Richard and I were on holiday recently and we sadly had to leave our two disabled pigeons at home, however, they were in the care of two lovely pigeon-sitters who ensured the Elmo and Georgie had everything they needed. This would usually mean human company as the top priority, however, this time both pigeons were broody and sitting on fake eggs the whole week. So it was an easy job for the sitters to come in and clean and give fresh food and water with Elmo and Georgie snuggled up in their nests (separate! Elmo sadly hates Georgie). I had to warn the sitters that Elmo WILL attack their feet since he gets very protective when he’s broody. I just hope he didn’t scare them away!
Upon returning home Georgie and Elmo decided to leave their eggs alone and snuggle up to us instead and so there was a happy home welcoming. And the weather stayed lovely so I was able to take them both out for some more adventures in the garden!
I think Georgie is the Sunbathing Queen!!
I love taking my pigeons out into the sunshine. They really enjoy it and love to explore the garden. I particularly love looking at Georgie in the sunlight. All the little feathers on her head and face shine and are really distinct. They look amazing! And Georgie has such a delicate little face, she’s a real stunner even though she’s not very colourful.
Since Elmo can see normally, watching him explore the garden is a joy. He peers into the grass to see if there are any clumps of earth he can peck at and eat, he’ll pick up different twigs and shake them about in his beak, and he’ll play with the long pieces of grass. Elmo often ‘tells’ me when he wants to go outside by standing near the front door. If I haven’t noticed him there he’ll fall alseep, and I’ll find him in that position later and take him out for a play in the garden.
Here’s Elmo playing with a stick:
Georgie preening in the garden:
I love pigeons …… love .. love .. love
Dear Pigeons as Pets,
I am a researcher at a UK TV production company, Blink Films, specializing in landmark factual programmes for UK and US broadcasters. You can learn more about our company here: http://www.blinkfilmsuk.com/
We are developing a new TV series for National Geographic that will be taking a look at the wild animals that frequently cross our paths; some see these animals as a nuisance and others absolutely love them and it is these conflicting relationships that we will be exploring.
We would very much like to find people who love pigeons and hear their experiences with these creatures. Is this something that you would be happy to discuss further?
Yours sincerely,
Alice Smith
Your babies are looking cute as always! I’m glad they survived the holiday!
Thank you, Kat!