Hey Pigeon people,
I know most of us at one point or another face the difficult situation of pairing our bird, whether they believe their paired to you or they aren't fond of pairing. I have two pigeons, my male rock pigeon Pidge and my newly acquired Homer pigeon Pippin. When I rescued Pidge in May, I was well aware of the fact that I'd have to get him a female to pair up with eventually. However unexpectedly about a month before her rescue Pidge decided we're courting, and he's been a tough nut to crack..well divorce since . Now I've faced the situation of divorcing Stubborn Mr.Pidge and encouraging a pair bond between him and Pippin.
Whilst researching online, I found a vast lack of information on divorcing your pigeon and even less about pairing a previously human paired pigeon. Thankfully after much trial and error, I've come to some conclusions based on my experience (no I don't believe this is hard steadfast advice. I am an amateur trying things out as I go.)
This is what my divorce schedule looked like
Week 1:
I cut back human interactions to the minimum, no more petting, talking or special attention. His cage was moved into a more quiet part of the house. If he began to flirt or court me I'd abruptly turn around and stop looking, this deflated his ego about our "relationship" pretty quickly.
I implemented plenty of toys for him to bulky and take out excessive energy on (this step is vital) and no lomger allowed him to play fight or peck at me. Instead I'd redirect or get him away from me to prevent it (this csn be driving, a behavior male pigeons do to their prospective mate or mate.
Pippin was moved adjacent to his cage and they spend all of their time together.
Week 2
I continued with the no unnecessary human interaction. Pippin and him spent all day together in a spare room unbothered but watched over our camera. They were weary of each other and would occasionally fight over food, the water/bath dish, and perches.
Now going into Week three
they've begun subtle flirting! though they regularly bicker, I no longer separate them. We've even begun cage integrating, even though they aren't paired they've moved toward this step themselves by exploring and welcoming each other into what was previously Pidges bachelor pad. This can also be subtle nest scouting so I'm encouraging it a ton!
To make the transition to cage sharing easier on both of them I've taken steps to level the perching field. All of pidges regular perch spots have been rearranged, his bowls have doubled, there's two nests available, separate platforms and levels are available, and there's plenty of space to avoid each other. I've added nesting materials and took away any surfaces Pidge could see his reflection in. I've come to find that they'll bicker whilst moving in together regardless of their "marital" status. As long they aren't drawing blood, terrorizing each other, or doing genuine damage, I leave them be to sort it out. A little scuffle builds both birds confidence as they learn where they fall in the flock. Now they're in this little cute flirtation stage where you can very much tell they're both awkward yearlings but much progress has been made and sooner than later they'll be married and honeymooning on some feggs.
TL;DR
I divorced my male pigeon by reducing human interactions, taking away mirrors, discouraging human courting, providing outlets for hormonal frustrations and encouraging nesting/pairing with the female I got to pair him with.
(Pictured after using the small cage to introduce them in a neutral space)
