicting the entire family in about 2 months.

Paul thinks we should set Wuzzy free today. I’m not sure he’s ready, but I have an idea for an outside dwelling on the side of Sugar’s kennel. I’m going to try that today. It’s too bad the batting cage has some holes in the net. That would be a huge aviary.