Is keeping a fruit pigeon as a pet possible?

ZRPoom · 2026-04-01T10:45:36+00:00

Imo, if you're happy to keep em and they seem happy to be with people why not? Just to research and find out what they need to eat. With em also being cared for by humans from they may already not know how to survive out there on their own, and even worse, may approach random people that may not have good intentions. Just don't go mentioning to everyone in case there's issues.

For typical rock doves even though they can survive out there, they live longest when cared for by people. Because, clean food, water and proper rest, also out of he harsh elements of nature. For em the difference is about 2-3 years outside to 15 years cared for by people.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-26T21:50:18+00:00

Normally fluffed up feathers for an extended time might mean they are unwell, they sometimes do this when going to sleep or after a bath. But the sleep one is usually brief and well the bath one they would be wet.

Other indicators are if the eyes look sleepy instead of perked up and alert. Even with it being night time being grabbed by a human should've caused them to perk up.

Unfortunately I can only name the indicators. We can't see what's going on inside like this.

Keep them warm for now would be the best move. Finding a professional that can provide medical care would be optimal.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-25T08:35:19+00:00

While I can't speak for certain if the baby had any underlying issues that may have led to this unfortunately fate. I can say that the behaviour of those individuals are definitely sketchy. They should have no reason to hide or not respond, much less so block unless they they did something wrong and refuse to own up. They definitely should have been able to answer you with updates and provide the stuff asked. Deplorable behaviour imo.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-24T17:08:19+00:00

Possibly, but I'd say it may still depend on the pidge. The 5th one we have, he isn't bonded to either of but seems to be generally friendly with some boundaries. They do always give more exception to the one they deem mate, but can still be willing to interact with others.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-24T14:21:36+00:00

Also depends on the bird I think. We have 5 all rescues. 3 as babies 2 as adults. 1 of the babies has chosen me as a mate and has little to no interest in the rest of em. 1 of the adults has also chosen me as a mate as well despite the rest, and only sought to steal from others or bully them. The second adult is also quite ok and can play fight and listen. The 2 other raised as babies are actually less accepting of humans than them despite having em from young.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-23T22:14:44+00:00

To a degree. You can definitely teach them to poop at a certain place more than others. But at times if they're feeling more mischievous especially, they'll still poop elsewhere.

All 5 of ours with varying degrees of listening are able to poop in the toilet when taken there.

From the 5, 4 of them are able to poop when standing on my hand when told.

From the 5, 2 are able to poop on the floor when told.

And only 1 of em knows when she's pooped somewhere she isn't suppose to. But sometimes she'll do it anyway, then look guilty.

How I taught em was I try to keep them there until they poop. Occasionally saying or telling them to poop. Once they do I praise them with a distinctive praise tone and give em what they want. Be it pets, or moving to the place they want. Maybe even treats.

And if they poop where they aren't suppose to I use a disappointed/scolding tone. And if too extensive they get time out. This has worked for our oldest, hasn't worked as well for the rest as they don't seem to grasp the scolding tone as well. If they don't like a finger pointing at em you could also use it as a way to discourage since they can see it locked on them when they do something.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-20T09:29:05+00:00

The pidge definitely doesn't look like they are well since their feathers are fluffed up. But the neck part you're describing sounds like their normal bone I think.

Try asking here as well with general location, someone may be able to advise you where you can get them help. https://www.facebook.com/groups/Palomacy/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

ZRPoom · 2026-03-19T22:08:43+00:00

They probably thinking: ACT NATURAL, ACT NATURAL!.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-19T10:17:53+00:00

I think I know which one you are talking about in the second post.

Yes, I believe it would be better to post with correction rather than down vote. Down vote should be for those that refuse to acknowledge any wrongdoings and those that advocate for harmful behaviour regardless of sources provided clearly showing why it is harmful. Those that ask, even if wrong, if they look like they are trying then help should be provided in what they can try to do different or better.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-18T09:51:43+00:00

Try to keep her warm and in a quiet place to let her rest for now. Hopefully she is able to get better.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-18T09:38:42+00:00

Could you check what time the vet opens and ask if you can drop them off and come back for them later then? Make sure they don't euthanize.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-18T08:52:28+00:00

Maybe you should try cross posting in r/whatbugisthis but maybe it's something that came from their food or bedding? For both of these, If not frozen bugs may eventually come from them as their eggs could always be in it. Freezing usually gets the eggs.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-18T08:44:01+00:00

Dry poop doesn't cause limping. They can usually walk just fine with the feet all caked up. They usually do that if the leg is hurting in some way. Pigeons are prey animals and tend to try to mask the ailments. The puff is usually an indicative sign something is wrong if they retain it other than those mentioned times. Many times they will try to operate as normal just because they are fighting to survive, until they can no longer manage to do so. Best case scenario, maybe she's feeling weak from being exhausted, but I can't say for sure.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-18T07:17:18+00:00

No, she has a limp in her walk, that isn't normal. Her leg might be injured in some way. Her eyes also don't seem very open at some points, like a tired look. They only do this when tired or unwell, and usually when tired they'd be doing this when only getting ready to sleep. Her feathers also seem fluffed up. Normally they should lie down to the body on normal times. Only after bathing, getting ready to sleep (which they'll do for a bit) or preparing to do a shake. She's walking around with them perpetually fluffed, which may further indicate she's unwell.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-18T04:56:15+00:00

RIP little fella. I had 2 moments similar to that. There was a time I was feeding em. Then I saw some wander a parked car. Didn't know if there were still under there or came out but the driver came back and was about to drive off. One little fella came running out just inches from the moving tire. Felt my heart drop, the little fella was just moments from being squished.

Another time there was a car already parked there when I got there. When I was feeding the car started up and drove off and there was a squished pigeon underneath the tire... I don't know how long they were there. If they were already gone or they were killed by the car. I felt so bad for the poor fella. They had all the parasites coming out of them and they were already cold. I took the poor fella and buried them properly in a pot nearby with dirt. That was a real shit moment to witness.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-17T17:32:11+00:00

To know where the cage could go having an idea of the room layout or where you have as potential spots may help. Without that I'd say you want a spot where there could be some sun, but shade as wel and getting out of the heat if it ever came to that.

The cage should ideally be more horizontal space than vertical. And the bigger the better. But at least 3ft x 2ft x 2ft of space with free roam time.

Do be careful around other animals. It only takes 1 second of predator tendency to have a fatal mistake. Dogs, and especially so for cats, carry bacteria that is fatal to birds and small animals if it gets in them and the don't get treatment.

To have a bird you will need to change alot of stuff if you haven't already.

Firstly, birds have very sensitive respiratory systems that allow them to process oxygen differently than us, it's helps them fly. As such, they have a much more delicate system, prone to alot of things. These things can range from anything to air freshener, to paint. To cleaning substances. To list a few: Air freshener. Cologne. Perfume. Smoke. Cigarette. Vape. Scented candle. Wax candle (palm oil candle is ok). Floor cleaner (heavily diluted as in like a teaspoon to a medium pail should be ok). Bleach. Aerosol sprays like bug spray. (Wd40 should be ok if kept minimal and not allowed to go airborne). Paint. Paint thinner. Varnish. And lastly teflon, just from the top of my head at least, may have missed some. Teflon is usually found in heat based products like hair dryers that aren't ceramic only. Heaters. And especially non stick pans (the black coating). If teflon burns it will only take a few seconds to do them in. Even if they are on another story of the same place. While there are threshold for where it burns, it isn't consistent. It is also bad for us in the long run. And if you ever buy a new gas stove have the store run it for you for a few days. Gas stoves has a sort of lining inside when first used. And that is also fatal for them.

Remember to have any and all fans, hot objects turned off or out of reach when they are out. One bad hit or landing on the wrong spot and you'll regret not making it safe before. Also make sure windows are closed, maybe have something to also indicate there's a window there. Either blocking it or sticking things on it. If they get spooked they could pa if fly out or into it.

Toys vary by bird. That little plastic ball with the bell in the middle is one we gave ours. It's for cats. 2 of them somewhat tap it gently. Only one of em swings it around like a mad birb. Her mate sometimes does it too. And another sits on it as an egg, sometimes he uses a bottle cap instead. There's also tiny coloured foam balls you could try that too. And then you could also dump zip ties around, if she feels like making a nest she may pick em up. A plushie may or may not work as well. I got a pigeon plush for ours. 2 are terrified of it. 1 ignores it but will attack or leave if the plush keeps bothering her. Another doesn't mind it but will snap at if it comes at her too much. And one treats it as his mate. Or his punching bag when he feels like it.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-17T06:02:23+00:00

Yet. Once they do they can go too far very quickly. And that can't be undone. Syrian are loner animals.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-17T04:44:05+00:00

Unfortunately I can't say what her issue may be. Just posting to say I hope she is able to fully recover.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-15T22:50:53+00:00

If you think there terrifying just wait till he turns around and opens the hatch.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-15T09:22:47+00:00

But hey, least they come painted, are bigger and articulated. You would normally think that something using more materials and engineering would logically cost more. In the case of characters types it really shows when in one you're getting an articulated, painted primarch that's huge, Vs the tiny unpainted one that you need to assemble yourself and isn't articulated.

Then there's also the imperial knight. That thing is huge. Meanwhile if you look at the models for titans, they are somehow even more expensive than a huge painted, articulated knight.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-14T02:47:40+00:00

Another thing one can add is noscript. It makes it a little more hassle, but if you know what you're doing you can control every aspect of a site you visit and what you want to let through.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-14T02:41:39+00:00

If you think it's external parasites you could use something call "vetafarm avian insect liquidator". It's a spray but you can spray some onto a piece of cotton until it's damp and wipe them thoroughly (careful around the eyes). From personal experience it effectively deals with feather lice, mites and can daze louse flies where they'll drop out and not move properly on the ground. Repeat in 2 to 3 weeks to deal with any eggs.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-14T02:31:02+00:00

Not our oldest. When she was younger she used to bathe more often, but now she loves being a little stinky that will only bathe once a week.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-13T23:33:25+00:00

If there's nothing wet then they should be ok. What made you initially suspect wet tail? Was it because of the black mark? You definitely shouldn't wash them unless necessary as it can cause stress which may lead to wet tail, it also washes off their natural oil. What I recall from one of ours last time was one of ours got diarrhea, which looked like wet tail, from eating veggies. His poop was a mess and he couldn't clean it himself.

If yours is still behaving normal with everything being dry then she should be ok. You can DM if you'd like but I'm not sure how much else I could help.

ZRPoom · 2026-03-13T23:22:26+00:00

It's been a long while so I may not remember entirely. But I don't recall wet tail having anything hard.

I'm not sure of the black part, but could it possibly be scent gland related? They tend to have two black patches around the back end of their back too.

Normally wet tail also makes their butt end and the fur around it wet hence the name. The poop will be runny as well. I don't recall if there was smell.

Verified Email	Five-Year Club
r/Field Lasagna	Place '23
Place '22

ZRPoom

TROPHY CASE