Guest Post by Jana Paradiso
Our experience as a first-time pigeon foster family
My daughter Shree got into pigeons in the Fall of 2022. She just developed an affinity for them, and that’s how we started to appreciate the gentle, unique nature of this bird. We had only ever had dogs as pets; I grew up with cats but developed allergies to them so can’t have them in our home. We are animal-lovers but were always just a dog-family.
A friend of mine told me about Palomacy. After learning about the organization and Elizabeth’s work, I knew that my family and I wanted to help out as volunteers. Shree and I spent a lot of time on the Palomacy website, reading up on pigeons. We filled out the application to volunteer and shortly after, Elizabeth invited us to help out at a Pigeon Palooza event at Oakland Animal Services. It was Shree’s and my first time being up close and personal with rescued pigeons. We learned so much during that one afternoon! Elizabeth and the other volunteers were super helpful and generous with their knowledge.
Shree & Jana
In early April, Elizabeth contacted me to see if we were able to foster two recently rescued pigeons, Nilla and Graham. I was nervous since we’ve never had birds in our home but the Palomacy website has a ton of information to help answer questions and provide links to resources. Elizabeth had the supplies to get us started and spent a couple of hours at our home to set-up the cage and get Nilla and Graham settled. She showed us how to put on pigeon pants too. Our family was so excited to have them in our home, to help them heal and be safe, and also to get to learn in real-time how to care for them. We have a small dog (Licorice, 9 yr old min-pin chihuahua mix) and it was good to have Elizabeth, who also has a dog, help Licorice and us acclimate to having birds in the house.
Nilla and Graham are very, very sweet pigeons. They were rescued separately, a few days apart, but in nearby locations in San Jose in the end of March 2023. Both had leg injuries and Nilla had a back wound. Nilla’s wound healed and his feathers grew back, though he still has a bit of a limp with his right leg. Graham shows no lingering injuries and is a very strong bird. They have hearty appetites, eager and excited for breakfast every morning, and enjoy treats of diced carrots and lettuce.
Over the 2 months that they’ve been with us, they’ve become good buddies. Elizabeth is pretty sure they are both males. While these two pigeons haven’t paired up, they are good roommates to each other. Nilla likes to preen Graham, especially by their food bowl, and Graham returns the favor occasionally. They often sleep next to each other, though sometimes they sleep in their own spots.
Nilla, our handsome white potato, has a warm presence and is curious, gazing deeply into your eyes. He is comfortable being held and loves head scratchies. He coos often, sometimes Graham joins in with his higher pitched coo. Nilla can sit by the mirrors for an extended time, cooing with his “buddies.”
Graham, with his soft tan feathers, is more independent. He’ll tolerate being held for a little bit but he likes to launch off your hand and fly to spot of his own. Initially, we weren’t sure whether he was a female or male, though Elizabeth thinks he most likely is a boy. He often makes a soft bark when we walk by the cage, in a show of his sassy attitude.
As with any pet, you have to be the one to figure out how to make time for them and care for them properly. We made sure we had a good spot for the cage and the supplies nearby. We change out the paper liner every morning, wipe down the sides of the cage and shelf, and bring a clean bowl of breakfast and water to start the day fresh. I’m home here and there during the day, and my husband works from home, so we’re able to do quick “housekeeping” (clean the poop, takes less than a minute), have some chats with them, and make sure their water and food is all set. We keep a vacuum cleaner nearby, and my daughter or I do a quick vacuum once or twice daily. I do a thorough cleaning of their cage about once a week (or sooner if needed), while the birds are having time around the house with the other humans. We had planned on trying to build a small aviary or purchase one, but don’t have a good outdoor space for it at the moment, as we have some construction on our home in the near future.
It did take some time for our dog, Licorice, to adapt. We would tell her, “Leave it,” and gently guide her away from the cage door, while also letting her see the birds out of the cage, at a safe distance for both of them. It was a matter of being patient to allow everyone to get used to being around each other, helping the birds feel safe, and desensitizing Licorice so that she didn’t want to chase them all the time.
We love hearing the pigeons throughout the day, since they are near our main living area: Nilla’s deep coos, Graham’s surprised-sounding coos, and their impressive wing flaps. It has been great getting to know them and help them adapt to life with humans. Unfortunately, one of my daughters started getting allergies every time she is near them for more than a few minutes or holds them, so we are going to see if they can be placed with another foster home for now. We have really loved having Nilla and Graham in our home. It is a joy to feed them, to put their pigeons pants on and have them out with us. We are not sure if we will be able to be fosters for pigeons for long-term but may try to help with short-term, so that the allergies can abate.
While we are going to take a break from fostering, we will be on hand as volunteers at events since we love Palomacy. Bringing Nilla and Graham as pigeon ambassadors was so special. Introducing other folks to rescued homing, racing or feral pigeons is great – you get to see people’s genuine reactions to how wonderful pigeons are and help them open their hearts and homes to fostering and adopting. Viva la Pigeon!
Jana is a San Francisco resident with a soft spot for animal & plant friends and a fierce streak for reproductive equity & justice.
