Pigeon nest boxes have emerged as a replica of how our pigeons would live in the wild. Domestic pigeons are descendants of the blue rock pigeon; these pigeons normally lived in flocks and nested together in caves and holes in cliff walls. Our modern pigeons still retain that cave instinct, which is why we provide them with modern equivalents, in the form of pigeon nest boxes.
Pigeon nests should be spacious and well ventilated, with plenty of light. Unlike most birds, the pigeon does not need total isolation when nesting, and in fact prefers to settle when other pairs are breeding nearby. The size of pigeon nest boxes should be proportional to the breed.
As a guide for the beginner, a box of the following dimensions is ideal for pigeon nesting boxes:
The total length of each box should be about 24 inches, the height about 18 inches, and the depth about 17 inches. This size of pigeon nest box provides enough space for mother pigeons and their future young. If the boxes are built in sections, they can become a permanent fixture of the loft.
However, if you want each of the pigeon nests to be a separate unit, then you have the added advantage that they can be easily removed for cleaning and fumigation. Also, if you are short on space, you can remove them and give your birds more space when they are not breeding.
Each of the pigeon nest boxes must be provided with a suitable front that allows some privacy for the birds, as well as allowing it to prevent other birds from entering and interfering with mating or nestlings.
It is recommended that you provide a small shelf, about seven to eight inches from the floor of the box, on which to place the nest. This gives additional protection to the young when they first leave the nest.
The number of nests in the loft depends on how many pigeons you have. As an absolute minimum, you should have one nest box for each pair of mated birds, although two boxes for each mated pair are ideal, as this prevents arguments between territorial roosters.
Boxes should be kept closed when not in use, as some oldies will try to establish a box empire all to themselves! Given the chance, these dominant males will claim all the boxes and try to prevent newcomers from using them.
Newly mated pairs must be kept and fed in their boxes for several days before they are allowed into the loft. It is best to return them to their nest by hand every night for a week to ten days afterward to ensure they are well established. Allowing pigeons to select their own boxes usually results in many fights, broken eggs and injured pigeons.
Above all, pigeon nests should be comfortable for your pigeons, because the happier they are in them, the happier they will be to lay!