tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7468347206474712262024-03-13T08:40:47.551-07:00Pigeon Pest Control FOR BEGINNERSFind very important pigeon pest control information, some of the best resources on how to get rid of pigeons and how to exterminate pigeons. Learn how to use a pigeon repellent and what pigeon spikes are. Discover everything you need to know about pigeon prevention!Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-30373631183495397292011-09-01T14:14:00.000-07:002011-09-01T14:14:02.018-07:00Pigeons: Auctions and RacesWhile <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">some pigeons</a> have been considered as pests in many places in Europe and the United States, some of these birds are actually treated as precious <i>"gold-laying"</i> birds by some businessmen around the world. Pigeons are bought and kept in captivity for two main reasons: 1. To have them as pets and 2. To have them as racers. Of these two reasons, the latter earns the most money.<br /><br /><a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/racing-pigeons-embryonic-death.html">Pigeon racing</a> is fast becoming a popular sport in many places around the world, most especially in the West. Pigeon <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">species</a> which are fit to race are bred and trained to become the next big racing champion. These birds are conditioned to finish different kinds of races, some of which can reach up to 1000 kilometres. Of course, like all races and games, people make the most money out from pigeon racing because of betting.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">How to find Pigeons that can Race?</span><br /><br />There are many ways to get your first <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/racing-pigeon-medication.html">racing pigeon</a>. You can go online and buy any of the <i>"racing pigeons"</i> that they sell there or you can go to specialty shops and buy your pigeons first hand. However, the <b>best way to get a racing pigeon</b> that can actually win a race is through pigeon auctions. In these auctions, pigeons which have won races in the past are put into sale to the highest bidder. Of course, it can be expected that the bird will somehow be really costly, considering that many people will want to get the bird for their own sake. But, like what most people who participate in auctions think, the price will definitely not matter anymore, for as long as you get what you want.<br /><br />Some of these auctions happen in the internet while some happen in pigeon racing arenas and similar places. Just like all other auctions, <b>pigeon auctions</b> also have different approaches. These are:<br /><br />1. <b>Complete Racing Bird Sell Out</b> - This particular auction involves not just the actual racing pigeon but also all the birds in an owner's <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">loft</a> <i>(including the supplies, equipment and cages)</i>. This is best for those who want to start a pigeon racing hobby but do not want to go into the hassles of starting from scratch. This can be very expensive, but like what has been said, in the context of auctions, it is not the money that matters, it is the item that you get.<br /><br />2. <b>Loft Reduction</b> - This type of an auction is done when a particular owner wants to reduce the number of birds in his/her loft. Many people still like this kind of an auction because it assures that the birds that they will be getting came from a direct bloodline as those birds which have won the races in the past.<br /><br />3. <b>Special Pigeon Auction</b> - This auction can be likened to auctioning a Hollywood Celebrity's boots or dress. Now, since it is pigeon auction, instead of an item, the owner will put a real winning bird into an auction, but for grabs to those who can afford. <br /><br />4. <b>Donation Auction</b> - Much like all the other auctions already mentioned, the only difference is that the money earned through it will not be used for personal purposes, rather, it will be donated for charity works. Many people are willing to pay extra for donation auctions because it translates as an act of generosity to the needy.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Tips When Participating in Auctions</span><br /><br />Before you participate in a <b>bird auction</b>, you need to make sure that you are already ready to take on the responsibility of taking care of the birds that you will win. Of course, it is already a given fact that the birds that you will get in an auction are <i>"precious"</i> birds and losing them because of poor treatment is definitely both a waste of money and of life.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-63498684029300533792011-08-25T09:03:00.000-07:002011-08-25T09:03:49.407-07:00More Common Types of PigeonsIn the previous article we have talked about <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">two of the most common types of pigeons</a>. Understandably, there are still other common types of pigeons that were not discussed. We will now be discussing the other species of pigeons in this article. These other <b>types of pigeons</b> are however, less common but they still comprise a big population of the general number of pigeon species in the world. In other words, they are among of those that you most commonly see perching on rooftops or <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-roosting.html">roosting in certain man made establishments</a>. Some of the species are not endemic to US but originated in the European areas. But then they are somehow transferred and were eventually <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/old-german-owl-pigeon.html">bred into domestication</a> in the area. Here are some of the other species of pigeons that you have to know of.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Collared Dove</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBRrQfh_QU4/TlZx6lXOdYI/AAAAAAAAAGw/1OyHC3yaehs/s1600/collared_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBRrQfh_QU4/TlZx6lXOdYI/AAAAAAAAAGw/1OyHC3yaehs/s200/collared_dove.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://english-country-garden.com/">english-country-garden.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The collared dove's scientific name is <b>Streptopelia Decaocto</b>. They were once native to Britain until 1952. However, in the later years sometime around 1955, they somehow migrated and nested in Norfolk. Now their population extends as far as from Britain to Ireland. And now they are most commonly seen inhabiting the shorelines and boat ports.<br />
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Collared doves are not that big of a pigeon species. They are usually medium sized to small and would usually come sandy colors from their head and neck. However in their lower parts in their belly and breasts, they are somewhat paler and a hint of pinkish buff. The reason why they are called collared doves is because of the presence of a collar shaped print on them. The collar band actually extends around their nape area but is cut short that it doesn't reach the front neck area. The collar band is usually colored black and or white and takes a somewhat crescent like shape. However, the younger ones typically don't have this distinctive marking. At flight this collar crescents are quite conspicuous along with stripes of terminal bands. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Biology</span></i><br />
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<b>Size:</b> Usually 11 inches in length or 28cm from wing to wing span<br />
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<b>Habitat:</b> they are commonly found in farmlands in the Britain and Ireland areas. They are also quite prevalent in the urban territories such as parks.<br />
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<b>Nesting:</b> They normally build flat shaped nests in trees when in the wild and as well as in buildings.<br />
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<b>Eggs:</b> White colored and usually lays two eggs per clutch. Their season of laying eggs are sometime around March to September.<br />
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<b>Food:</b> Mainly on grain vegetations, but they are also found to have fruit diets, especially berries.<br />
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<b>Hatch time:</b> A normal egg would usually hatch within 11 days.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Turtle Dove</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1CPNUegMac/TlZyFPGg_oI/AAAAAAAAAG0/PtxsAyCfsY4/s1600/turtle_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1CPNUegMac/TlZyFPGg_oI/AAAAAAAAAG0/PtxsAyCfsY4/s200/turtle_dove.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Streptopelia Turtur</b> or <b>turtle doves</b> are known for their deep purring <i>"tur tur"</i> sounds and we can usually hear this sometime around April to September. These doves usually travel quite a distance during these months as they would originate from the tropics of Africa to Britain. Turtle doves are typically small species of pigeons and they are actually considered to be the smallest resident doves in Britain. They breed mostly in the areas of the South and midlands, but they are sometimes found breeding as well in Scotland and Ireland. However, those instances are quite rare. Usually they breed in these areas in passing and that they then immediately relocate to their destinations down south.<br />
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The pigeon's plumage is usually chestnut in color and on their back are black scallop markings. They have pinkish colored underparts, head, rump and flanks but sometimes they are noticed to be grey, with a little accent of black and white stripes stretching around the sides of their necks. Their tails are wedged and black in color, with a strong white color borders at the tip which are quite noticeable during their flight. Their legs are conspicuously red. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Biology</span></i><br />
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<b>Size:</b> usually about 10.5 to 11 inches in length slightly smaller than the collar pigeons.<br />
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<b>Habitat:</b> Turtle doves are most common in the southern and eastern parts of Britain and are only usually found in forest areas and cultivated land. However, there are instances that they can be found perching park trees and residential gardens.<br />
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<b>Nesting:</b> they are quite messy in building their nests often out of twigs and are situated high above the tree.<br />
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<b>Eggs:</b> typically lays 2 white colored eggs during the months of May and July.<br />
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<b>Food:</b> Their main diet is based on seeds and weeds but special diets are inclusive of Chickweed and Charlock and grass.<br />
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<b>Hatch time:</b> Usually takes 14 days before they hatch.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ring Dove</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPdUylc9vlc/TlZyUDPAoJI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Sq4t6YilBYo/s1600/ring_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPdUylc9vlc/TlZyUDPAoJI/AAAAAAAAAG4/Sq4t6YilBYo/s200/ring_dove.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://internationaldovesociety.com/">internationaldovesociety.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Ring doves</b> and <b>wood pigeons</b> are basically the same species of pigeons and they happen to be the most prevalent species of pigeons in Britain. They also pester farmlands and therefore making them the bane of every farmer in the area.<br />
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<a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/eating-pigeon-meat.html">Shooting campaigns</a> to reduce these species of doves have been going on all throughout the year but have never really ever succeeded in reducing their population. It is said that during autumn culls, wood pigeons are still able to survive despite the limited food supplies during such season and thus have increased their numbers dramatically.<br />
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Wood pigeons are actually known for their soft cooing voice which gives any listener the soothing and sleepy ambience and feelings. These coos often take place around spring and summer time. The typical color of these pigeons is grey but lighter in the frontal areas up to its neck. Their tails however are densely black in color. They do have a distinctive tint of reddish tinge in their breast areas. The primary distinctive marks of a wooden pigeon is the white mark present in the neck area and a somewhat large white colored bar on their wings. These marks are quite visible during their flight.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Biology</span></i><br />
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<b>Size:</b> Are actually the largest of all pigeon species spanning from 15 to 16 inches or about 41 cm.<br />
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<b>Habitat:</b> Originally in the woods and forest areas but have evolved to adapt in highly urbanized environment which they are also very common.<br />
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<b>Nesting:</b> Flat nests and are usually found in shrubs and trees.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-45173498972801955902011-08-25T08:51:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:51:10.025-07:00A Complete Beginner's Guide to Pigeon CareFor starters, there are three primary things that you have to take into consideration when outlining the important factors on how to effective <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-pigeons.html">care for you pigeon pet</a>. These three things are: housing, feeding, and water. These three primary considerations are the most important factors in making sure that your pigeons stay safe and in good condition. All these three things have to be optimally and effectively implemented to ascertain the desired output. <br />
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<a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">Pigeons</a> are fascinating and docile creatures and they deserve every bit of care you can offer to make them live a healthy and safe life. And it's completely up to you on how you will do about that process. Actually, there are many ways on <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">how to ensure your pigeons wellbeing</a> and we will be giving you some of the best beginner instructions on how to effective <b>uphold pigeon care</b>. These approaches are very doable and you can practically do them all by yourself without the assistance of any professional or experienced individual. All you have to make sure is that you completely understand what you will read through in this article and follow precisely through the instructions given. Rest assured, if you are to implement everything that will be mentioned in this guide, you will not have any problems at all.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Guides and Tips on Pigeon Housing</span><br />
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<b>Pigeon housing</b> can either be a <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">loft</a> or a <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-cage-trapping-stupefying-bait.html">cage</a>. Any of these two housings will do just fine. Just make sure that they are properly built or comfortably appropriated so that your pigeons will never feel inconvenient in any way dwelling in such a place. As much as possible you don't want them to feel as pets but rather household companions or a family member that gets the kind of care that they deserve.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">For Cages:</span></i><br />
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A <b>pigeon cage</b> has to be spacious enough for them to move around. If you can build an entire aviary for a single pigeon pet then feel free to do so, just make sure though that you are capable of coming up with such. Oftentimes, <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">pigeon pet owners</a> are misconceived between the importance of high and wide pigeons. Give more importance to the wideness of the cage rather than its height. <br />
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In order to measure the appropriate wideness of the cage that you will have for your pet, make it a point that the containment is wide enough for your bird to stretch its wings fully. Measure the appropriate dimensions in accordance to that level of convenience.<br />
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Make it a point as well that the cage is located on a high place or wherever it is improbably accessible to your other pets in the house, especially dogs and cats. They may <i>"meal"</i> their way to your feathered friends without you knowing. Also keep the cage away from drafts, fans and any forms of heat sources. Exposure to temperature extremities may lead to the ailment of your pigeon pets or worse, death. <br />
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Most pigeons like their cages when they are semi-open. They like this kind of conditions to protect themselves into the covered area of the cage whenever there is extreme heat or cold. It somehow serves as their refuge. <br />
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Ventilation is also very important in pigeon housing as pigeons do still need to breathe fresh air. Also, if your pet pigeon is to be caged the entire time, you have to ensure that your pet pigeon gets regular exercise every time. You can probably allot at least two hours in a day for your pigeon to stretch out. <br />
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Like all pigeons do, they like perching and they like perching in flat surfaces rather than irregularly shaped ones. Bricks will do just find as perching areas for pigeons and it could also serve as their nail trimming maintenance tool. <br />
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Hygiene and maintenance is important from time to time to make sure that there will be no development of diseases taking place. There are a lot commercial, non-toxic cleaning agents you can purchase, but if you are kind of short in budget, you may just use vinegar.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feeding Guidelines</span><br />
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Generally, pigeons have always been grain eaters. Protein and carbohydrates are among their fundamental mineral intakes in a day. In feeding grain to your pets, make sure that there is a mixture of a 12-15% ratio of protein in it.<br />
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Finding a pigeon feed store can often be tricky and rare. But if you can't find one, you may use chicken feed instead but that's not advisable to go on in the long run. If ever you do find a feed store that sells pigeon feeds purchase from there immediately. <br />
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You may also do some personal mixtures of pigeon feeds depending on your preference but make sure that it is still based on the nutritional values given by the feeds. By doing some improvisation yourself, you will be able to come up with a diet that is more complete and balance for your pet pigeon. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Water</span><br />
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<b>Fresh water for your pigeons</b> every day is very important. It is perhaps the most fundamental intake for any pigeon on earth. They may go on without food for days but they can never last longer than a day without water.<br />
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There are certain compositions that can be compounded to the water you give to your pet pigeons that can make it more nutritious and thus healthier. For example, <b>Apple cider vinegar</b> is often mixed by a lot of pet owners to the water they give to their pets because of their nutritional value. You may add a little drop of this to the water but then make sure that you still give your pet clear water after. A once per day dosage of this mixture will do just fine.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other considerations</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Nutrition</span></i><br />
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Since your pet(s) is more than half the time kept indoors, it will need sufficient amount of vitamin intakes. Mineral supplements are also necessary, and make sure they contain Vitamin D3. This vitamin will help energize your pigeon even if kept in a condition where there is less sunlight.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-65689576615611879122011-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:002011-08-24T16:00:26.374-07:00Rarest Pigeon SpeciesOn <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">this website</a> we have talked about the presence of some <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/endangered-species-pink-pigeon.html">rare pigeon species</a> and as well as those that are already <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">extinct</a>. In this article we will be identifying many of the <b>rarest pigeons on earth</b> and we will also give a brief description of them. However, just a disclaimer though, the purpose of this article is not to give you an idea of a shopping list as to which rare pigeon to buy for your personal endeavors but this article is to provide you information and awareness of the present condition of these rare pigeons and how much they are endangered so that you will also take part in <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-protection-laws-2.html">protecting them</a> in your own way. Be aware that the list of pigeons mentioned below is truly endangered and any of them could perish anytime if any further hunt will be committed. <br />
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It has always been our moral obligation as more powerful creatures on earth to protect those creatures that are weaker than us and to prevent any possibilities of extinction and to preserve all creatures on earth as possible. As humans we have a task to safeguard all that lives in this planet and that would include <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">saving the pigeon species</a> as well from the brink of utter destruction. The best way to start out effectively in our moral responsibility to protect is to know first the creatures that we have to protect. The idea of this article is to enlighten the readers the real endangered state of the species that are going to be mentioned and hopefully it will foster critical thinking and initiative to look for ways on how to truly protect them and eventually save their species of endangerment. <br />
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Here are just some but not all of the species of pigeons that are endangered: <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. African Green Pigeon</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ByVYmE2nPo/TlV9Ej6dWGI/AAAAAAAAAF4/4IKChRVO8L4/s1600/african_green_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ByVYmE2nPo/TlV9Ej6dWGI/AAAAAAAAAF4/4IKChRVO8L4/s200/african_green_pigeon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://treknature.com/">treknature.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Its scientific name is <b>Treron Calvus</b> and they are species member of the columbidae family. The <b>African green pigeons</b> are endemically found in Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, etc. Despite their presence in many countries within Africa, their total number of population is to small that it almost reaches the unviable stage.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Band Tailed Pigeon</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzbDeL25HoY/TlV9aZJEd4I/AAAAAAAAAF8/KWW9Wkorvu0/s1600/band_tail_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzbDeL25HoY/TlV9aZJEd4I/AAAAAAAAAF8/KWW9Wkorvu0/s200/band_tail_pigeon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://birdinginformation.com/">birdinginformation.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The <b>Patagioenas Fasciat</b>a are average sized birds found in America. These rare birds are close relatives to the <b>Chilean pigeons</b> and <b>Ring-tailed pigeons</b> which are more common in the southern continent. These species form the clade of Patagioenas with the distinguishable trait of a terminal tail band as well as their lustrous plumage in the neck area.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Banded Imperial</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUzHd3MIw-o/TlV9zJXj1bI/AAAAAAAAAGA/4BL3HHyxU0o/s1600/banded_imperial_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUzHd3MIw-o/TlV9zJXj1bI/AAAAAAAAAGA/4BL3HHyxU0o/s200/banded_imperial_pigeon.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://rarepigeons.com/">rarepigeons.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The scientific name of the banded imperial is <b>Ducula Zoeae</b>. They are also commonly known as the <b>Zoe Imperial Pigeons</b>. They too are members of the columbidae family.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Beautiful Fruit Dove</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv7_HM6Esl4/TlV-Tqwu8WI/AAAAAAAAAGE/JXUuSdp7fOs/s1600/beautiful_fruit_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv7_HM6Esl4/TlV-Tqwu8WI/AAAAAAAAAGE/JXUuSdp7fOs/s200/beautiful_fruit_dove.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://calacademy.org/">calacademy.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The <b>beautiful fruit doves</b> are rarely distributed species of pigeons in the New Guinea rainforests. They are also found in the islands of Bantata, Salawati, Waigeo, West Papua Indonesia. The female of this species would periodically lay a single white egg in every year.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Black Billed Wood</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJ5MOeW9DfY/TlV-imAcn6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Wi6wPRH346g/s1600/black_billed_wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJ5MOeW9DfY/TlV-imAcn6I/AAAAAAAAAGI/Wi6wPRH346g/s200/black_billed_wood.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://birdforum.net/">birdforum.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Turtur Abyssinicus</b> are pigeon species found widespread in the African continent and in the Sahara desert. They are able to survive extreme conditions. The <b>black billed wood doves</b> usually dwell in warmer areas for habitation. But their meat are constantly being sought as an ingredient to certain delicacies.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. The Birmingham Roller</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WysNdgYoEw/TlV_C4yx7oI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Vl5GluvjT7w/s1600/birmingham_roller_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WysNdgYoEw/TlV_C4yx7oI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Vl5GluvjT7w/s200/birmingham_roller_pigeon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://nbrconline.com/">nbrconline.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>They are actually a breed of highly domesticated pigeons. They are said to originally come from England. They were said to be once developed breeds. They are selected for their unique abilities when flying. They have the ability to rapidly fly backwards and do somersault.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7. The Capuchine Pigeon</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xO4lDCzofw/TlV_Z6qp3rI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xPU_NN8eHsM/s1600/capuchine_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xO4lDCzofw/TlV_Z6qp3rI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xPU_NN8eHsM/s200/capuchine_pigeon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://wwingsaviary.lbbhost.com/">wwingsaviary.lbbhost.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Are actually derived pigeons from selective breeding for the purpose of reproducing offspring which would manifest more unique iridescent characteristics. These fancy birds are usually sought and purchased for exhibition purposes for their lustrous appearance and brightly colored feathers. This pigeon's plumage resembles a Dutch's fur overcoat hence the name, the <b>Old Dutch Capuchine Pigeon</b>.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">8. Choiseul Crested</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3lfhTi1mfg/TlV_3ytBm2I/AAAAAAAAAGU/RHMUj0wTI2E/s1600/choiseul_crested_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3lfhTi1mfg/TlV_3ytBm2I/AAAAAAAAAGU/RHMUj0wTI2E/s200/choiseul_crested_pigeon.jpg" width="139" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://nwseed.com/">nwseed.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These pigeons are actually considered to be extinct species of pigeons at some point until some of them resurfaced around mid 1900's somewhere in the Solomon Islands of Choiseul near the pacific. These species of pigeons were once hunted down for their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/eating-pigeon-meat.html">delectable meats</a> as an ingredient to certain exotic delicacies across the globe. This breed pigeons would have followed after its descendants, the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">passenger pigeons</a> which have gone extinct during the early 1900's.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">9. Dodo Pigeon</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRStsuKTLhU/TlWAMvworXI/AAAAAAAAAGY/wzUErPG1kz8/s1600/dodo_pigeons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRStsuKTLhU/TlWAMvworXI/AAAAAAAAAGY/wzUErPG1kz8/s200/dodo_pigeons.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://dodosite.com/">dodosite.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These pigeons are literally descendants of the first flightless and huge birds on earth, the dodo. Their appearance also looks just as the same only miniature. These birds are also flightless like their predecessors and are native to the place of Mauritius Island in the Indian Ocean.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">10. Galapagos Doves</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wZ50faCzk/TlWAZsSJ50I/AAAAAAAAAGc/2VWJEHrTZV0/s1600/galapagos_doves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5wZ50faCzk/TlWAZsSJ50I/AAAAAAAAAGc/2VWJEHrTZV0/s200/galapagos_doves.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://discovergalapagos.com/">discovergalapagos.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>These are very rare types of pigeons that are only endemic and of course naturally only found in the Galapagos Islands, somewhere near Ecuador of South America. This species of birds are amongst the first subjects of Charles Darwin's initial theories of evolution along with the Galapagos turtles.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">11. The Mindanao Bleeding Heart Pigeon</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8n9b9tL3FA/TlWAtT8sEmI/AAAAAAAAAGg/7-IiyV57-f8/s1600/mindanao_bleeding_heart_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N8n9b9tL3FA/TlWAtT8sEmI/AAAAAAAAAGg/7-IiyV57-f8/s200/mindanao_bleeding_heart_pigeon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://robertoanil.com/">robertoanil.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The <b>gallicolumba pigeon</b> <i>(Gallicolumba Crinegera)</i> is species of birds that belong also the Columbidae family. They are endemic only to the island of Mindanao in Philippines. However, some of the species are bred in captivity and they have scattered across the Philippine archipelago.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">12. Madagascar Green Pigeons</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAvjRR1Lq6w/TlWBBLHl6EI/AAAAAAAAAGk/TIPDoYUxA3I/s1600/madagascar_green_pigeons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAvjRR1Lq6w/TlWBBLHl6EI/AAAAAAAAAGk/TIPDoYUxA3I/s200/madagascar_green_pigeons.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://tolweb.org/"><span class="rg_ctlv"><span id="rg_hr">tolweb.org</span></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Are actually species of birds that still belong to the family of Columbidaes. They are naturally found in the island of Madagascar, Mayotte, and Comoros. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">13. The Mariana Fruit Dove</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIcYP3YIkTk/TlWBSH62AgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vrA2U-n7koI/s1600/mariana_fruit_dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIcYP3YIkTk/TlWBSH62AgI/AAAAAAAAAGo/vrA2U-n7koI/s200/mariana_fruit_dove.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://memphiszoo.org/">memphiszoo.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Known for their other Carolinian name Mwee'mwe <i>(Ptilinopus roseicapilla)</i> are actually species of birds that mainly feed on fruit vegetations and are endemic in the Mariana's islands. They are usually small and could only range from 22-24 cm long.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">14. Tippler Pigeon </span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XccNKkgutgQ/TlWBlOIhgtI/AAAAAAAAAGs/ldCPGivVqjA/s1600/tippler_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XccNKkgutgQ/TlWBlOIhgtI/AAAAAAAAAGs/ldCPGivVqjA/s200/tippler_pigeon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://tossingtipplers.com/">tossingtipplers.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This breed of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">highly domesticated pigeons</a> is usually bred to compete in <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/racing-pigeons-embryonic-death.html">bird racing</a> and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/racing-pigeon-medication.html">endurance sports</a>. There have been reports that the pigeon can fly non-stop up to 22 hours.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-56938738363302738432011-08-24T15:31:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:31:27.299-07:00The Old German Owl (Pigeon)For some unknown reasons <i>(scientists think it might be because of their big, creepy eyes)</i>, pigeons do not like to associate themselves with owls. Many people have even made use of owl decoys to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/scare-pigeons.html">scare away pigeons</a> out of their properties. However, no matter how odd it might sound, there are some <b>pigeons which are actually called owls</b>! Of the most popular ones are the <b>Old German Owls</b>. In no do these birds look like owls, in fact, they look more like <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">doves</a>; they are small and would practically fit in an adult's hand. They are also very friendly and tame, these traits make them easy to breed and reproduce. Most people <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">keep these birds</a> simply because they are fun to own; they are cheerful and sensitive, most importantly, they are very good <i>"parents"</i> -- they are capable of taking care of the young of other pigeons apart from their own children.<br />
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Apart from all the characteristics mentioned, these birds are also known because of their energetic demeanour. They can be trained to do acrobatics and will not mind to perform in public. They can twirl and swirl, they are also do some other tricks depending on the extent that they are taught. Moreover, their beautiful plumage makes their bodies very visible while they are on air doing the tricks. This adds to the fun element of watching birds do terrific moved while on flight. Most <b>Old German Owl keepers</b> allow their birds to freely roam around their yard because just like other pigeons, these birds also have very strong homing characteristics <i>(they can find their way back into their homes no matter how unfamiliar their new location is)</i>. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bird Distribution</span><br />
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These birds became known as <i>"old"</i> because there is a <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">pigeon specie</a> that looks like them and are called like them <i>(only without the "old" prefix)</i>, they are the <b>German Owls</b>. The distinction was placed in order to determine which birds where introduced in the 1800s and in the 1900s. The <i>"alteration"</i> of the birds happened after they cross-bred with the <b>Anatolian Owls</b> and the <b>Oriental Frills</b> from Germany. Their offspring developed a certain level of distinctness from the original German owls and so in the early 1900s, the prefix <i>"old"</i> was added and the name <i>"German Owl"</i> was then used to refer to the birds that have evolved from the mating of the German Owls and the other birds brought during the 1870s. Nevertheless, it was only in 1956 that the government showed active participation is preserving the <b>original German Owl breeds</b>. Since then, the two birds have reached a very stable level of population, and each breed has been treated as distinct and separate from the other.<br />
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In addition, these birds <i>(both the old and the new ones)</i> have long been acknowledged by the United States government as an important entity that needs to be <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-protection-laws-2.html">protected by the state</a>. They are listed in the <i>"National Pigeon Association's Encyclopaedia"</i> as one of the more sought-after pigeon breeds in the world. However, the new breed of German Owls were the first ones to be recorded by the association that many people used to believe that the <i>"old German Owls"</i> are actually the new breed and the German Owl breeds are the first ones to exist. Well, this error has long been corrected by many people who have interest on pigeons, it is really just up to the reader of this post to choose which side will he/she take.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bird Description</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pornev65No8/TlV6NwK8JOI/AAAAAAAAAF0/YnEJN1rArNA/s1600/old_german_owl_pigeon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pornev65No8/TlV6NwK8JOI/AAAAAAAAAF0/YnEJN1rArNA/s200/old_german_owl_pigeon.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://mypage.uniserve.ca/">mypage.uniserve.ca</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Although it has been argued that the Old German Owl is an <i>"old"</i> breed, somehow it can be considered as a <i>"new"</i> one. Beyond this, we know that these birds have already made it big about 40 years ago when popular animal magazines and news channels have started to make a fuss about these birds. Eventually, these birds became so rare in the United States that some dealers are able to sell each of these birds by $150 each, not to mention that these birds actually need companion in order to stay active and alive. That means that anyone who wishes to own a German owl should invest at least $300 on a pair of pigeons.<br />
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If we look closely to the <b>German Pigeons</b>, we will realize that not all of them look the same. This is because there are 3 varieties of German Pigeons that are known to us. Overall, about 19 different types of colors and shades have been recorded to be exhibited by these birds. <br />
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The three varieties can be distinguished through their marks; the three marks are called shield-marked, self-colored and tail-marked. These three are mere general labels and the different appearances of these marks simply fall under these general descriptions. <br />
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Most Old German Owls have the same size as that of ordinary <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">field pigeons</a>, but the latter have less broad breasts and their tails are not as pointed as the first one. Old German Owls have wings which are snugged into their bodies. Their legs are also relatively shorted that that of the field pigeons and they also have shorted necks. Moreover, the German Owls have excess feathers around their neck and head areas. Scientist argues that these excess features may have been used to support the bird's neck.<br />
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Up-close, it can also be observed that the German Owls have very big and dark eyes which are surrounded with cares which can be liken to human eye bags <i>(although they are extremely different)</i>. These excessive feathers around the neck are also called the Shell Crest. Now, many other pigeon birds may not be getting the proper attention that they need, thus better watch out for my future posts as well as my posts from the past to get good insights as to how these birds should be raised.<br />
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The <b>German Owls</b> are not the only ones which were called owls instead of being called pigeons. There's the European Owl, the Spanish Owl and so many other pigeon species. Scroll down into the archive section of these blog to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">learn more about pigeons</a>.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-25019043583832118722011-08-24T15:21:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:21:17.776-07:00Pigeon Racing and MedicationDid you know that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons</a> are not only <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">domesticated</a> to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-pigeons.html">become pets</a> but they are also bred to become participants of a racing sport that has been a growing trend of hobby to many pet pigeon enthusiasts? Some people would find it weird to hear the phrase <i><a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/racing-pigeons-embryonic-death.html">"pigeon racing"</a></i> as most people are not yet accustomed to this kind of sport. It's not a surprise thought that a lot of people still don't know a thing about pigeon racing as it is just new and still gaining popularity. And not only that; as of the moment the said sport is still exclusive to only those that know it. One may never know anything about pigeon racing at all. <br />
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They say thought that the sport has started all the way back during the early 1900's, when they have discovered that not only can pigeons be used as an <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/special-pigeon-recipes.html">ingredient recipe to delectable delicacy</a>, they could also be bred for recreational purposes, in the same way with horses. They can be raced with each other. The said sport is said to be the foundation of the evolution of pigeons being used to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">deliver top secret messages across seas during the World War II</a>. But at present, only the sport lives on since there hasn't been any war as much as the WWII and technology now is far better than it was before and suppose there's no need for messenger pigeons anymore with cellular phones and hi-tech radio communications around. <br />
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Although the sport hasn't gained widespread appreciation yet and its popularity is still limited, those people that are accustomed to the sport do the best that they can to showcase the beauty of the sport in the light of hope that they could foster interest to those that witness it. They hold public events so that many people are able to watch the actual sport. However, most of the time it's exclusive since there aren't a lot of areas where the sport can be conducted; rest assured though, if the sport has gained sufficient popularity, venues wouldn't be a problem anymore when the time comes.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pigeon Care</span><br />
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Like any animal sport, the owner of the competing animal should always make it a point that their pet is given sufficient care that they need so it will be able to perform optimally during the competition. The same thing goes as well with pet pigeons for racing. They also need to be taken care of and being a different kind of animal, they also have a special set of care guidelines, even a specific set of <b>medications</b> in order for them to stay healthy and competitive for the sport. Also another goal to having specific sets of appropriate medication is to ensure that the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/racing-pigeons-embryonic-death.html">pigeons will produce robust offspring using the most natural approaches</a>. This is important because through natural means, the immune system of the younglings will never be compromised in anyway. Unlike using artificial approaches or medications wherein a lot setbacks often do take place.<br />
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There are actually two general types of medicines that are induced to a racing pigeon for it to become fit. One is the preventative type of medications and the other is curative. You can already deduce the difference in the function of both medications but for your further comprehension we will be discussing both types thoroughly as possible in this article.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preventative Medications</span><br />
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You can say that all birds are endanger of the risk of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">contracting diseases</a> at any time through the circumstances of their environment or surroundings as well as in the activities that they do. In order to ensure that these external factors of risks will not reach your racing pigeon, you have to make sure that your pet is boosted with the necessary supplements and vitamins it would need to become healthy and sick-free. This type of medicines is called <b>preventative medicines</b>; medicines that are basically induced to ensure that the contraction of any diseases will be prevented by keeping your pigeon as healthy as possible.<br />
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Usually preventative medicines are associated with boosting the immune system of your racing pigeon pet. It ensures that your bird has a <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">natural resistance to any forthcoming diseases</a> in the environment. Having a racing pigeon will surely pose the risk of it having certain illnesses and when it does happen it will definitely compromise its performance. Also, most preventative medications help prevent respiratory diseases in birds. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Curative Medicines</span><br />
<br />
When there is a disease outbreak that takes place during the racing season, then that's the time curative medicines will be used. As the name would imply, it exists the cure an ongoing disease. It is equally important to that of the preventative medicines as it is crucial that ongoing diseases be cured right away in as much as it should be prevented. Since, we can't be truly certain that there will be no disease that would ever inflict our pet pigeons, even when we have already used preventative medications on them. Hence, there is always the need for curative medicines. <br />
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It is important though that the sick bird be brought to thorough observation first to make sure what type of disease it has contracted. This way, you will be able to know which appropriate curative medicine you should use to deal with the disease at hand. As it is called <b><i>"curative"</i> medication</b>, it is only used to destroy diseases and not used as a supplement to boost the immune system. Using curative medications as preventative means would only result to negative side effects to the pigeon's system. The side-effects could range from sickness due to wrong inoculation of dosage and sterility. <br />
<br />
These methods of medications should collaborate with each other in order to ensure that your pet pigeons will always be healthy and competitive during competitions. Don't allow lapses in implementing these medications as they can be the cause why your entire efforts will fail at the end of the day. Make sure that you sustain the medications all the way so you won't have to fear any possibilities that your pigeon will contract any disease.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-42450945604931947022011-08-24T15:10:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:10:01.446-07:00Pigeon Loft Basics<a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-pigeons.html">Pigeons as pets</a> can be quite controllable. Unlike having pet cats or dogs or any other critters, they don't litter around everywhere, and you wouldn't have to keep track all the time of the mess that they do to your home as they can actually be confined in one place like a cage or a loft that would encapsulate all the mess that they do instead having scattered all around the house. However, there is a need for you to ensure that level of control by making it a point that their lofts are well built. If you don't build a well-secured loft for your pigeon pets, there is a big possibility that they may cause hassles to you and to your clean and peaceful living. Plus, it would also risk in the danger of losing your pet knowing that pigeons do fly and they may very well escape your domestication. Therefore, you have to make sure that your <b>pigeon's pet house</b> is sturdy and has the necessary capacity to control <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-pigeon-droppings-areas.html">all the mess that pigeon do</a>. However, you need to know first how to do that.<br />
<br />
More than half the time, people who have pet pigeons build <b>pigeon lofts</b> out of haste and immediate urgency, making their pigeon lofts quite unstable and unable to sustain the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons</a> living in it. The truth is, there are prim and proper ways to do about building a pigeon loft than just hammering nails and woods to create a box. The dimensions should be well forecasted as well as the interiors should be well braced. There are also other factors that have to be considered so that your pigeon pets will be able to live in peace and harmony and not in unintentionally inconvenient restriction. As a good pet owner, you would want your pet to not feel as pets but instead they would feel like that they belong. Even though that they are just animals, they do somehow feel the sense of difference between being imprisoned and the feeling of being in a good habitat and it is your responsibility as the owner to make sure that they do feel the latter. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJODsAp9grs/TlV1m6dziTI/AAAAAAAAAFw/f2CmdjvakQ8/s1600/pigeon_loft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJODsAp9grs/TlV1m6dziTI/AAAAAAAAAFw/f2CmdjvakQ8/s200/pigeon_loft.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://montedacoelha.net/">montedacoelha.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The basics in building a good pigeon loft is quite simple and you really don't have to consider rocket science on it. In fact, most of it is just common sense and the preparations you would need are not necessarily found in high end stores. You can readily find all the preparations you would need in your garage and your toolbox. In this article you will find the most important and crucial considerations in building an effective pigeon loft. The rest of what has to be done can be derived from your resourcefulness and creativity. Make sure that you read through the points in this article thoroughly and understand what they meant. Rest assured, if you are able to follow through and understand all the factors to be considered enlisted in this article; you will surely have a better pigeon loft which will definitely make your pets feel better being <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">domesticated by you</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Proper ventilation</span><br />
<br />
You have to understand that like humans, animals also need a breath of fresh air every time to ensure that they do live healthily. Make sure that there is sufficient ventilation in the pigeon loft that you are building. Create windows and openings big enough to permit sufficient air into the loft and at the same time not that big to warrant escape for your pets. You may opt to create a pigeon loft that looks like a cell instead of creating a close house that would most likely restrict the circulation of fresh air. If a loft is created this way, ventilation will surely not going to be a problem at all.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Make sure it's dry</span><br />
<br />
You have to be aware that moisture or sudden shifts in the humidity within the area is a primary factor that causes the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">sickness of birds</a>. Therefore, you have to ask yourself when building the pigeon loft, <i>"will it really stay dry?"</i> Make sure that the location of your pigeon loft is far from areas where it will get wet when it rains. You also have to make sure that the loft is elevated from the ground as ground temperatures could often cause the wood components of your pigeon loft to go damp. Nothing good will ever come out from a wet or damp environment, especially to your pet birds. Install a pole to elevate the loft from the ground and make sure that you make use of a wood that is sturdy and wouldn't easily brittle even if it gets old over time. You can also opt for wood <i>(plywood)</i> flooring installed on your loft to make sure that the interiors would stay dry. This is still an effective to insulate dampness within the loft.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Sunshine</span><br />
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Sunlight is important to all living creatures. And you don't have to be a genius to know that your pet pigeons will also need that. Therefore, make sure that apart from proper ventilation and wetness insulation, your pigeon loft is also inductive of sunlight. Make sure that the loft is not utterly boxed out of light cause that would eventually weaken the inhabiting pigeons in it. Make sure that the loft has sufficient openings to permit sunlight. You may also make it a point that the loft is placed on locations where it will be directly hit by sunlight during mornings. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Easy to Maintain</span><br />
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Of course, you would have to clean your pigeon loft from time to time to make sure that your pet pigeons don't contract diseases from its unsanitary surroundings. <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">Pigeon dumps</a> are often the causes why pigeons contract diseases that could potentially lead to their fatality. You may be able to grant yourself full access in cleaning up your pigeon loft by installing detachable components to it. This will enable you to access the interiors of the loft and properly clean every part of it.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-83688875479648420082011-08-24T13:36:00.000-07:002011-08-24T13:36:52.484-07:00Pigeon Protection Laws (Part II)In our <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-laws.html">previous discussions regarding pigeon protection laws</a> we have talked about the introduction of the law and the implementing agencies that enact the clauses of the law. In this article we will be discussing the other clauses of the law as well as its scope and provisions. Hopefully, this will provide enlightenment to all individuals who are to implement <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/humane-pigeon-control-methods.html">pigeon control methods</a> in order to deal with their pigeon problem at homes or at work. To ensure that they will be employing methods those are appropriate and in line with the scope of the law provided for pigeons and all other bird species in the area. <br />
<br />
The law actually isn't only limited with the providence of counsels or advices to individuals on how to approach their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/lethal-pigeon-control-methods.html">pigeon control methods</a>. The law actually implements sanctions to individuals who use inappropriate lethal methods in dealing with pigeons. The deterrence of the law will be further felt if the rest of the community is aware of the consequences it will have to face if they have undone pigeons. One has to understand the legal responsibility of ensuring the safety of the lives of pigeons falls on the individual property owners and that any employment of illegal lethal methods to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-problems.html">rid of pigeon problems</a> will befall on the owner himself and not on the commercial pigeon control contractors. Nevertheless, if the circumstances would dictate so, the ignorance of any pigeon control contractors will also not be tolerated granted that the legal infringement has taken place within the client's property.<br />
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The wildlife and countryside act of 1981 mainly deals with the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">control of any feral pigeons</a> that infringe human territories and the necessary counselling needed in order to become aware the people of what approaches to use. They specifically provide advice to deal with the use of any lethal methods or the possible destruction or <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-removal.html">removal of pigeon nests</a> in the area. However, for the matters that concern the deliberate or unintended cruelty of individuals to pigeons in the light of the circumstances of protecting establishments with the use of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-deterrent.html">deterrents</a>, the legislation that should appropriate this kind of situation is the <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents">Animal Welfare Act 2006</a>. Usually, the issues that relate to cruelty and unnecessary sufferings often come with culling operations, but they are also often associated with the use of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeons-avicides-avitrol.html">inappropriate pigeon control methods</a>. For example, if a person or contractors have used <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pest-pigeon-netting.html">bird netting</a> mechanisms but then have failed to relocate the ensnared birds immediately causing them to suffer and then eventually starve to death, the owner of the property wherein the bird net is installed will be compelled to face the necessary prosecutions in line with the unintentional animal cruelty that took place. The appropriate legislation to be used for this matter will be the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Provisions of the Acts</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981</span></i><br />
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This provision of the act is entitled <i>"The protection of wild birds, their nests and eggs"</i>, has these following confirmations:<br />
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• Individuals who will be subjected to the provisions of this act are those:<br />
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• Anyone who injured or kills and takes any wild bird;<br />
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• Anyone who destroys, damages and or takes the nest of any perceived wild birds while the nest is currently being built or used; or<br />
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• Destroys or takes an egg(s) of wild birds, will be subjected to a sanction<br />
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• Subject also to the provision of this act if anyone has a possession or control of:<br />
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• Of any dead or alive wild bird or a part that came from a particular bird; or<br />
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• The possession of any wild bird's egg shall be indubitably guilty of the offence<br />
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• A person shall not be guilty in accordance to the provisions of this act if he or she manifests that:<br />
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• If the wild bird or egg has not been actually taken or destroyed otherwise if it's in contravention of anything relevant to the provisions; or<br />
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• If a bird, egg or any other things in his possession that were apparently sold to him or in any other person, otherwise if there will be any contravention of the provisions of the act. The <i>"relevant provisions"</i> of this act are any of those that fall under the subsection of the act made under it. <br />
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• Also, subject to the provisions of this act, if a person will intentionally:<br />
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• Disturbs the peaceful living of any bird while it is in the process of building the nest or while it's near its nest or the nest wherein there are eggs and younglings.<br />
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• If he or she disturbs the habitation of the younglings or eggs of the wild bird while it is inside the nest area.<br />
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• Any infringement of any of the provisions will be subjected to a special penalty or sanction.<br />
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These are more or less the provisions and sanctions of the animal welfare act of 2006 and this has been effectively implemented all throughout the time since it's been legislated. It is also made to be the basis of many of the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-basic-tips.html">pigeon control</a> methods in the market. They made it a point that all control methods will conform to standards prescribe by the law and anyone who will dare infringe the provisions of the act through the usage of inappropriate methods, whether deliberate or unintentional, will be sanctioned accordingly.<br />
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It is important still though to uphold the greater importance of appraising the value of preserving the environmental balance rather than just simply obeying the implemented rules and regulations of the land. One must seek a greater sense of responsibility not out of fear of sanctions but through the genuine sincerity and thoughtfulness of keeping the ecosystem safe from the lethal approaches of mankind. <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">Pigeons may just be birds</a>, but they do serve a greater purpose as well to the entirety of the earth balance and that alone is reason enough for you to care about the approaches you will make in controlling them.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-55068168272150023982011-08-24T13:25:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:12:27.235-07:00Racing Pigeons and Embryonic Death<a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">Pigeons</a> are not only <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-pigeons.html">domesticated</a> for their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/eating-pigeon-meat.html">meat</a>. Today, more and more people decide to keep pigeons for <b>pigeon racing</b>. This particular recreation is not very new to the human civilization, in fact, it was recorded that pigeons have been raised for the same purposes even during biblical times. However, it is only in the recent times when this form of recreation has actually made it in the mainstream. The number of participants to scheduled races has also increase over the years and today, huge pigeon pens have been built to accommodate massive racing pigeon reproduction.<br />
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The most common problem encountered by <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">pigeon keeper</a> is <b>embryonic death</b>. For some reasons, there have been cases in the past when more than 5% of all the eggs would not hatch because the bird embryos inside simply die. It is said that when the embryonic death rate reaches this level, pigeon keepers should act fact and immediately reassess the condition of the entire population kept in the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">pigeon loft</a> or pen. It was found out that the most common reason why the death rate of the embryos reaches to this level is the presence of the <a href="http://www.avianbiotech.com/diseases/salmonella.htm">salmonella virus</a>. This virus can cause infections which are fatal to the yet undeveloped bird. Pigeon keepers should make themselves aware of the many reasons why pigeon embryos die in order to prevent further deaths. In general, embryonic deaths can happen during the three different stages of development of the pigeon. These are:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Phase 1:</b> 2-3 days after the eggs are laid (the onset of the incubation)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Phase 2:</b> During the 10-day growth period of the embryo (that is between the 4th and the 14th day)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Phase 3:</b> 2-3 days before the egg hatches</i></span></blockquote><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Phase 1</span></b><br />
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The main reason why embryonic deaths happen during this stage is temperature dropdowns. Once the egg is subjected to inadequate temperatures, the embryo inside it becomes injured and after subsequent injuries, it will experience genetic problems which can lead to death. Genetic problems include anomalies that mutate the embryo into something which cannot support life. The only way to diagnose if the embryo is experiencing this mutation is through an autopsy. Pigeon owners should invest in the autopsy in order to know what the cause of the embryonic death is. This is the most viable way to know how to deal with the problem and avoid further deaths in the future.<br />
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Embryos would get injuries because of temperature changes because of their excessive sensitivity to vibrations. When the temperature is not right, the embryo inside the egg vibrates, jarring itself into the egg shell which in turn can cause the injuries. The main reason why the temperature drops is poor parenting. When the adult female pigeons prove to be incapable of incubating their own eggs, then it is imperative that the owner take the initiative and place the eggs in an incubator. Some owners do not even wait to see if the female pigeons would incubate their eggs properly; right after the eggs are laid, owners are quick to remove them from the nests and place them in an incubator to make sure that they hatch.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Phase 2</span></b><br />
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<b>Embryonic deaths</b> at this stage are primarily caused by <b>malnutrition</b>. The embryo needs extra nourishment during this stage because of the growth that it experiences. This is also the longest phase in the incubation process. The good news is that only a modicum fraction of all embryonic deaths happen during this stage. The main reason is probably because of the fact that the egg in itself is already capable of providing the embryo with all the nutrition that it needs. However, in cases when the egg contains less than the required amount of nutrition, then the bird would die. Unhealthy female pigeons are most likely to lay such kinds of eggs.<br />
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Nevertheless, apart from malnutrition, the embryos at this stage can also die out of infection. The cause of the infection is the bacteria commonly called as <b>Salmonella</b>; the other bacteria that causes the same infection is called Chlamydia. The female pigeon may be the carrier of the bacteria and hand it down to its offspring, but is some cases; the bacteria may directly infect the eggs right after they are laid. This happens when the egg shells are contaminated by anything that is a carrier of the bacteria. The first signs of infection are: appearance of fine lines on the egg surface and translucency of the egg.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Phase 3</span></b><br />
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The most obvious reason why embryos die right before they are hatch is the hatching process itself. This happens because the bird would have to undergo a <i>"difficult"</i> shift as it is being prepared to be hatched. While it is still inside the egg, it gets the air it breathes from the chorioallantois which is found inside the eggs membrane. A few days after hatching, the bird is made to breath outside the membrane without the chorioallantois. This process happens in two stages and in some cases; the birds are only able to survive the first stage.<br />
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During the first stage, the bird would have to use its small beak to prick a small hole into the egg's membrane and starts to breathe the air in this portion of the egg. After 12 to 24 hours, the little pigeon will then be able to break through the egg shell itself for its first glimpse of the outside world. The second stage would then start as the bird <i>"drinks"</i> the last remaining amniotic fluid inside the egg. It is during this stage when the chick gets the antibodies that it needs in order to withstand the different pathogens outside the shell. Now, some chicks would already become so exposed to the outside world before the antibodies get into their bodies and they become infected with <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">different kinds of diseases</a> before these antibodies can help them combat the viruses and bacteria that cause them. Thus, the chick dies before it completely gets out of the egg shell.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-60900730185340197602011-08-24T13:16:00.000-07:002011-08-24T13:16:06.408-07:00Endangered Species: Pink PigeonIn our previous articles we have talked about extinct as well as other endangered species of pigeons on the planet. From <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">extinct passenger pigeons</a> to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/crested-pigeons.html">endangered crested pigeons</a>. However, there are those certain species that happen to be truly even more extinct and we ought to talk about them. <br />
<br />
One of the most endangered species of pigeons in the planet is the <b>pink pigeons</b>. They have been dubbed and enlisted as one of the endangered species on January 12, 1995 because of their noticeably dwindling species population. Pink pigeons are the largest known species of pigeon birds in the planet up to now. However, with their rescinding numbers, these large <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">species of pigeon</a> birds will soon be out of the picture and another pigeon bird species will soon assume the throne of being the largest pigeon species. The scientific name of pink pigeon is <b>Columba mayeri</b>; other names and subspecies would include: Nesoenas mayeri, Streptopelia mayeri and naturally belongs to the animal group of birds.<br />
<br />
The thing about pink pigeons is that they are often found prevalent in certain areas, but are minimal in a particular location - the Indian Ocean <i>(Mauritius)</i>. But still, the accumulative number of species of pink pigeons still count as below viable population and therefore are still considered endangered. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">More About Pink Pigeons</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcU0nJArSmw/TlVaBBVPW3I/AAAAAAAAAFo/50jY5DWxSm4/s1600/african_pink_pigeons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcU0nJArSmw/TlVaBBVPW3I/AAAAAAAAAFo/50jY5DWxSm4/s200/african_pink_pigeons.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://internationaldovesociety.com/">internationaldovesociety.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The pink pigeon species are actually very rare species of pigeons that are endemically found in the island of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauritius">Mauritius</a> in the Indian Ocean. These species of pigeons are actually considered to be the largest species of pigeons and dove species on the planet. It is said that an adult pink pigeon can reach an entire body span of 12.6 inches in length measuring from beak to tail feathers. They could also weigh in as much as 12 ounces. The reason why this species of birds are called pink pigeons are pretty much obvious. They have light <b>pink colored feathers</b>. They also have brown wings, as well as dark pink bills, legs and feet. Pink pigeon's tail is colored brown and their eyes as well. But their eyes are surrounded with a red skin ring. However, they have come to be so rare that they have been considered to be almost extinct. <br />
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Normally, this type of birds would prefer inhabiting upland areas of evergreen rainforests but they are not that prevalent. They are seen feeding and even roosting in minute flocks in some trees and often they are really that difficult to detect because of their small numbers. In a given area of upland forest, there could only be a maximum of 2-3 pink pigeons in those area and sometimes they are not seen at all. Their diet is comprised of small insects, flowers, some fruits, buds and as well as seeds of some exotic plants and vegetation in the area. when these pigeons mate, they group themselves into two, a pair of female and male where they then build their nests and thrive to protect their newly borne territories. A <b>female pink pigeon</b> would average giving birth to one or two eggs per sitting. It would take them 12-14 days to fully incubate their eggs until it hatches. Typically, pink pigeons take turns in incubating their eggs. The female of this species would incubate their eggs at night while their males would incubate the eggs during daytime. <br />
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It is believed that there are only about 20 of these birds that thrive in the wild and the rest of about 200 are bred in captivity in order to preserve the species until they reach a viable population. Only by then they will be set free to roam the earth once more. The dangers to their existence are not only consisting of human beings, but as well as their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-predators.html">natural predators</a> such as <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-cats.html">cats</a> and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-shooting-flying-raptor.html">hawks</a>. <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">Diseases</a> are also among the primary threats of the species. In 1963, the Jersey wildlife preservation park has been established to serve as home to this endangered species of pigeons and also serves as an aid to their dwindling existence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2kvsTz-ECo/TlVb5IKTwPI/AAAAAAAAAFs/KA9tbp6HQ4Y/s1600/pink_pigeon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2kvsTz-ECo/TlVb5IKTwPI/AAAAAAAAAFs/KA9tbp6HQ4Y/s200/pink_pigeon2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>At present, pink pigeons are still endangered and they are even more threatened by the unprecedented influx of poachers that seek them. The remaining 20 pink pigeons in the wild could have possibly diminished in number over time. The <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-laws.html">legislation</a> and promulgation, as well as the implementation of the laws that restrict the hunting of this pigeon species are not as effective as they should be considering that it would be quite difficult to enforce the law in some unchartered wild areas. Considering as well, that there are still people who take less heed on these legal restrictions, the species may very well be in danger still to this day. Sooner or later, if the attempts to preserve the pink pigeons would fail, they would most likely become like their former relatives, the passenger pigeons whom have gone extinct in the 1900's. <br />
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Passenger pigeons are actually extinct species of pigeons. They were once very prevalent in the American areas and they apparently outnumber any bird species population in the area before. However, due to massive <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/eating-pigeon-meat.html">hunting for their meat</a>, they have gradually diminished and finally been wiped out from the face of the earth. The last of this species was last seen in the early 1900's in captivity. Due to old age, the bird died out of natural causes. <br />
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The pink pigeons are about to face the brink of extinction as well any time soon if we are not that careful in our means to control certain species of animals. We have to make it a point that we would always conform to the specific laws that deal with the <b>preservation of pigeon species on earth</b> so as not to accidentally cause the destruction of their species. We have to understand that despite our dominion and power over everything else as humans, we still have that sublime responsibility to protect them from sheer obliteration. We have to understand that we will still be the one who will suffer the consequences of our wrong actions.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-44025153613810766622011-08-24T12:29:00.000-07:002011-08-25T09:04:49.814-07:00Different Breeds of Common PigeonsThere are many <b>different species of pigeons</b> in this world and some of them we may not even know of. Most of them are already explored and existent and only a very few of them happen to be extinct or endangered. <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">Pigeons</a> are perhaps one of the most prevalent creatures on earth and they belong to the family of birds which is one of the reasons why they thrive throughout time in longevity and are hard to perish; as birds can freely fly in the air becoming less prone to the dangers that beset the grounds. However, there are times when a lot of them are hunted down. This is the reason why one species of pigeons became extinct: the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">passenger pigeons</a>. Passenger pigeons were hunted down for their meat and hunted down massively; an entire area of passenger pigeons could be wiped out in just one hunting season. Eventually, their species dwindled in numbers until it reached a point that they no longer have a viable population, and its last remnant perished sometime around early 1900's. This kind of thing could happen to all other species of pigeons that live today, especially those that are already enlisted as extinct species.<br />
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No pigeon or any other bird species on the planet is safe from human greed. As long as humans will continue to have purpose for some things they find useful, like <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/eating-pigeon-meat.html">pigeons for meat</a>, they will always continue to hunt down the poor species. Fortunately, the legislation of bird protection laws came to be and have now implemented certain rules and regulations in the prevalence of hunting down pigeon meat as well as other bird meats. Species <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-laws.html">protection protocols</a> are now at hand and multitude of pigeons are now well safeguarded from the clutches of poaching. However, there are still instances that these rules prove to be insufficient as there are still those that find their way around the enforcements of the law. As a result, they continue to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-kill-pigeons.html">kill rampantly</a> endangering more species of pigeon on earth. It is now your burden as an individual person to stop this kind of things from happening. You, as a human being have the moral obligation to protect the many different species of pigeons from sheer destruction by your own kind. Oftentimes, you yourself are held responsible for the deaths of a few of them by your own unintentional ways, such as your approaches to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/lethal-pigeon-control-methods.html">pigeon control methods</a>. Sometimes, there are setbacks to these methods that lead to the utter harm of these pigeons and even you kill some of them unintentionally.<br />
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<a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-basic-tips.html">Pigeons may have to be controlled</a> as they often become pests by their sheer numbers, but they don't deserve to be killed by the methods and devices we use to control them. They only have to be relocated to their proper habitat at most as their sanction for infringing human territories and never to die in any way deliberate at all.<br />
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One way to do about protecting and <b>safeguarding the pigeon species</b> in the planet is to know more about them and getting to know the different species that you get to encounter most of the time.<br />
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Here are some of the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/more-common-types-of-pigeons.html">most common types of pigeons</a> human usually encounter:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Columba Oenas (Stock Dove)</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0xcgcy_uok/TlVP8KrmqAI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1ozw5VLP-2A/s1600/columba_oenas_stock_dove1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0xcgcy_uok/TlVP8KrmqAI/AAAAAAAAAFg/1ozw5VLP-2A/s200/columba_oenas_stock_dove1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://english-country-garden.com/">english-country-garden.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Stock doves</b> are endemic species of pigeons in U.S. and may look pretty much alike their relatives the <b>wood pigeons</b>. However, there are certain highly distinguishable traits that would enable us to identify them from the latter. Traits such as their relatively smaller sizes and the absence of white areas in the wings and in the necks make them different from wood pigeons. However, their size is somewhat the same to another family of pigeons called the Rock Doves apart from the brown pale rump and semi-bold wing bars which are not found in Stock Doves. Their plumage is somewhat grey and somehow paler underneath. A ruddy tinge on its breast area it also has a purples sheen on the neck. There are also two identical bars short at the base of its wings that also happens to have black border on its upper part and as well as to its tail. The bill of a stock dove is yellowish but turns red to the base. Their feet are colored deep pink. <br />
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This species of pigeons are not that dominant and prevalent compared to the wood pigeons and they are fairly populated in certain habitats which are absent at the far north areas. Their species is often overlooked along with other pigeons. This species is not that much of a pest to humans compared to a wood pigeon can be. Its main diet is on weed seeds.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Columbia Livia (Rock Dove/Feral Pigeons)</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOfsAUWB2RE/TlVQilQkCnI/AAAAAAAAAFk/E2ZXeQzwiN8/s1600/columba_livia_feral_pigeons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOfsAUWB2RE/TlVQilQkCnI/AAAAAAAAAFk/E2ZXeQzwiN8/s200/columba_livia_feral_pigeons.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Did you know that <b>Rock doves</b> are actually being kept as food and is quite popular during the middle ages? They are also resident to European territory. But a lot of them are able to escape from the devecotes and thus their descendants of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">feral pigeons</a> commonly found in city squares, streets and sometimes in railways stations. The <b>feral pigeons</b> we now see today can actually be still interbred with rock doves at present. The rock doves are actually considered as the wild forebear of a modern <i>"domestic or homing"</i> pigeon. This would include other species of pigeons of the same family such as fantails, black and whites, tumblers, chequers and racers. <br />
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The true or pure rock doves can now be only found in rocky appendices and cliffs of northern Scotland and Ireland. The rock doves that you see on inland cliffs are actually derived breeds and are domesticated which also eventually became wild or feral. They make noticeably untidy or gruel nests in the cliffs and caves and they lay eggs in intervals throughout the entire year.<br />
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There are still other species that are not yet mentioned in this article. They will however be discussed in a follow up article after this. The other species are less common though, but they are still worth recognizing.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-43177221723204935172011-08-24T12:13:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:12:16.542-07:00Caring for African Owl Pigeons (Part II)Find the time to read the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/african-owl-pigeons-1.html">first instalment of this article</a> so that you will get the overall learning experience that it brings. This article is meant to complement the first two tips outlines in its first part. But you also start with this part and simply proceed to the other later.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Be Ready to Hand-feed</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZYHo1WEwcs/TlVLnf0Z_8I/AAAAAAAAAFY/_CtRCLrQv0c/s1600/african_owl_pigeon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZYHo1WEwcs/TlVLnf0Z_8I/AAAAAAAAAFY/_CtRCLrQv0c/s200/african_owl_pigeon3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://pigeon-kingdom.blogspot.com/"><span class="rg_ctlv"><span id="rg_hr">pigeon-kingdom.blogspot.com</span></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Part one of this article has already discussed about the <i>"feeders"</i> or the foster bird parents which are supposed to raise the pigeons until they are capable of eating on their own. However, it should be noted that at some points the young birds have to be hand-fed <i>(some circumstances will make this the only option in order to save the bird)</i>. Thus, it can be said that a real pigeon owner should somehow know hand feeding. Moreover, hand feeding is one of the most effective ways to make the birds tame and acknowledge their owner. This is extremely important because it increases the bird's sensitivity to its owners command <i>(this makes training way easier)</i>. Majority of the most successful <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/african-owl-pigeons-1.html">African Owl breeders/racers</a> say that they owe their success to the time and effort that they have spent in feeding their birds by hand.<br />
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Thus, if you plan to be a successful breeder yourself, then you should learn how to do this too. Fine, you can keep feeders, but you should allocate at least 7 to 10 days of the entire development stage of the bird to feed them on your own. If you have a lot of birds, you can feed them on a schedule, this way, you will be able to cover all your birds while still giving them enough time to be fed by the feeders which are really good providers. Since there is a chance that you will not be feeding them enough if you do the feeding on your own alone, it is very wise that you feed your birds alongside your feeders.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Methods of Hand Feeding</span><br />
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Of course, <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">pigeon owners</a> have also devised their own ways of feeding their birds by hand. But, the most popular ones involve the use of a ketchup squeezing bottle. This particular container has been widely used because of its long nozzle which makes the feeding easier. The food mix is placed inside the bottle and then it is simply squeeze to squirt out the food into the chick's little beaks. Baby pigeons learn very fast and after two to three feedings, they will already suck the nozzle on their own once you draw the bottle near to them. This is better because when you control the amount of food that gets into their mouth, you might end up giving them more that they need and thus you might even choke them in the process. If they suck the nozzle on their own, they get to decide for themselves if they still want more food or if they already have enough.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG2sjSsGci8/TlVL1EcWZjI/AAAAAAAAAFc/1-fSNI5Fycg/s1600/african_owl_pigeon4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG2sjSsGci8/TlVL1EcWZjI/AAAAAAAAAFc/1-fSNI5Fycg/s200/african_owl_pigeon4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://wwingsaviary.lbbhost.com/">wwingsaviary.lbbhost.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, ketchup bottle feeding is not advisable if you are feeding very small baby pigeons. The bottle is best used when you are dealing with 10-day old chicks or older. For younger ones, you can try using syringe so that you don't choke the chicks with the size of the nozzle that you have to slip into their beaks. At this stage, the chicks should not be given anything more than 20 cc's of food mix. When they about 10 days old, you may start giving them 20 to 30 cc's of food and gradually increase this amount until they reach their 20th day <i>(it can reach up to 60 cc's)</i>. At this stage, the birds will be able to feed on their own, so all that you would have to do is to food enough food inside their feeding plate and you can let them do the rest.<br />
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Don't be surprised, but there really is baby bird food available in the market. So, you do not really have to make these mixes on your own. The most popular baby bird food is called <i>"Kaytee Exact"</i>. This baby food was originally developed to nourish young parrots but eventually, pigeon owners started to use it and after a couple of years it became a staple baby pigeon food. It is very easy to prepare; all that you need to do is to mix it with lukewarm water and mix it up until its consistency becomes soupy. Of course, you can use other baby bird food brands, one of which is from <i>"Roudybush"</i>. You can also do your research and look for other options, just make sure that the nutrition value of the baby food that you will choose is high and it contains the nutrients that a <b>baby African Owl pigeon</b> needs. But, if you have enough time to make your own feeds, you can also try grounding turkey meat and use it as to feed your birds. This is actually a cheaper option but it would take away a portion of your time. Moreover, turkey meat can't be introduced to the birds using the syringe so you will be limited to using it to older birds. Well, the choice is really completely up to you. You can also join forums and read blogs on <b>baby pigeon feeding</b> in order to improve your skills and increase your knowledge about it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Warm and Dry</span><br />
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Don't forget that African Owls like the habituate dry areas and they also love the sun. This particular breed tends to become sickly when they do not get enough sunshine or they you make them live in a wet environment. There have been cases when they caught <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">respiratory illnesses</a> just because their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">loft</a> is not dry enough. If you are not careful, you might just end up killing your entire stock <i>(that is such a waste in terms of money, time and energy)</i>. This scenario should be avoided and the best way to do so is to give the owls exactly what they look for is an environment.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-69241675383603457132011-08-24T12:02:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:12:03.303-07:00Caring For African Owl Pigeons (Part I)It is said that the most difficult pigeon breed to raise is the <b>African Owl</b>; nonetheless, these birds have long been kept by different owners all around the world as <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-pigeons.html">pets</a> -- most of these learned how to care for them via hand-on experience. But this should not scare you. Now that the internet is very much widely used, information on caring for these birds has also become available. No longer are aspiring African Owl pet owners required to go through the <i>"ignorant"</i> days when it comes to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">pigeon-keeping</a>. Today, anyone can just go online and make a research himself/herself about the birds and end up like a pigeon expert himself/herself!<br />
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This particular article, for example, is one of those materials that a would-be owner can read <i>(even those who have been taking care of pigeons for some time can also learn something new from this)</i>. The caring techniques outlined below are hinged on the concept of manipulating the innate characteristics of the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons</a> to aid the breeding program of the birds and at the same time, keep them comfortable during the entire time that they <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">have to be kept in lofts and in pigeon boxes</a>. Since African Owl requires more attention than most pigeons, it is normal for first-time pigeon keepers to cringe about the idea of having these birds as their first pigeon pets. But, if you are really after having a bird that is tame, docile and very attracted, then by all means pursue the African owls and read the simple tips below to prepare yourself for the responsibility.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Get the Best Stock</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuQrnxiXQyI/TlVJHrKz1AI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/lHbkGsEnWqg/s1600/african_owl_pigeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuQrnxiXQyI/TlVJHrKz1AI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/lHbkGsEnWqg/s200/african_owl_pigeon.jpg" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://pigeonfarms.com/">pigeonfarms.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You might have started to become interested in pigeons after you learned that these birds are involved in a kind of <i>"sports"</i>. Well, this can be understood because pigeon racing has indeed become so popular these days; it is that popular that there is even a very fat chance that you want keep pigeons for this purpose too. That's alright through, for as long as you take care of the birds properly and treats them humanely. Now if this is your intention, make sure that you get your birds from a participant in the races that owns pigeons that are consistently winning. This is important because in pigeon racing, the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">overall health of the birds</a> can greatly affect their performance <i>(the same with humans and horses, actually)</i>. Thus, if there is an owner who is able to get multiple wins during different periods, you can also assume that he/she keeps very healthy pigeons. This also means that the pigeons that he/she owns have a good bloodline and this can be seen in the performance of the bird, as well as in its appearance.<br />
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Of course, we all know that racing skills are not hereditary. But when you choose young birds from a good pigeon family, you can be almost very sure that you will have no problems when it comes to the immune system of the birds, as well as their susceptibility to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">various diseases</a> <i>(which is actually hereditary)</i>. However, you have to realize too that the genes of the African Owls are quite recessive; getting stock from a good bloodline is not a 100% guarantee that you will get good adult birds in the future, but it is still better than just randomly picking any birds.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Good Feeder Birds</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NibsEbUb5mk/TlVJ8YlJ1bI/AAAAAAAAAFU/RFqp6AxLXUo/s1600/african_owl_pigeon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NibsEbUb5mk/TlVJ8YlJ1bI/AAAAAAAAAFU/RFqp6AxLXUo/s200/african_owl_pigeon2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://tonyglew.btinternet.co.uk/">tonyglew.btinternet.co.uk</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>African Owls do not thrive well in the wild because of their physical characteristics. You see, these birds have very short beaks. Thus, a mother African owl will definitely have a hard time feeding its own chicks. In most cases, when these birds are in the wild, one or more of their chicks will die because of malnutrition. When they are domesticated, owners somehow shoulder the responsibility of making sure that all the chicks survive. Some owners feed the chicks on their own but this is actually a very painstaking task, especially if the owner keeps a lot of birds. The best possible approach is to get <i>"foster"</i> bird parents. These birds are made to assume that they are feeding their own chicks. It is the responsibility of the owner to find a really good foster parent for the birds so that they get all the food that they need.<br />
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The switching of the birds happens immediately after the eggs are hatched. The eggs are placed in an incubator until they are fully developed and then they are left for the care of the foster bird parents. They birds are known as the <i>"feeders"</i>. If you are a serious breeder, then this is the option that you should be taking. All the other options have been proven to have loopholes.<br />
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Many pigeon owners prefer to assign one foster parent to each African Owl chick. Since African Owls normally lay two eggs, it is also important that the owners keep at least two foster parents for each pair of African Owl he/she owns. This is the surest way to keep each chick well fed during the development period, something which is very important if you are training these birds to become future racers. Examples of good feeders are the <b>Flying Flights</b> and the <b>Racing Homers</b>. These birds can take on big jobs and are normally very passionate about their young. They are not very particular with the appearance of the youngster too <i>(some birds can easily identify chicks that do not belong to their breed)</i>. You can also explore your other options and try other feeders because these two common ones are quite expensive. However, you should know that many birds are incapable of caring for the African Owls and during your <i>"experiment"</i> period, you might end up having some casualties. But the choice is complete up to you.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Important</span></i><br />
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These two tips do not sum up everything that you need to know about these birds; look for the second instalment of this article down in the archive section below. Do not forget that you need to know as many things about <b>African Owls pigeons</b> in order to prepare yourself for your future ownership of such birds.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-90206920808969063632011-08-24T11:49:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:52:42.765-07:00Having Pigeons as Pets: A Pet Pigeon GuideIt has been a stereotype to most people that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons</a> are common, odorous and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-get-rid-of-pigeons.html">pestering birds</a> that bring about nothing but nuisance to a household where it <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-roosting.html">roosts</a>. They are considered as such because of the prevalent occurrence in the continent of America wherein almost all establishments are perched or roosted by these bird species. While this can be true about pigeons, it is however, wrong to generalize that all pigeons are like that. The thing is, there are actually a lot of wonderful characteristics that pigeons possess that are not found in any <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">other species of birds</a>. Those that recognize and appreciate these pigeon characteristics are most likely to domesticate one in their homes and turn them into house pets. Pigeons have great homing instincts and are often way even better than the homing instincts of a dog making them way even better pets than man's best friend. Due to this unique characteristic, turning pigeons into pets has become an increasing trend of the present times' pet mania. <br />
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While it is true that <b>having pigeons as pets</b> is a great and excellent idea, there are things that you would have to consider first <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-care-for-beginners.html">when taking care of them</a>. These are the rules and regulations that deal with the appropriate handling of the species and the guidelines on how to keep them. These considerations go hand in hand to ensure the safety and survival of bird pigeons once domesticated and if you happen to be an owner or soon to be an owner of a <b>pet pigeon</b>, you would have to know all this stuff. Nevertheless, taking care of one would prove to be simply straightforward eventually as long as you make it a point to follow the ramifications that will be mentioned below. The difficulty of the tasks enlisted in this article is just moderate and you need not have to consider rocket science to make an effective implementation out of it. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are the steps on how to properly care for your pet pigeon:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">1. Have a place for them to live in</span></i><br />
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A dwelling place for any creature <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">feral</a> or domestic is a crucial basic need. If you have a pet pigeon at home, you can't just let it flutter on the ceiling and across the room can you? You have to make sure that it has a place to live in where it can peacefully rest and feed for the entire time it is under your custody. You can either build or <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">buy a pigeon dwelling place or loft</a>. One you have built them one, your <b>pet pigeons</b> will then eventually grow to consider the loft as their natural home which is where they will transfix their homing instincts with. By then, no matter wherever your pigeons may fly to it will always know its way back to you. Building a loft may take some time and a handful of considerations as well, such as proper ventilation, dryness and sunlight. But once it is done you can be assured that your pet pigeons are in a very comfortable place. However, if you are the kind of person who doesn't want to get his or her hands dirty, purchasing pigeon coops may just be the right thing for you. You can readily buy coops in your nearest pet shop and they will always come with instructions on how to construct them. You can also add up extra perks on the coops to make your birds feel more comfortable living in it. The rest of the embellishments will be completely up to you. However, if you happen to have other domestic pets like cats or dogs, you have to really make sure that the coops are far from the reach of your other pets. You don't want to wake up and find out your pet pigeons have already become your dogs breakfast.<br />
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2. Maintain diet</span></i><br />
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Another important consideration when <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/keeping-pigeons.html">keeping pigeons</a> as pets is to make sure that they are fed on regular basis. Pigeons are sometimes fragile creatures and would immediately feel week if they are not fed properly. That's why you have to make sure that they are well fed every time. A weakened starving pigeon could also pose the risk of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">contracting or developing diseases</a>. A pigeon's diet isn't really much so you don't have to worry about any possible extravagant expenses. Their diet is mainly based on crop and grain vegetations like rice, barley, popcorn and peas and surprisingly, all of this stuff can be readily found in your nearest market area. Don't take for granted your pets though by simply feeding them with human food leftovers. There are certain types of human food that are indigestible to birds and you have to be aware of this. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">3. Water</span></i><br />
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Of course along with food, is water. You have to make sure that they can conveniently access water whenever they would need it. Make it a point to place the water in containers that are readily accessible to your pets. Don't place them in locations wherein your pet pigeons would have to struggle first before it can ever drink water. Also, you have to ensure that the water will not stagnate for a long time as it can also lead to the moisture and dampness to the loft's environment making the area non-conducive for pigeon habitation. You also have to make it a point that the water is changed from time to time so that your pigeons will not have to drink dirty water. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">4. Don't Restrict them Forever</span></i><br />
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If you restrict a pigeon forever, it may never learn to sustain itself and they could potentially die out of isolation and seclusion. Believe it or not, pigeons are social animals and they like to interact with their fellow species. So, take an initiative to allow your pet pigeons to fly and feel free every once in a while instead of confining them inside the cage or loft the entire time. But only do this when your birds have already developed a sense of homing instinct so that they will always find their way back to you. You will know this if your bird has reached a certain level of comfortableness being domesticated by you.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-65585493282989639162011-08-24T11:38:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:52:20.946-07:00Keeping PigeonsThere are a lot of things one would have to know <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">about pigeons</a> apart from considering them stinking pests; we all do know they are definitely more than just that. Pigeons are wonderful creatures and they have been the oldest known <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">domesticated birds</a> to mankind. They have served humanity in many different occasions and a variety of purposes and even helped to win a war. Most of the pigeons that we see every day aren't truly domesticated and we often call them <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">feral</a> or <i>"wild"</i>. Sometimes, they are also called rock doves. You may be able to know the difference between a feral and a domesticated pigeon by the bands present in their legs. Apart from the domesticated and feral breeds of pigeons, there are also pigeons for exhibition. Exhibition pigeon breeds often have audaciously brilliant and unique characteristics that make them easily distinguishable above all other <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">pigeon species</a>. Sometimes they also manifest odd flying behaviors. This type of pigeons is often rarely found and even endangered. Because of their brilliant appearances they are always sought by many well-off individuals. This is also the very reason that the species of their kind have become mostly endangered as since they are already rare, they are also being hunted down for domestication. An example to this type of pigeons is the <b>crowned victory pigeon</b> which has always been wanted by many rich people for exhibition purposes. Having one of these rare pigeons is indeed of considerable value and would also serve as status recognition. <br />
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Some pigeon breeds are also kept for sports, particularly on flight racing competitions; thus the sport pigeon racing. A lot of people nowadays are inclined to this sport and they have fostered many different species of pigeons that are well adaptable to this kind of activity. They are usually well attended as they would always make it a point to capitalize on the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">pigeon's health</a> to ensure optimum performance during competitions. <br />
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A regular <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/facts-about-pigeons-and-other-birds.html">lifespan of a pigeon</a> would range 10-15 years. They are perhaps one of the longest living birds in the planet. The oldest known pigeon is about 19 years old. Pigeons and doves are relatives and that they belong to the family of <a href="http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/pictures/Columbidae.html">Columbidae</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to Select and Buy Pigeons</span><br />
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Most of the pigeons being domesticated by humans are not actually bought from pet shops as they are usually caught during hunts. Though, there are many ways to acquire a pigeon apart from that. Sometimes, they are sold on pet shops as well, but usually those that are sold in this sort of establishments are not good for exhibition purpose. If you wish to purchase an exhibition quality pigeon, you would have to go to bird and or pigeon exhibition shows. There you would be able to find the best quality, even sometimes the <b>rarest species of pigeons</b>. However, you have to understand that the price of these pigeons is often skyrocketing, and you're lucky to even find one that isn't auctioned. But most full pledged pigeon breeders would take the risk of purchasing these high end pigeon species. You will also likely find information about sold pigeons on the internet. Online pet auctions are often viable sources of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pet-pigeons.html">pet pigeons</a>. <br />
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For starters, a beginner pigeon buyer would have to search for reputable sources and not settle for substandard markets where usually sellers are anonymous. Also when selecting which pigeon to purchase, make sure to go through the sorting the process of breed or gender identification. Knowing the breed and the gender of the pigeon would definitely aid the quality of the purchase. Also, one would have to make it a point that they buy those that are robust for they assure you of a healthy physical condition of the pigeon. When purchasing many pigeons at a time, a flock perhaps, you have to make sure that the males don't outnumber the females as this could cause fights between pigeons during mating and for territories as well.<br />
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Sometimes, local animal shelters avail of pigeons for adoption. Typically, animal shelters that allow adoption would also be send packages inclusive of free supplies. But that's not always the case though.<br />
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If you have purposes of <b>breeding your own flock of pigeons</b>, you have to make sure that you purchase young pigeons rather than old ones. Often, older pigeons have already turned sterile or incapacitated to breed anymore. It would be a wise choice to purchase a pigeon within the age bracket of 3-6 years old. Although, purchasing older pigeons would be okay if you're only having them exhibition purposes. The same thing applies with purchasing racing pigeons, you would also have to make sure that they are still young enough to face the physical challenges of the sport.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feeding and Care</span><br />
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Often <b>commercial pet pigeon</b> food is difficult or tricky to find but it is available. Sometimes, pigeon clubs also sells pigeon feeds for breeders or they could also be found in livestock and poultry feed stores. It completely depends. Usually the feeds are a compound of grains and pellets. Sometimes, it could just be one over the other. One would also have to understand that when grains are used to fed grit should always provided in order aid the digestion process.<br />
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If pigeon happens to be unavailable, you may also opt to have chicken feed instead, but only for adult pigeons. Young pigeons may have indigestion if they take in chicken scratches as meal. <br />
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Some pigeon breeders would find it necessary to only feed their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-care-for-beginners.html">pet pigeons</a> only once in a day and some would also find it appropriate to feed their pets twice. The feeder container should always be in a condition wherein the pigeons are restricted from messing up their food. Also, clean water is a very important factor to a pigeon's diet as they do need water more than half the time. Also, one of the usual factors as to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">why pigeons are able to contract diseases </a>is due to unclean to water.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-35808392713961365572011-08-23T04:34:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:36:48.905-07:00Special Pigeon RecipesMany famous restaurants in Europe and in the United States have been <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/eating-pigeon-meat.html">serving pigeon meat</a> for some time now. Some of these recipes have even made it big and got published in various cookbooks authored by the finest chefs in the world. Many of these meals are somehow expensive and not so many people would want to spend money on them. But if you are curious how pigeon meats scores against other meats we commonly cook in the kitchen, try the following recipes and know for yourself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pigeon Squab in Mango Sauce <i>(served with Watercress Salad)</i></span><br />
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Check the laws in your locality allow you to butcher young pigeons or squabs. Some states would penalize anyone who would harm helpless pigeons so you better validate if you are not restricted to do so in order to avoid getting into trouble. This particular recipe needs the following ingredients:<br />
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4 pigeon squabs <i>(cleaned and roasted)</i><br />
1 cup red wine<br />
1/2 tbsp. minced ginger<br />
1 tbsp. minced garlic<br />
1/2 tbsp. mustard <i>(dry)</i><br />
1/2 tbsp. juniper Berries<br />
2 medium-sized limes <i>(juice only)</i><br />
2 tbsp. canola oil<br />
1 tbsp. sugar<br />
1 stalk celery<br />
1 whole onion chopped<br />
1 medium-sized carrot <i>(chopped)</i><br />
1/2 tbsps. black peppercorns<br />
1 cup mango puree<br />
1 tbsp. soy sauce<br />
3 tbsp. butter<br />
Salt and pepper to taste<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cooking Directions</span></i><br />
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1. Chop the <b>pigeon squabs</b> and use the breast and leg portions only. Mix ginger, garlic, wine, juniper berries and oil in a bowl to make the marinade. Soak the meat in the marinade for 4 hours.<br />
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2. Brush butter in a skillet pan and fast fry the marinated meat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Pigeon squab meat is better tasting when eaten rare.<br />
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3. To prepare the watercress salads simply mix the lime juice, sugar and oil in a bowl. Toss in all the nuts and the vegetables left and season to taste.<br />
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4. To complete the recipe, serve with mango sauce. To make the sauce, just mix thyme, ginger, soy sauce, and pepper in a bowl. Add the mango puree and continue mixing until the mixture will have a uniform consistency; this sauce should be kept warm to complement the squab meat.<br />
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5. This recipe is best served when properly presented. It will look very appetizing when it is served in a white plate. Crossed squab legs would appear really fancy when garnished with nuts with the salad on the side.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pigeon Pie</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_V5FFYLEKU/TlOP0DNx9HI/AAAAAAAAAFM/2Xi_A5LIXyQ/s1600/pigeon_pies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o_V5FFYLEKU/TlOP0DNx9HI/AAAAAAAAAFM/2Xi_A5LIXyQ/s200/pigeon_pies.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://shamelesscarnivore.com/">shamelesscarnivore.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This recipe is an all-time favourite. Kids and adults alike love this, making it ideal for family occasions. To make the pie, you will need the following ingredients:<br />
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4 pigeon squabs <i>(peeled)</i><br />
2 large eggs <i>(hard-boiled and chopped)</i><br />
1 cup fresh milk<br />
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour<br />
12 mushrooms <i>(do not use canned mushrooms if possible)</i><br />
1/4 tbsp. paprika<br />
1/2 tbsp. celery salt<br />
3/4 tbsp. pepper<br />
1/2 tbsp. salt<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Cooking Directions</span></i><br />
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1. Remove the giblets from the squabs before peeling off the skin. Combine the chopped squabs with paprika and celery salt. Add water into the mix and simmer for an hour or until the meat becomes tender. The giblets should be added back into the pan and cook for another 20 minutes<br />
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2. Separate the meat and the giblets from the broth. Set aside at least 2 cups of the broth. Remove the bones from the meat and chop the meat finely. Place the chopped pigeon meat into a 2-quart casserole <i>(do not forget to grease the casserole before doing so)</i>. Add the giblets on top of the meat followed by a layer of mushrooms and then the eggs. Season the pie with pepper before setting aside.<br />
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3. Now combine milk and flour in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth. Add the broth that you have set aside and continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly. Add salt and pepper to taste and then pour this mixture into the casserole. <br />
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4. To prepare the pastry, all that you need to do is to roll out your dough to a thickness of about 1 inch. Make sure that about half an inch of the dough exceeds the size of the casserole's mouth. Press the edges into the side of the casserole to seal the pie.<br />
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5. Finally, bake the pie into an oven for 25 minutes. The over should be pre-heated to 400 degrees Celsius. As a general guide, the pie is cooked if the pastry turns brown.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Additional Information</span><br />
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If it is illegal to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-kill-pigeons.html">kill little pigeons</a> in your state, you may use adult pigeon meat; the two meats basically differ in tenderness but they task almost the same. Just remember that when you are using adult pigeons, you have to keep watch of the various <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">diseases that infect adult birds</a>. Look for a trusted pigeon meat dealer to be sure that you are getting good quality meat. If you hunt pigeons on your own, take the time to examine the birds before dressing them. Look at the eyes of the pigeons as well as its feathers. <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">Sick pigeons</a> would have loose feathers and swollen eyes. If you are not confident, solicit for advises from friends. But if you do not want to go through all these hassles, you can simply go to a good restaurant and order a serving of one of their popular pigeon recipes. That would be way better than preparing the meat and cooking the entire meal.<br />
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Moreover, you have to be extra careful with the kind of pigeon that you cook or eat. Some hunters do have been reported to shoot pigeons which are not considered as pests in the city. You have to realize that most states allowed pigeon hunting simply because it is one of the surest ways to reduce the population of the pigeons in their respective areas of jurisdiction. This means that it does not cover harming birds whose population do not need to be controlled. Before hunting pigeons, familiarize yourself with <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">pigeon species</a> which you are allowed to kill in order to avoid any complications.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-28076670741001005202011-08-23T04:27:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:11:27.716-07:00Diseases Commonly Suffered by Pigeons (Part II)Four <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-1.html">pigeon diseases</a> have already been discussed in the first instalment of this series of article on the diseases the make pigeons suffer. If you have not read the first instalment yet, check out the article archive at the bottom of this page. In this particular article, we will talk about five other diseases namely: Paratyphoid Salmonellosis, Pigeon Pox, PMV-Paramyxovirus, Adeno Virus and Circo Virus. Most of these diseases are simply named after the kind of virus or bacteria that cause them. Let's start:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Paratyphoid-Salmonellosis</span><br />
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Like most pigeon diseases, this one is also caused by a flagellated gram-negative bacterium which is very mobile. The bacterium can float in air and live in water thus it can be transmitted in many different ways. In most cases, this disease is spread through one infected pigeon which has been mixed with the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">healthy pigeons in a single loft</a>. Thus, it is very important for pigeon keepers to make sure that they screen new birds properly or else, the health of the entire flock would be compromised. Apart from infected pigeons, rodents and cockroaches can also spread the bacterium. It is best if you keep their food and water away from any possible contact with these carrier pests. As much as possible maintain the cleanliness of the loft to avoid the spread of the bacterium in the air. It is also better if you choose younger birds when adding new pigeons to your flock since only adult pigeons carry this bacterium.<br />
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An infected bird can be identified through its <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">droppings</a>. The bird's bowel movement will suffer and its droppings would come out wet and slimy. The droppings will also appear green. Because of this, the bird will lose appetite and at the same time, lose weight. Some birds have symptoms which can be as severe as having <i>"twisted necks"</i>. In the rare cases when young pigeons become infected with this disease, they would show signs of having difficulty in breathing. In worst cases, young pigeons even die inside the eggs even before they hatch.<br />
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To treat this disease, veterinarians use Nolvasan which is a disinfectant. They incorporate this drug to Improver products and introduce the <i>"drug"</i> to the infected birds in a regular schedule. A teaspoon of the disinfectant should be mixed with a gallon of water and the bird will only be given nothing else by treated water and Improver. This method of treatment has been proven to work very effectively.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Pigeon Pox</span><br />
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The virus that causes this disease is carried by <a href="http://www.findthetop.com/top-3-reasons-why-this-natural-mosquito-repellent-rocks-mosquito-patch-review.html">mosquitoes</a>. Pigeons can be vaccinated to resist this virus but unprotected birds are very much susceptible to it. The virus enters the bird's body through its bloodstream and then in a matter of 5 to 7 days, the bird will start to have wart-like lesions all over its body. The lesions contain puss that is yellowish in color; when pricked, the puss with ooze out along with their blood. This disease is not fatal and the lesions just dry off after sometime. Thus, it is better if the <b>infected birds</b> are simply left alone so that they can heal on their own and not cause any troubles to the other birds in the loft. In order to prevent this disease, the birds need to be vaccinated. However, the vaccine is only 75% reliable so there is a chance that treated birds will still catch the disease. To be sure, the lofts should be kept mosquito free.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. PMV-Paramyxovirus</span><br />
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Classified as a viral infection, this disease is also known as the PMV-1. It is very common amongst racing pigeons and is very contagious. Infected pigeons can spread the virus that causes this disease both directly and indirectly; <b>sick birds</b> can make the other birds in the loft sick by normal body contact and they can also infect them with the disease through the food that they eat. A bird with <b>PMV-1</b> will have watery droppings and would lose any desire to eat. This condition can lead to severe weight loss and at the same time it can also make the bird's feathers to fall. In some cases, infected birds will experience paralysis of the legs and of the wings. Some birds would have <i>"twisted necks"</i> which normally lead to death. In order to prevent PMV-1, pigeon owners are advised to submit their birds for vaccination. The most popular vaccine in the United States in in some regions in the Europe the most popular vaccine is called Lasota.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Adeno Virus</span><br />
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The disease which results from Adeno virus infection is also called <i>"Adeno Virus"</i>; many other pigeon diseases are named after the kind of viruses that cause them. This particular disease infects birds with weak immune systems. It is subdivided into two types; type 1 Adeno Virus can make the birds vomit and suffer from diarrhea, this type is not fatal; type 2 Adeno Virus is more dangerous because it infect the bird's liver which can lead to death within 2 days after the contraction of the virus. Unfortunately, no vaccine that can best protect birds from the Adeno Virus has been developed yet. Thus, the best way to protect the birds is to keep them healthy by giving them the right food and supplements which can improve their immune systems. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Circo Virus</span><br />
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Just like the Adeno Virus, this disease is also named after the kind of virus that causes it. However, this disease affects the birds in a very different way. Circo virus weakens the immune system of infected birds; it affects the birds in the same way that HIV-AIDS affect humans. When the birds have contracted this virus, it then becomes susceptible to many other diseases, most especially those disease that attack birds with weak immune systems like the Adeno Virus. An infected bird will have a dry beak and would have very watery excretions which would appear yellowish. Unfortunately, it is not easy to identify an infected bird while the disease is still in the early stages, thus in most cases, the disease is also brought into attention when it is already in the advanced stage which makes the treatment difficult.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-30224233723983558402011-08-23T04:21:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:11:11.721-07:00Diseases Commonly Suffered by Pigeons (Part I)When the words <i>"diseases"</i> and <i>"pigeons"</i> are used in a single sentence, we often only concern ourselves with how these two words interplay in the human health. Seldom do we think about the <b>diseases that pigeons suffer</b> from since most of the time we worry about the diseases that we catch because of these birds. This article is all about the illnesses and diseases that have contributed to massive pigeon casualties every year. The diseases which will be discussed in this article are Canker, Coccidiosis, Collibacillosis and One-eyed Colds. For the other diseases please refer to my other posts <i>(you can find these articles in the archive section below).</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Trichomoniasis Canker</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.friskyfinches.com/cankerinfections.htm">Canker</a> is considered to be the most common disease that pigeons suffer from. Most birds get infected by this disease by drinking unsafe water which may contain dangerous microscopic protozoans. Although this disease is not very harmful to the actual sufferer, the bird casualties associated to this disease is due to the fact that sick birds cannot effectively feed their young. Thus, many squabs <i>(young pigeons)</i> die each year because of the inability of the parents to rear them.<br />
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An infected bird is easy to spot because of their changed behaviour as well as the physical signs which the birds might show. You can tell that a pigeon has Canker if it becomes lethargic, staying only on one place without moving or without doing other activities. Examples of physical changes, the most obvious are: loss weight, diarrhoea and ugly, ruffled feathers. Although this disease has no record to being transferred to humans, it is still wise if you know how to prevent it. For pigeons, you can use anti-fungal products to control the stress that they would feel after ingesting the dangerous protozoans that cause the disease. Of course since it is impossible to make sure that the birds will only drink from clean water sources, the best that you can do is to secure the birds themselves by monitoring and controlling the feeds that you give them <i>(this is especially true if you allow your birds to roam around)</i>. There are anti-canker products which you can use too. These products/drugs are better because they really target the problem.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Coccidiosis</span><br />
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Just like Canker, this one is also caused by microorganisms that live inside the intestines of birds. Coccidiosis is not as common in pigeons as it is in some other birds but many pigeons in the city are still found out to have this kind of disease. Fortunately, only young pigeons are susceptible to this disease because adult pigeons have somehow developed a kind of immunity to it. Nevertheless, young pigeons which are subjected to stress caused by different circumstances can die because of this disease. Coccidiosis kills the little birds by taking away their appetite to eat or drink. The birds would become lethargic and would prefer sleep over other activities. After sometime, the birds will lose so much weight and energy that its body will collapse. Birds infected with this disease can be identified through their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">droppings</a>. When they have Coccidiosis, their droppings will look green and would come out watery.<br />
<br />
Anti-fungal products are enough to prevent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccidia">Coccidiosis</a>. If you are keeping pigeons, you might as well improve the cleanliness of their lofts. As much as possible, make sure that the feeds and the droppings will make no contact. The water that you give your birds should also be cleaned and sanitized. If you are adding a new pigeon to your flock, take the time to isolate the new birds first and see if it is a carrier of some disease, most especially Coccidiosis.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Collibacillosis</span><br />
<br />
This disease is more commonly called as E. coli and it is somehow prevalent among pigeons. Most pigeons catch this disease through dust particles mixed with airborne E.coli bacteria. The bacteria come from their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-pigeon-droppings-areas.html">droppings</a> or from the droppings of rodents. This disease is quite difficult to control once one of the birds catches it because almost immediately, the E. coli in its droppings will become airborne too and infect the other birds in the loft. Thus, the best way to deal with this disease is to prevent it from happening. The best way to do so is to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html">keep the lofts clean and sanitary</a>. Do not allow rodents to find where you keep your bird feeds because they might infect the feeds and leave behind dropping which carry E. coli. You can also monitor the ammonia level in the loft to be extra sure. Birds infected with E. coli can be identified through their droppings too. The droppings would be loose, greenish and is sticky. The birds would also lose weight because of fast bowel movement and they would develop respiratory problems.<br />
<br />
When a bird is found out to have <a href="http://www.avianbiotech.com/diseases/Ecoli.htm">E. coli</a>, it is best if it is given proper shots of antibiotic, over-the-counter antibiotics will do. If this does not help, you can resort to higher dosages of antibiotic; just consult with a veterinarian to know which antibiotic to choose. If you medicate you bird without a professional advice, you might end up hurting the bird even more since wrong antibiotics can damage the bird's micro flora.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. One-Eye Colds</span><br />
<br />
Just like what the name suggests the birds with this disease can be identified through their eyes. Both eyes would become watery and to some extent one would be completely shut because of the infection. The eye can swell up and continue to water until the lids can't separate anymore. This disease is often caused by a simply physical injury in the eye. Because of the way the injury evolves into an infection, many people often confuse <a href="http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f6/one-eye-cold-20682.html">One-eye colds</a> with mycoplasmosis <i>(another <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-diseases-2.html">pigeon disease</a> with the same onset symptoms)</i>. To keep injured birds safe from this infection, you have to make sure that your cages or lofts are not overcrowded with birds. Overcrowding can compromise the cleanliness of the lofts which can lead to having airborne pathogens of different kinds of diseases and infections.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-16994458688528423162011-08-23T04:11:00.000-07:002011-08-23T04:11:57.549-07:00Electronic Devices Used for Pigeon ProtectionWhile we are most familiar with <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-netting.html">pigeon netting</a> and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/plastic-pigeon-spikes.html">spikes</a> when it comes to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeon control</a>, electronic devices are also slowly making it big in this industry. Many people do not trust electronic products as much as they trust the two <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/lethal-pigeon-control-methods.html">common control methods</a> but it is almost certain that in a few years, these products will eventually replace them. Here are some of these products:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. "BirdXPeller PRO Bird Repeller"</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXj6dH4cFaI/TlOIRSJHcQI/AAAAAAAAAE8/AhpfAivxC1k/s1600/super_birdxpeller_pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXj6dH4cFaI/TlOIRSJHcQI/AAAAAAAAAE8/AhpfAivxC1k/s200/super_birdxpeller_pro.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://bird-x.com/">bird-x.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is a <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/electrical-pigeon-repellent.html">sonic repeller</a> that emits sounds which birds like pigeons find irritating. This particular device can cover an area of about half an acre in radius. Birds would consider this area as a <i>"danger zone"</i> and would not land anywhere in it. <b>BirdXPeller</b> is actually a distress <i>"crier"</i>, meaning, it produces sounds which mimic the sound that the common predators of these birds produce. It has 8 sounds and the volume by which each of these sounds is emitted can be controlled by the user. It can even be set to have silent times and would <i>"cry"</i> only at specific times in order to mimic the real predators.<br />
<br />
So far, there are 3 BirdXPeller models in the marker, these are: 1. BXP-PRO 1 <i>(used for pigeons, gulls, sparrows and starlings)</i>, 2. BXP-PRO 2 <i>(used for ravens, blackbirds, crows, cormorants and grackles)</i>, 3. BXP-PRO WP <i>(used for sapsucker birds and the woodpeckers)</i>. These devices are quite expensive but they are really worth every penny. Regular price is around 240 euros. The additional batteries can cost up to $20 per set and the sun-operated charger is about $160. If you don't mind about the cost for as long as you get real <b>protection from pigeons</b>, then this device is right for you. Well, if you have more funds you can also try the Super BirdXPeller. These devices can cover up to 6 acres of land. This device costs 595 euros, excluding accessories.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. "Mega Blaster PRO Sonic Bird Repeller"</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGwbK4UnWA0/TlOIdw7PesI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Qv5T7ebiAhY/s1600/megablaster_cutout_combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGwbK4UnWA0/TlOIdw7PesI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Qv5T7ebiAhY/s200/megablaster_cutout_combo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://bird-x.com/">bird-x.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This device is for large-scale applications, it can cover up to 30 acres of land! It is mainly used for agricultural applications and acts similar to the BirdXPeller. But this one has to be set up in a tower for maximum coverage. It has 4 speaks and each of these speakers has an output of 125 decibels. It is even advised that people who come close to the tower must wear ear protections.<br />
<br />
The <b>Mega Blaster</b> has eight pre-recorded audios of different bird predators and just like the BirdXPeller; you can also set the silent time mode of the device so that it will sound more realistic. The control operation of the tower is kept in a NEMA-type box which is also the same with the windmills and other tower-mounted devices. Additional features are: has 3 <i>"harassment"</i> sounds, 3 realistic <i>"cries"</i> form terrifying predators and has very power ultrasonic effects for high-impact noise.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. "Ultrason-X Repel Birds"</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmMdcf3EvOc/TlOIr6xvG-I/AAAAAAAAAFE/UWnnMW-IUtc/s1600/ultrason-x_repel_birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HmMdcf3EvOc/TlOIr6xvG-I/AAAAAAAAAFE/UWnnMW-IUtc/s200/ultrason-x_repel_birds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://electronicpestcontrolpro.com/">electronicpestcontrolpro.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Of course, there are certain places that need protection from pigeons but cannot afford to have the noise coming out from the other devices. Gas stations, hospitals, hotels and restaurants are examples of such placed. The <b>Ultrason-X</b> is built for this type of an application. The device does not produce any sound; in fact it is called the <i>"silent"</i> bird repeller. It produces sound which is inaudible to the human ear but is already very irritating to birds. The set is comprised of four heavy-duty speakers and a separate control box. The speakers are directional and are connected to the control box by a 100 feet long wire. This means that each of these speakers can be conveniently places in the different corners of the area in order to ensure maximum coverage. It is very easy to operate and works with a 110 Volts power supply. The maximum area that it can cover in 3600 square feet, or about 900 square feet for a single speaker.<br />
<br />
This device is highly programmable. It has three customizations: high, medium, and low. These settings indicate the frequency by which the ultrasonic sound is emitted by the device. Because of its special function, this device is quite expensive too. Relative to the area it can protect, it is way more expensive that the first two devices. It is currently $590 in the market, all accessories are still excluded.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. "BalconyGard" Ultrasonic Bird Repeller</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVW-o5HDtGQ/TlOI16qbukI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2YIikd97_aU/s1600/balconygard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVW-o5HDtGQ/TlOI16qbukI/AAAAAAAAAFI/2YIikd97_aU/s200/balconygard.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://wantitall.co.za/">wantitall.co.za</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you are only seeking for a device that can <b>protect you balcony</b> or your porch from perching pigeons, then this device is a perfect choice. It is affordable, costing only about $60 each. It can produce irritating noises which pigeons cannot stand. Thus, instead of perching in your balcony or in your patio, they would rather go someplace else. This device is also pre-built with infrared sensors so that it only turns on when it senses a bird. This feature saves power and at the same time, it prolongs the life of the devices. The sound that it produces is still inaudible to the human ear. With this device, you can already <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-droppings.html">protect your place from pigeon droppings</a> and the dangers that these excretions can bring. And, since this device is mainly for outdoor application, it is also designed to withstand rain.<br />
<br />
The user of the <b>BalconGard</b> should expect that the pigeons will not leave the balcony or the patio immediately after it is installed. The birds will still come back a couple of times more until they realize that the place is not conducive for habituation anymore. The user should also realize that this device does not work like throwing a pebble to the birds <i>(which scares the birds right away)</i>. Assuming that you are a pigeon, you would experience irritating sensation that slowly builds up while you stay in the area protected by BalconGard. Eventually, you will not be able to stand the irritations anymore and you will have no other choice but to leave the place for good. The manufacturers of BalconGard assure users of a 70-feet area protection guarantee but some users have reported that the device was able to cover as much as 900 square feet. This device best works when accompanied by visual scarers like holographic predator eyes hanging from the ceiling or by <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-shooting-flying-raptor.html">owl</a> images.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-31056166759635972452011-08-23T03:56:00.000-07:002011-08-24T15:12:52.584-07:00Random Facts about Pigeons and other BirdsYou might think that you know <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">everything about pigeons</a> simply because you see them every day as you drive through the city streets in your way to your office. But there are so many other things which you might not know about these birds. Read through this article to see which facts are new to you.<br />
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- Pigeons used to be very significant in the 17th century that a decree declared the birds as the property of the monarch of England.<br />
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- Before <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-pigeon-droppings.html">pigeon droppings</a> became known as carriers of harmful <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">bacteria and viruses</a>, these excretions were used as the main ingredient in making gun powder.<br />
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- Pigeons have been living alongside human civilizations for more than 5000 years already. Archaeologists were able to find <b>pigeon paintings</b> that date back to 3000 BC.<br />
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- Unlike other birds, pigeons can see in full color. They also have very excellent vision and they can see ultraviolet light which the human eye can no longer see. This exceptional vision capability is the reason why pigeons are used in many search and rescue operations.<br />
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- Just like doves, pigeons have been mentioned in the Bible as part of the customary offerings.<br />
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- Male pigeons are a little larger than their female counterparts. This characteristic is true to most animals.<br />
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- Until now, some armies are still using pigeons for communication purposes. Nonetheless, pigeons are indeed used to deliver letters and other important parcels in the past. The founder of the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/">Reuters</a> even used pigeons for the same purposes.<br />
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- The most commonly found pigeon in the world is now extinct. They are the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">passenger pigeons</a> whose population reached to about 5 billion in North America alone in the 1800s. <br />
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- Pigeon produce a kind of secretion that is very nutritious. Because pigeons use this to feed their young, it became known as <b>pigeon milk</b>. And, would you be surprised to know that both male and female pigeons can produce pigeon milk?<br />
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- It only takes 18 to 19 days for a pigeon egg to hatch.<br />
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- The rock pigeon specie became widely domesticated not as pets but as a meat source.<br />
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- England's Queen Elizabeth is so fond of pigeons that she ordered that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-loft-basics.html"><b>pigeon lofts</b></a> are installed in her estate in Norfolk.<br />
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- Sikhism considers <b>pigeons as sacred birds</b> and feeding on their meat is assumed to bring forth benefits to the person eating it.<br />
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- Many people use the terms pigeons and <b>doves</b> interchangeable although these two actually refers to two different types of birds. The two may have a lot of similarities but they also have very distinct characteristics. In general, pigeons are a bit larger than the doves. Both birds belong to Columbidae which is a very large bird family.<br />
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- The famous wealthy family in Europe, the Rothschild, increased their wealth by using pigeons to communicate for their business. They have used the birds in the 1800s and from then on, the family is able to expand their networks throughout Europe and the later on, to the rest of the world.<br />
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- The most common <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-predators.html">pigeon predators</a> found in the cities are the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-cats.html">cats</a>. In rural areas, the predators include the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-shooting-flying-raptor.html">eagles</a>, owls and raccoons.<br />
<br />
- After hatching, a baby pigeon will only need six months to reach puberty. At this stage, the birds are already capable of reproduction. Pigeons can live for up to 15 years and continue to reproduce during their entire lifetime.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Other Bird Facts</span><br />
<br />
You might be interested to learn some random facts about other birds too. Read through the following:<br />
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- Green Herons have developed human-like behaviour in fishing. They use baits to lure fished close to them before they dive in to make the catch.<br />
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- Measuring 47 centimetres, the Australian Pelicans are considered as the birds with the longest beaks.<br />
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- There is a kind of bird that can poison anyone who tries to eat their flesh. These birds are known as the Hooded Pitohui.<br />
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- The only bird that can fly backwards is the hummingbird.<br />
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- The Dodo bird which is related to the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">overpopulated pigeon species</a> in the cities is now extinct. As of now, only photos of the Dodo remain for the human civilization to see.<br />
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- The heaviest bird that can fly in the world is the Great Bustard. If we include those that can't, of course the Ostrich would get the honour.<br />
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- If we account for all the parrots in the world, we will reach a count of 350 different species.<br />
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- As a form of courtship, the Male Frigate birds use their inflatable throats to attract their female counterparts. The throats are red and are very bright.<br />
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- You will know what a specific bird species eats in the wild by simply examining its beak.<br />
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- According to records, about 1 billion birds die every year.<br />
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- Some parrot species do not mind flying over a distance of 500 miles each day just to look for food.<br />
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- While you might assume that for an animal to be classified as a bird, it has to have wings. This is not the case with the Kiwi found in New Zealand. It is considered as a bird because of its other features although it does not have wings.<br />
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- The longest hatching egg in the bird kingdom is that laid by the Royal Albatross. It takes about 79 days because it hatches.<br />
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- The world's smallest owl weighs 1.5 ounce only.<br />
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- The bird that lived the longest life in captivity is named Charlie. It is a Macaw with blue and gold colors and was originally owned by Winston Churchill. His children inherited the bird that celebrated its 104th birthday last 2004. No news about Charlie has been reported but if it is still alive, it should be around 110 years old.<br />
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If you are interested to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-facts.html">learn more facts about pigeons</a>, read through the articles I have posted in this blog. You can find these articles in the archive section below.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-68903199280966005932011-08-23T03:24:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:36:15.380-07:00Pigeon Meat DelicacyIt's not an exaggeration to say that most <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">Americans hate feral pigeons</a>; in fact, this disdain against these city birds is not exclusive to the Americans, there are many other places in the world where a lot of people consider <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons are pests</a> that need to be <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/origins-of-pigeon-control.html">controlled</a> and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/09/pigeon-eradication.html">eradicated</a>. However, it is also this popular opinion against these birds that makes most people unaware that there is a growing market for pigeon meat. Many farmers have already made good money by selling pigeons that they catch within their lands; some of these meats have even found their way into the racks of large grocery stores. Ironically, <b>cooked pigeon meat</b> is loved as much as live birds are hated.<br />
<br />
The pigeon meat market actually started as a by-product of the efforts of the governments to deal with <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-infestation.html">pigeon infestation</a>. Among these efforts include the proper disposal and processing of their excrement called guano. Because of its high organic content, <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">guano</a> is actually very good when used as a fertilizer. Apart from their <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-pigeon-droppings-areas.html">droppings</a>, the government has also exerted efforts on reducing pigeon population in the cities. Since the goal is to reduce their population, the government has allowed massive <b>pigeon hunting</b> whether for leisure or out of pure disdain. Eventually, some people started to hunt pigeons for their meat.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ntlPFp3Pl0/TlN-i_5BO9I/AAAAAAAAAEw/eTEFyenHYn0/s1600/selling_pigeon_meat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ntlPFp3Pl0/TlN-i_5BO9I/AAAAAAAAAEw/eTEFyenHYn0/s200/selling_pigeon_meat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://inquisitiverobin.com/">inquisitiverobin.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The introduction of pigeon meat to the public has done two real good things to various communities: 1. it has offered the people an alternative source for protein and 2. It has encouraged them to hunt down pigeons for money <i>(thus reducing their population more quickly)</i>. This is a very good compromise considering that government agencies, private companies and even homeowners spend a good deal of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-pigeon-control.html">money on pigeon control</a> alone. If all these cash is added up, it can reach up to a couple of billions of dollars each year, an amount too large that it could have been used for some other purposes and achieve great things. Well, the only issue about encouraged massive pigeon hunting is that it might actually <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/extinct-species-passenger-pigeon.html">threaten pigeon species and push them to extinction</a>. Of course, this is not very apparent now but with improper supervision, it might just happen.<br />
<br />
Thus, it is important for the state to set strict rules about pigeon hunting. It should be emphasized that only feral pigeons which commonly come in a flock of a hundred or so <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-kill-pigeons.html">can be killed</a> for their meat; all the other species are still protected by the law. This should be made clear because most of the other pigeon species do not cause as much trouble as the feral pigeons. For example, it is the latter that perch and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-roosting.html">roost on buildings</a> in the metropolis thus if this is the problem faced by the owner of the property, killing the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">non-pest pigeon species</a> will not solve the problem, instead it will only cause problems in the biodiversity of the planet granting that the pigeon killed belongs to a specie that is not abundant anymore.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Bird, the Plate and the Table</span></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRwkrhScz1k/TlN-zN3EycI/AAAAAAAAAE0/KEUt4yPLqhI/s1600/pigeon_dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRwkrhScz1k/TlN-zN3EycI/AAAAAAAAAE0/KEUt4yPLqhI/s200/pigeon_dish.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://hungerhunger.blogspot.com/">hungerhunger.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Believe it or not, when pigeons are served on restaurant tables, they can cost up to $10 for each serving. The meat of this bird is also very flexible when it comes to the kinds of dishes that can be cooked using it. For example, it can be used in soups and in majority of the <i>"meat-based"</i> recipes that we know. Pigeons are dressed pretty much the same with how chickens are dressed. Their heads and a good portion of their limbs are simply cut off; of course, that's after all the feathers of the bird has been removed as well as its internal organs.<br />
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Most <b>restaurants serve pigeon</b> cutlets because many people are uncomfortable about being served with a recipe that includes meat which resembles a pigeon. Like what has been already established, many people can't help it but be hostile to the birds and although they might love the meat of these birds, they might prefer not to taste it because of a pre-moulded idea that they will be eating <i>"pests"</i>. Well, apart from this concern, there's nothing else that seems wrong or bad about pigeon meat. As children, we might have some fond memories on <b>feeding pigeons</b> in parks or in going to pigeon-inspired parks and resorts. But as we start growing we realize that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/09/pigeon-damage.html">pigeons can cause as much damage</a> as a horrible typhoon can do, at least in a relative sense. And now as adults, we can start gathering fond memories again, this time of delicious pigeon meat served on porcelain plates.<br />
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Here's one <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/special-pigeon-recipes.html">pigeon-based recipe</a> that you might want to try at home the next time that you caught or killed a pigeon. It's called the <b>Pigeon Stew</b> and with the following ingredients you will be able to cook a dish that can feed 4 to 6 people <i>(depending on their appetite)</i>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lD4__CgK82c/TlN_aX_RmMI/AAAAAAAAAE4/YOG5pJkTCAI/s1600/pigeon_stew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lD4__CgK82c/TlN_aX_RmMI/AAAAAAAAAE4/YOG5pJkTCAI/s200/pigeon_stew.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://herbal.recipes.webs-sg.com/">herbal.recipes.webs-sg.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <i>Ingredients:</i><br />
<br />
6 Oven-ready Pigeons <i>(should be dressed with giblets kept)</i><br />
6 ounces melted butter<br />
6 bacon slices <i>(should be fatty)</i> <br />
2 ounces Brandy<br />
1 thinly-sliced Truffle <i>(drained)</i><br />
4 ounces Button mushrooms <i>(drained and cooked well)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>For the sauce:</i><br />
<br />
8 ounces Chicken stock<br />
8 ounces white wine <i>(dry)</i><br />
1 ounce butter<br />
1 ounce flour<br />
1 garni <i>(a whole Bouquet is better)</i><br />
1 onion <i>(minced)</i><br />
1 small-sized carrot <i>(chopped)</i><br />
Salt and pepper<br />
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<i>Directions for cooking:</i><br />
<br />
1. To add flavour to the meat itself, rub salt and pepper on every surface of the pigeon which you can reach. Roast all 6 meats in a preheated oven <i>(about 180 degree Celsius)</i>; don't forget to add a spoon of butter into the roasting pan you are using. To enhance the flavour of the meat, place bacon over each of the bird's breasts. Cooking time should be around 40 minutes.<br />
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2. You will have to remove the skin of the birds after they are roasted. The skin contains too much oil that it can compromise the taste of the stew that you are cooking. Well, on top of that, bird skin is also very high is cholesterol and removing it will be very healthy for you.<br />
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3. Slice each skinned pigeon meat and arranges all the slices in a casserole. Add the other ingredients <i>(mushroom, brandy and truffle)</i>.<br />
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4. To make the sauce simply mix all the ingredients listed above. Simmer the sauce until about 25% of the sauce has already evaporated into thin air. Use salt and pepper to adjust the taste.<br />
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5. Finally, you are not ready to pour out the sauce into the casserole. Serve hot.<br />
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Pigeon cooking at its best ;-) Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-52635485359555023902011-08-18T03:33:00.000-07:002011-08-18T03:33:14.997-07:00Sound Emitting Pigeon Control DeviceMost people would think that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/electrical-pigeon-repellent.html">sound emitting devices</a> are less to not effective at all in dealing with pest problems inside the house. Sometimes this can be true depending on the type of pest being dealt with or how the device is used particularly in terms of installation and the location of the installation. These factors are often the causes why the sound emitting device will be rendered les useful or ineffective at all. Therefore, you have to make certain that you have placed the devices on the most strategic locations as possible. However, the efficacy of the device may also depend on the quality of the device itself. If you happen to purchase a second rate brand of sound of emitting device, which happens to be a total rip, then most likely the device will fail in its purpose due to the substandard components it is comprised with. Therefore, you also have to make sure that when you purchase a sound emitting pest repellent device, you purchase them at the most reliable store that the general people know or the most trusted brand of such a device. In this article we will be giving you one of the most reliable and popularly used <i>sound emitting bird repellent devices</i> at present.<br />
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Also, other points that will be discussed in this article are how to install the device, what are the types of devices should you compound the sound emitting device with, and how it works. Such pointers may come in handy when you are about to install the device and if you are to ensure that it will truly work in deterring the pestering pests away from your house. Most people are too lazy to innovate the functionality of the device that's why it often fails in their output. We will also be incorporating some tips on how to make the device work effectively and of course there will also be an identification as to which types of pests will it work with.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Ultrasonic Sound Emitting Device</span><br />
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One of the primer innovations of technology that deals with <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pest pigeon control</a> is the discovery of sound as a powerful deterrence against any pigeon. Knowing that sound can actually prevent pigeons from <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-roosting.html">roosting</a> or perching in your property, scientist have long invented devices that incorporate the functionality of sound as a factor to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-infestation.html">combat pigeon infestation</a>. Thus, we now have what we call the <b>Ultrasonic Sound Emitting Device</b>. Such device is commonly used by many household across the world in order to deal with their bird problems at home. Not only are they installed in households, but they are also being used in vast varieties of establishments, from boats to office establishments in urban areas. Such devices have proven its effectiveness throughout time since it first came into the pest control market. Though the predecessors of the present generation of sound pigeon deterrent devices weren't as effective as they are now, but through constant improvement and innovation, we now have the most potent mean to thwart any unwanted flyers.<br />
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The device can actually be considered as two devices into one since it has dual different features that cater different aspects of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-deterrent.html">deterring any bird incursions</a>. Its first side of functionality refers to the ultrasonic frequencies that produce sonic sound frequencies which are actually harmless to the natural environments as well as to human beings. Except for those who happen to have highly sensitive sense of hearing, they will most likely detect the sound being produced out of this device. Nevertheless, the sound they will probably hear are just nearly inaudible ringing sounds which most likely will not cause any hassles to anyone, though you may experience a slight discomfort at first. Rest assured, the discomforting feeling will eventually come to pass right away as one could easily foster a level of tolerance to it. The second aspect of the device is actually bird voice simulating machinery, wherein the device mimics that distress calls of actual birds. When birds hear distress calls from another bird, they will most likely stay away from the location where the distress call originated. Therefore, the device doesn't only give a nuisance feeling to the birds hearing senses, it also <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/scare-pigeons.html">scares them away</a>. <br />
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Just in case, there are certain people within the household who apparently can't tolerate the other sounds that the device produces, they can be conveniently turned off, leaving only the ultrasonic to function. These <b>ultrasonic sounds</b> are nearly impossible to be heard by humans unless of course a person happens to have very keen sense of hearing. However, the best results of the deterrent device relies on both its sound functions, therefore it is advisable to switch both mechanisms on.<br />
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The device actually comes with four pieces of speakers. The ultrasonic sound the device creates circulates through the four output speakers. Better effects can be attained if it is placed to create a surround sound effect feeling. The ultrasonic function of the device works 24/7 while the other sounds can be configured according to your personal preferences. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Compound Devices</span></b><br />
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The device in itself is already potently effective. But still, it would be best if you could employ other methods or devices to aid the device in keeping the annoying birds away. One compatible device is the bird laser. Bird lasers are devices that produce laser lights to distract birds in their flight. The laser light can be too strong for birds to tolerate and often it signals danger to birds that come by. Birds will eventually turn away from your house because of the perceived pseudo-danger. Along with the ultrasonic device, the effects can be both quite compelling and convincing. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Setting-Up</span></b><br />
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Setting up the device can be quite a hassle especially if it's your first time using it. It would be advised that you seek out instructional manuals or a professional guidance first before you install the device. Professional assistance would enable you to strategically place the devices properly in order to achieve optimal effect and quality output.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-67096838806271569822011-08-17T11:43:00.000-07:002011-08-17T11:44:25.054-07:00Three Ways to Scare a PigeonStatistically speaking, hundreds of property owners <i>(especially those who own buildings and other structures within the metropolis)</i> are spending thousands, if not millions, of dollars each year just to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-pigeon-droppings.html">clean-up pigeon droppings</a> and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/09/pigeon-damage.html">repair the damages</a> that the habituation of these birds have done in their properties. It is not difficult to see then why these people are willing to invest on bird control methods and devices just to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-to-get-rid-of-pigeons.html">get rid of these birds</a>. Well, apart from aesthetic concerns, these birds also threaten <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">human health</a>. In fact, is has been established that these pest birds can carry and transmit at least 60 different kinds of diseases. That being said, the owners of these properties are compelled to sanitize and treat their properties from possible health hazards apart from spending on the repairs and clean-ups! Clearly, there are serious financial advantages when the habituation of these birds has been prevented in the very first place.<br />
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Private companies and even the government agencies have been burdened by the presence of these birds since they started living in urban areas. The need for regular clean-ups and maintenance is really adding up to the expenses which these companies and agencies have to deal with on a yearly basis. Thus, the best possible approach is to invest on a method or a device that will <i>"repel"</i> these birds for good. This is the only way to cut down on the regular expenses on clean-ups and repairs. While the onset capital for these devices and products may seem too much, the real benefit is that it is a onetime expense, unlike cleaning up and repairing which can recur forever. Now, since we are talking about relative huge onset investments, it is but right that we also choose the best <i>"bird barrier"</i> that we can get. To be able to so, start here:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Audio Repellents</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wio_PB2Cj3Q/TkwJjaZrV1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/3l2DM0CodUg/s1600/audio_pigeon_repellent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wio_PB2Cj3Q/TkwJjaZrV1I/AAAAAAAAAEg/3l2DM0CodUg/s200/audio_pigeon_repellent.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://bird-x.com/">bird-x.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Such types of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/01/pigeon-repellent.html">pigeon repellents</a> are very common in houses because they are the most affordable ones. The manufacturers of these devices claim that they can be effectively used to repel pigeons from perching and nesting in areas within and adjacent to the house. Examples of such areas are the garage, sheds and the warehouses which homeowners seldom do complete and thorough cleaning. These devices are also known as <b>audio bird <i>"scarers"</i></b> because of its primal function which is precisely what this name suggests, it scares the birds. One trait of pigeons is that they do not like loud and sharp noises. Now, since these devices produce this kind of sounds, pigeons are technically scared to come anywhere close to the source of the sound.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Visual Repellents</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stZGuvfEhx4/TkwJ1CK_xpI/AAAAAAAAAEk/sA8RRnwgsM0/s1600/visual_pigeon_repellent.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-stZGuvfEhx4/TkwJ1CK_xpI/AAAAAAAAAEk/sA8RRnwgsM0/s200/visual_pigeon_repellent.png" width="168" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://compendiumblog.com/">compendiumblog.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Can you imagine a scarecrow in your yard? Well, that's how visual <i>"scarers"</i> work but of course these devices do not resemble a scarecrow which can definitely ruin the aesthetic value of your home. Instead, they come as flash tapes and poles which reflect sunlight. Pigeons are distressed by flashing light and would rather stay far from its source. Thus, reflection poles are very effective in <b>irritating the birds</b>. This can also be used on rooftop surfaces as well as on porches and other areas. Moreover, you can also wrap the trunk of a fruit tree with a metallic sheet so that the trunk would act like a flash pole. This way, you will be able to scare away the pigeons from fruit-bearing trees. For some reason, pigeons can also identify shapes. Many bird control specialists have made use of this characteristic to control them. For example, they have used predatory images to act like flash poles which also have the same effects to the birds.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Bird Spikes</span></b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILuJZC4K6EU/TkwKPZn20gI/AAAAAAAAAEo/7rUsA2sRm4E/s1600/bird_spikes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILuJZC4K6EU/TkwKPZn20gI/AAAAAAAAAEo/7rUsA2sRm4E/s200/bird_spikes.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) bird-spike.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/steel-pigeon-spikes.html">use of spikes</a> is very common to buildings with areas that are prone to pigeon habituation. These spikes are considered as traditional but so far, they are also the most effective. In most cases, the spikes are simply mounted on boards which are then laid out on building tops and other areas commonly perched and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-roosting.html">roosted by pigeons</a>. But there are instances when each spike is mounted on the surface of the building. This is done when the surface that needs protection does not have a vast flat area. Cement or strong metal glues are used to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/plastic-pigeon-spikes.html">attach the spikes</a> in place. Moreover, in order to enhance the effects of the spikes, bird control specialists also try to incorporate visual repellents into them. To materialize that, they simple add a predatory image along with the spikes. For example, they might place a decoy owl or a falcon on the area where the spikes are mounted. The most effective predatory bird decoys are those which are three-dimensional. The spikes are also used in other pest control applications. Apart from pigeons, spikes are also used to repel squirrels and other rodents.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reminders</span><br />
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Although it has been said that you need to invest on bird control devices and mechanisms in order to avoid higher expenses on cleaning after their mess, it does not mean that these products would be so expensive that you would need to spend all your fortune on them. In fact, in a relative sense, these products are affordable. You can even ask for big discounts from their dealers and retailers if you are ordering in bulk. You just need to explore your options and continue to seek for ways by which you can cut down in your expenses.<br />
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If you are not sure yet as to which of these bird control devices best suits your needs, then it is wise for you to do a little research first. You can start by participating in various pigeon control forums in the web. You can also do light readings on different topics about bird control and ultimately, you can commission the help of a bird control specialist to help you determine the kind of solution that your bird problem needs. Of course, do not limit yourself to what a single specialist tells you. If in doubt, consult other people and compare which solution offered seems to be the best one.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-12789975081035400582011-08-17T11:28:00.000-07:002011-08-17T11:28:13.481-07:00Pigeon Control in Hospitals and Health Care FacilitiesBird control is as important as mitigating insects and rodents from <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-infestation.html">infesting</a> in hospitals and health care facilities. Because of the need of such places to be always clean and safe from any possible source of diseases, <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/are-feral-pigeons-really-pests.html">feral pigeons</a> which are notorious for leaving behind huge amounts of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/cleaning-pigeon-droppings.html">droppings</a> which harbors a lot of harmful bacteria and viruses are also treated the same and equal as rats, mice, mosquitoes and flies. However, it is not uncommon for the maintenance managers of these facilities to act late when it comes to <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/09/pigeon-eradication.html">pigeon eradication</a>. The thing <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons</a> and other pest birds like sparrows and starlings is that they can make their presence undetectable for some time until the amount of damage that they have already made will reveal their presence. That is, in most cases maintenance managers would only realize that pigeons have already been infesting in the roof void of their facility when signs of their habituation already becomes obvious. This is problematic because at this time, it is possible that the droppings that have been accumulated in the roof void or in the other areas in these facilities may have been enough to cause <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">infectious diseases</a> to the weak patients in the facility.<br />
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Nonetheless, this kind of situation can be readily avoided by regular and thorough inspection. Large hospitals and other treatment facilities are actually very keen about such happenings that most of them have already invested on <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/lethal-pigeon-control-methods.html">pigeon control methods</a> and at the same time, hire personnel whose main job is to make sure that no pigeon will ever enter the vicinity of the hospital or the health facility. This is a big job actually, considering that feral pigeons are very prevalent in cities and other urban areas. Taking note that a single flock of pigeons which is composed of about 100 birds can leave behind wastes which can amount to about 4,800 pound a year and that there are hundreds if not thousands of pigeon flocks in the metropolis. All these <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-droppings.html">droppings</a> contain organic compounds which do not only corrode structural materials but also carry different kinds of pathogens, microorganisms and parasites which can greatly compromise human health. This is the reason why bird control is such a big deal in the context of hospitals and health facilities.<br />
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As a side note, these birds carry and transmit <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/histoplasmosis/">histoplasmosis</a> which may not cause serious problems when confined only in the lungs of the patient but is dangerously fatal when it infects the parts of the body. This disease is often caught in caves and other places where the droppings of bats and other birds have greatly accumulated over time. The infection becomes airborne in these places so victims do not really realize that they have already inhaled harmful pathogens not until they would experience the symptoms associated to the disease. Now, many people underrate just how much droppings pigeons can leave behind that they do not consider that these birds can cause histoplasmosis until it is already too late. Just imagine just how much insult it brings on to a hospital whose patients have caught such kinds of diseases inside their premises. IT actually defeats the entire purpose of the health facility itself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Programs and Methods of Control</span><br />
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Putting the interest of the hospital in line, maintenance manages resort to <b>bird control programs</b> and methods which have been proven to be effective. However, since health care facilities also need to secure the other interests of their patients they can only choose from a limited list of bird control measures. For example, they cannot use <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/electrical-pigeon-repellent.html">devices that emit noise</a> which are known to be effective in scaring away pigeons. Other control methods that hospitals cannot utilize are the use of fireworks, guns and <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-poison.html">poisons</a>. The last one is highly discouraged because of the nature of the facilities and at the same time, many pest control operator would also agree that poisoning is one of the most useless bird control methods ever used in history. The methods that the hospital can use are:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Bird Removal</span><br />
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The name of this method already gives away what it does. Basically, the goal of this method is to remove the birds from the facility. Because of certain factors, this method is only limited to trapping pigeons alive. That means that the most that the maintenance manager can do is <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-cage-trapping-stupefying-bait.html">set up traps</a> and use bait foods to lure the birds into these traps. Now, since pigeons cannot be relocated because of their strong homing traits <i>(that means that if you release them elsewhere, they will still find their way back into the place where you took them)</i>, the only way to deal with the birds is too euthanized then elsewhere. The most common methods of bird euthanasia is gassing and drowning. However, the problem with this method, apart from catching the ire of <a href="http://www.peta.org/">PETA</a> for <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-kill-pigeons.html">massive pigeon killing</a>, it also requires a lot of effort from the maintenance manager or to the bird control personnel in-charged. The traps have to be checked on a daily basis and the food baits have to be replaced as soon as they are consumed. Nevertheless, since hospitals do not have that much of a choice, this method is still extensively used.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Bird Exclusion</span><br />
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No matter what the prime bird control method the maintenance manager has chosen, it is almost imperative that it should include this method to some extent. It is already a given fact that hospitals and health facilities have large geographical scopes and some areas just have to be secured from the birds by exclusion techniques. Examples of exclusion devices are <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/02/pigeon-spikes.html">spikes</a>, sloping landing, <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-netting-maintenance.html">netting</a> and electric shock strips. There are other exclusion devices but these four are amongst the most popular ones. These devices are generally used to secure certain surfaces, ledges and other architectural features from the birds. However, the real problem with this strategy is that it does not really stop the birds from destroying properties and threatening health. All it does is that it <i>"pushes"</i> the birds to go elsewhere, simply say, to damage other properties and compromise the health of the other people outside the vicinity of the health facility. In a communal sense, this method is self-defeating.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-746834720647471226.post-37769996781859582312011-08-16T03:55:00.000-07:002011-08-24T12:36:00.732-07:00The Smartest Ways to Approach Pigeon ControlNot a lot of people may be aware that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/">pigeons</a> are the smartest of all the bird species in the planet. You may not feel too relaxed after knowing this, thinking that it is possible for this type of birds to find their way out of your traps. You would have to think of better ways to prevent the otherwise, you will definitely suffer the consequences of not having been able to do more than expected. Thankfully, there are smart ways on doing that; smart ways which are sufficient enough to outsmart the pestering pigeons perching on your rooftops and vents. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How Smart Pigeons Are?</span><br />
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Being the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/common-pigeons-species-of-pigeons.html">most intelligent species of birds in the planet</a>, they are capable of doing some feat that no other birds are able to do. One feat for example is the fact that they can actually recognize their reflection in the mirror. There are only 6 species of animals in the planet and pigeons are the only ones among these species which happens to be non-mammal. <br />
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You may not be able to teach a pigeon how to speak human, but you can actually teach them the alphabet. If given proper training a pigeon may recognize the entire 26 letters of the English alphabet. Trained with proper bird communication, it can translate the letters it has learned and therefore communicate with a human person. This approach of letter recognition has been used since <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_pigeon">World War II</a>, wherein pigeons are employed to send secret messages or intel across war zones. <br />
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Did you know that pigeons can identify two different human beings in a photograph? If given the proper positive reinforcement training, a pigeon may be able to identify you from someone else, giving you the sole control and ownership of a pigeon if you take it for a pet.<br />
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Granting that a pigeon could have that much intelligence, you could say therefore that it is a much easier task to ensnare pest rodents in your house, or solve other pest issues that will take place, than planning on <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/pigeon-control-basic-tips.html">controlling pigeons</a>. Ever since, apart from their sheer multitude, <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/origins-of-pigeon-control.html">pigeon control</a> has always posed a tremendous challenge to any homeowners in the world.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Wrong (not-so-smart) Ways</span><br />
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Up to date, there are already many new innovations and a completely new breed of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/lethal-pigeon-control-methods.html">pigeon control methods</a> at large. Consequential to the growing demand of the majority, the innovations have become more convenient and efficient over time, extending the coverage of protection to not only residential urban households but as well as commercial exterior areas. Later, people have realized that pigeons have a bad habit of pooping in almost everywhere it perches, even as it is on flight and that cleaning up the droppings happens to be just another challenging task apart from the fact that <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/diseases-caused-by-pigeon-droppings.html">these droppings</a> could bring about a handful of diseases. People then have sought ways to somehow immediately deal with the <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/problem-about-pigeons.html">pigeon problems</a> and have resorted to expedient lethal means. However, the environmental advocacy lobby clamours that such approaches should be stopped and therefore gave birth to the prevalence of the usage of <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/humane-pigeon-control-methods.html">humane pigeon control methods</a>.<br />
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Here is a list of some of those smart (humane) methods:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Balloons and Foils</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDuTh3IB8fI/TkpL8bqRd1I/AAAAAAAAAEc/icoDg-SNUSY/s1600/baloons_balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDuTh3IB8fI/TkpL8bqRd1I/AAAAAAAAAEc/icoDg-SNUSY/s200/baloons_balcony.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) <a href="http://cartinafinland.fi/">cartinafinland.fi</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>You may think that <b>balloons and foils</b> are only good to be used on parties. But guess what? They could actually be used as a pigeon control method as well. You see, birds like pigeons often identify brightly colored large objects as predators and they would feel intimidated by the presence of anything that resembles such. Therefore, when you place a balloon, colourful to catch a flying creature's attention, which also dances and weaves with the motion of the wind, they could pretty much serve as a scarecrow at your rooftop. Foils could also help prevent pigeons from perching in your balconies or roofs by reflecting the sun to glaring any flyer-by. However, foils may prove to be futile at night as there isn't enough light to reflect with. Same goes as well with balloons, as no matter how large and brightly colored they are, they would always be less visible at night. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spike the Roof</span><br />
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Pigeons may be very good creatures of flight and they do pretty well in flying across long distances. However, sooner or later these creatures will seek rest and would definitely find a spot to land on. You now have to make sure that they're not taking R&R at your beloved rooftops. You can do so by installing <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2011/08/steel-pigeon-spikes.html">bird spikes</a> on it. It <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/08/pigeon-deterrent.html">deters pigeons from landing</a> and perching on your rooftops by providing spike obstacles on the area. Pigeons don't really like to complicate things, knowing that your house is not safe to land on because of all the spiky things on it, pigeons would most likely find someplace else to rest instead. This makes this method or device both humane and effective.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Vexing Electrocution</span><br />
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One of the things most hated by pigeons is when they get annoyed with something and they would immediately take their course and leave. The same principle is applied with the use of electric shocks. The devices would emit electric shocks that slightly electrocute pigeons that perch by in the area. However, these devices run on batteries, and you have to ensure that these devices would keep on running; otherwise you already know what will happen to your house. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Sticky Solution</span><br />
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Earlier, it was mentioned that annoyance is one of the pigeon's greatest circumstantial enemies. Since purchasing electric pulsating devices could cost quite much and if you happen to be that kind of person that thrifts in everything, then purchase a sticky gel or create one instead. The sticky solution may not <a href="http://pigeonpestcontrolforbeginners.blogspot.com/2009/01/pigeon-repellent.html">repel pigeons right away</a>. But it definitely gives quite a deterrence to pigeons once they are acquainted with how annoying the gels could get. Pigeons get stuck in the gel solutions for a while and would begin to flutter their way out. Once they have identified that area as an unlikely place to perch into, they will no longer come back to have more of the vexing feeling.Lorahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17418887373219886808noreply@blogger.com