Peace, Coo, and Companionship: Why Pigeons and Doves Make Surprisingly Wonderful Pets

Think chickens are charming? Wait until you meet their quieter cousins. In honor of our new friendship with Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue, we thought we'd feature an article about pigeons and doves. But first, a little background: Yesterday, our founder saw a post about a fancy pigeon that was on the loose for a while in her area. After resisting the urge to run out and bring her home- she gave in yesterday and contacted the person who had trapped her in the garage. When she got to the location, she was smitten- this beautiful crested pigeon was so sweet- and so scared. She brought her home and gave her a place among her other birds, and just like that, a forever home was found for her. We, here at the lab, tested her blood samples and confirmed she is in fact, a she, and her name became Eva- short for Evangeline, or "bearer of good news". You see, this little bird connected us to our new friends over at Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue and opened the door to our ability to help a wonderful organization find homes for birds just like Eva. Keep reading, and learn about why you just might want to bring a pigeon or dove home. And maybe, just maybe, you'll connect with www.greatlakespigeonrescue.org if you do!

All about Pigeons and Doves:

When people think of pet birds, parrots and parakeets usually take the spotlight. But there’s a quiet, unassuming bird that deserves a lot more attention: the humble pigeon. And let’s not forget their elegant relatives, doves. Gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and surprisingly easy to care for — pigeons and doves make fantastic companions for bird lovers of all kinds.

The Most Underrated Pet Birds

Despite their street bird reputation, domesticated pigeons (especially fancy breeds like Homers, Fantails, Kings, and Old Frill Satinettes- like Eva) are nothing like their feral cousins. Hand-raised or rescued pigeons are calm, affectionate, and bond easily with their humans.

Doves, including species like Ringnecks and Diamond Doves, are similarly sweet and social. Their soft cooing adds a peaceful ambiance to any home, and their gentle nature makes them great for first-time bird keepers. They also can live a long time! It isn't unheard of to see one of these sweet fluffballs live over 15 years in captivity!

Quiet, Clean, and Calm

Unlike parrots, pigeons and doves aren’t screamers. Their sounds are soft, rhythmic, and soothing. If you’ve ever heard the gentle coo of a dove or the happy “wing clap” of a content pigeon, you know how calming it can be.

And yes — they can be housetrained. Many indoor pigeon owners use bird-safe diapers (aka "flight suits") or simply train their birds to perch in specific areas. They groom frequently, require minimal bathing, and don’t destroy furniture like larger parrots might.

Affectionate and Intelligent

Pigeons and doves are emotionally intelligent. Pigeons recognize faces, remember people, and form strong bonds with their caretakers. They’ll follow you from room to room, sit on your shoulder, and even wait at the door for you to come home.

They’re also monogamous. If you’re keeping a pair, you’ll likely witness their sweet courtship dances, mutual grooming, and nest sharing. Many people find their interactions as touching as any dog or cat companionship.

Low-Maintenance, High Reward

Compared to exotic birds, pigeons and doves are low-fuss. They thrive on a simple seed-based diet (commercial mixes work great), clean water, and a safe space to stretch their wings.

They don’t need complicated toys or enrichment like parrots — a cozy loft, a few perches, and occasional out-of-cage time is all it takes to keep them happy.

And yes — they can live indoors or outdoors (with protection from predators and weather). They're also ideal for people with allergies to pet dander or fur.

Want to Know Your Pigeon's Gender? We Can Help.

Like many birds, pigeons and doves are hard to sex visually — even experienced keepers get it wrong. If you’ve got a young bird and need to know whether you’ve got a Romeo or a Juliet, DNA testing is your best bet.

✅ Affordable Avian’s Pigeon & Dove DNA Gender Test is fast, accurate, and requires just a feather or drop of blood. ✅ Get results in days, not weeks — perfect for breeders, rescues, or curious new bird parents. ✅ No more guessing games or mismatched pairs.

Final Coo

Pigeons and doves are the underrated darlings of the avian world — peaceful, affectionate, and full of quiet charm. Whether you're looking for a companion bird or simply exploring alternatives to the usual pet store lineup, consider opening your heart (and home) to these gentle cooers.

You might be surprised how quickly they win you over.