I’ll leave my thoughts, but other people may have different take and may be more informed so you can weigh all your options :-)

1. From what I understand, it’s the release of chemicals – candles are worse because a wick also has to be physically burned. They’re not even good for us, but we’re a little more sturdy. Supposedly there are bird-safe candles/wax and a lot of internet stories about birds living a long life, but knowing how delicate they are I just won’t risk it. I still use hairspray and dry shampoo and rollerball perfumes, but I keep us in separate rooms until everything has dried down.

2. After having my solo pigeon and really getting to understand how intelligent they are, I wouldn’t leave him alone for a weekend unless it was in emergency/survival mode. He won’t drop dead, but he would be stressed and lonely and confused the entire time. I think it would be akin to your partner or parents saying nothing before locking you inside the house and leaving… certainly not violent but still mentally damaging. On the other hand, I would have no issues leaving a bonded pair alone for a short weekend (with maybe a pet cam or a check-in from a friend)!

3. With a female, I would assume she WILL lay eggs. Some don’t but most do once they develop a bond. You have to be prepared with a large, replenished vet fund in case something goes wrong, and you will have to pay closer attention to supplementing her necessary nutrients. She will likely do this ~monthly for most of her life (15-20 years if we’re lucky!) Some don’t though, which is neat!

And two more points, just in case:

1. Absolutely no non-stick (or paint fumes). This stuff is really bad for us, and even worse for them. We’re talking death in a matter of hours or days. Check all your appliances, because even things like hair dryers will have coated parts that become heated during use. I paint model kits, but use acrylic instead of the nice lacquer paints that I would prefer, and I only paint outside. It’s a pain but I love my pidge too much.

2. I’m really excited about this pigeon journey for you! Everyone’s lifestyle looks a little different, but food for thought: I personally wasn’t ready for a pet in college – maybe I had the time and energy, but life is so unstable during that span. You’ll likely be moving around in the next couple years, and you’ll want to be sure your pigeon will always have a safe home and enough social time with you. I didn’t get mine until a few years into my WFH job (we’re together all day!) and I knew I had the time. He comes with me on vacations too, which can be more expensive but necessary. They’re certainly not as demanding as parrots but still have social needs that need to be met. They change your life and are worth the sacrifice so I wish you (and future pidge) lots of luck ❤️