Hi I need some help...

I have a feral pigeon that broke its wing and won't fly again. I am wondering how big of cage he might need. I also have a cockatiel that could keep him company. In another cage of course. Would he learn to be happy in the house? Any advice is appreciated!

Hi Shann!

Thank you for taking in the pigeon with the broken wing!
Pigeons who are loved and cared for can adapt to living indoors, especially if they have company. The ideal situation would be to adopt another disabled pigeon from a rescuer. Do you know what sex your pigeon is?
I don't have cockatiels, so I'm not sure how pigeons react to their vicinity. Generally they like the company of other birds -- providing the cockatiel's strong beak is out of reach...

About the size of the cage, I copied some info posted by our member Matilda. Please note that the size recommended is for one pigeon. If you consider having two at some point, might as well get one a little longer.

Matilda wrote:

A perfect size cage for a house pigeon is...30 inches long x 18 inches wide x 18 inches tall.
Pigeons prefer long rather than tall, such as parrot type birds.
The door should be big and close to the floor of the cage, which makes it easy to clean and easy for the pigeon to get in and out of.
I don't know if you have it there but a product that works well is 1/4 inch, heavy gage hard ware cloth.

Something like this would work and could be modified for him.
http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=1266

I never use a wire bottom for birds as I think the wire is hard on their feet. I line the bottom with newspaper and maybe a small box with a towel in it to nest in. I also put a shelf across one end for the pigeon to roost on should he choose. Underneath, the water and food can be placed so it won't get soiled.
On the floor of the cage, I put a brick as a roost or perch. Pigeons do like flat surfaces to stand on rather that surfaces that are round.

I hope that helps!

There are also some useful ideas for shelving and accessories here:
http://www.pigeonangels.com/t869-helpful-hints-and-tips

Welcome to Pigeon Angels, Shann.
Many thanks for taking in the injured pigeon.

Teresa has given you some great advice/suggestions.

Any chance you could post a picture of your little rescue. We love pictures.

Please let us know how things are going with the pijjies new home (cage).

Make sure if the pigeon was wild or outside coop pigeon, That he does not go near your tropical birds! for a disease that acts like a parasite can effect both your pigeon and the cocktiel . somehow it gets transfered from the pigeons to tropical birds. I have had this happen, It looks like a wart usually found on the nails of the birds foot, or the rim of the beak! it can grow and become fatal for both your pigeon and cockitel. Please be aware of this, and if you know you have ran into this problem, all you need to do is put Mineral oil on the birds infected area. ...Im just giving the heads up!

SplizzlahSavage wrote:

Make sure if the pigeon was wild or outside coop pigeon, That he does not go near your tropical birds! for a disease that acts like a parasite can effect both your pigeon and the cocktiel . somehow it gets transfered from the pigeons to tropical birds. I have had this happen, It looks like a wart usually found on the nails of the birds foot, or the rim of the beak! it can grow and become fatal for both your pigeon and cockitel. Please be aware of this, and if you know you have ran into this problem, all you need to do is put Mineral oil on the birds infected area. ...Im just giving the heads up!

Hmmm... that's a new one on me! Dozens of rescues and never a single one with those symptoms... do you know what it was, could it have been Pox? Any additional info would be appreciated.