u/sharkarmycrafts

Hello! I'm in the research phase of pigeon ownership. I plan to adopt a pigeon as a companion and emotional support animal. I would love to hear from any neurodiverse owners how your bird has helped your quality of life. I'm also very interested in hearing from people who struggle with mental health issues.

I'd like to prevent a nice, short pitch to my therapist about why they're a good selection for emotional support. My current logic is that a dog is not an option (trauma) and my cat is about as emotionally intelligent as an angry gourd. Pigeons are incredibly smart, generally are friendly towards people, can be taught and trained just as easily as cats, dogs, and parrots, have simple care requirements to help me build better household habits, and are less inclined to property damage in apartments.

What are other good talking points on pigeons for emotional support?

Thank coo!

Yes, it's me, the pigeon nut. Every bird has someone who loves their species, and I'm one that sees pigeons as more than pests or nuisances.

I've been enjoying my time hanging out where they congregate, watching and enjoying. (I've seen some incredible games of aerial chase!) If you find any hotspots where they roost besides the generating station and Woodman's east), I'd love to hear about them - where and time of day. :)

I'm actually looking to volunteer with Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue out of Chicago. If you find a lost or injured bird, I'm happy to help find the owner or get it settled at a rescue to recover. I also have infographics on what to do when you find a banded bird.

I won't ramble on any more, but I hope to run into some of you while I'm out and make some friends. (And if you like pigeons, too, let's be friends! Doesn't matter if it's racing, showing, or farming.)

When I'm not going on about these guys, I also love watching birds of prey. I'm slowly adding new wing shapes to my brain, but the variety of hawks that look similar to redtails is throwing me a curveball.

Happy birding!

(Pictured are terrible pictures of pigeons on a street light near Woodman's, and the curious face that poked up when I coo'd.)

Pigeons as an emotional support animal

Pigeons!