u/Oakthefeline

They grow up too fast, the baby wisps are gone and now I have this pretty little sky puppy with all the color. They were in a good mood so we had some out of containment time in the bathroom to start rebuilding trust after moving apartments. They're trying so hard to still trust me, but also fighting some MAJOR cooberty urges to fight the heck out of my hands. I've learned that they like to really rough up my sleeve but will still be gentle with my hands if I say "ouch" when I get a good pinch. I'm still so torn trying to gender them, they've been extra clingy to their nest box and super defensive of that area but its too early to tell if its a broody behavior or if they're just establishing their territory. Either way I love them so much 💜

Pidge has not liked the fact that we moved apartments and changed his routine this weekend, and he is making sure I know it. He grabbed my sleeve last night during his cage cleaning and shook his head like a dog, absolutely ravenous for my soul. He's hating being caged 24/7 right now, but he doesn't want to recall or let me retrieve him after he is out and it often leads to him getting more mad I have to scoop him out his hiding spots (tops of cabinets, closets and fridge and put him away at the end of it. Its also partly puberty hitting him like a freight train, he's finally starting to make coo's and strut, but its come at the cost of the sweet snuggle bug I brought home. Now I have a moody teenager who wants to peck my eyes out. I'm trying so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but man I miss having him out and about with me :((

I'm fairly certain its preening/play but wanted to ask to be sure! They got up on my hand voluntarily for some seed but then they do this. Its very gentle, doesn't hurt at all and they seem to enjoy the occasional beak shake. Is it play?

Hey guys, how do you tell the difference between squeaks in young pigeons? Pidge is just now dropping his last baby wisps and still squeaks/barely can try to coo. We don't have many adult behavors like head bobbing, bowing, etc yet.

Sometimes I can tell Pidge is big mad because they squeak then wing slaps to tell me to back off (fair enough, most often over my shirt that has been deemed their nest) but other times they squeak and comes towards me to either hang out, preen my hair and hands, or play fight(?). I try to pay attention to the fluffing of their body, noises and twitches, but they're honestly a young bird figuring out how body language works too. When they do get defensive, I normally say "ouch that hurt, I'm sorry. I'll be done soon" and they're definitely learning that my annoying presence is often short term (cage cleanings, taking my shirt/the nest to wash it after it gets overly soiled, or reaching into the spaces they've deemed as theirs)

But overall I want to make sure I'm reciprocating the right behavors and not leaving them frustrated at my presence. They've begun driving their beak in between my fingers while I hold seed, preening my fingers (gently pulling/pushing and cobbing on them) and seem to enjoy when I hold their beak between my fingers and give it a gentle little shake when they do such things. Is that play behavior? They often squeak coming to my hand, but then continue to interact so I doubt its all annoyance but can't really tell for sure. My fiance is concerned that its behavors reflect that it doesn't enjoy being a pet and wants more freedom, but I'm sure the little bugger is happy and we just need time to figure each other (and new hormones out).

Picture of me and my feathered puppy for tax.

Pidge finds this jellyfish lamp so entertaining. Honestly it seems like a great source of mental enrichment for him, he'll watch the jellys bob up and down absolutely fascinated. And yes, his butt is enjoying a gentle breeze from the air purifier he's perched on 🤣

Hey everyone, meet Pidge! Pidge is estimated around 5-6 weeks old, and is still such an awkward little baby. I rescued them after they struck a wall at a mall three days ago. They've since seen a vet, and thankfully have no breaks or even sprains! Pidge is an absolute gem personality wise, so I decided to bite the bullet and finally let myself own a pigeon. (I've wanted one for years but could never justify seeking one out.)

I tried my best to leave pidge be to adjust to everything, but even during his cage cleanings, feedings and watering he's soooooo social. Its day 3 now and he practically begs to leave his cage and just hang out on me. Anytime I'm in the room he's pacing at his door, and the second its open he may as well be magnetic to me. Walking around the room? Pidder padder of little toes are on my heels. Sitting to read? He's crawling up my body to get on my head. Enjoying some gaming time? He's also enjoying my gaming time via the best seat in the house, my shoulders. I adore it. Also, man does this bird love Jazz! He spins and coo's, its absolutely precious. And he pancakes on me...and that makes my heart wanna explode. Literal sky puppy.

Am I doing more harm than good not leaving him be to adjust? Does it really matter if he's insistent that he wants to hang out? He's got a 48in dog crate with platforms, bricks, a few nest bowl and hut options, a few perches and small toys/enrichment items. He's on a pigeon diet and has 24/7 access to grit and water. And yes, I did confirm he was not a lost pet! No leg band, and he was in a nest dense area.