Pigeons in cold

Hello,
To train my new GSP pup I decided to build a coup (similar to the one at Lion's Country Supply) and hold my own pigeons. I've got 5 of them right now but I'm a bit concerned about the cold coming this weekend. I put wood chips on the bottom to help insulate the coup. The last few days they seem fine but I'm concerned about the -25C coming up. I can try to lift the coup and bring it in the garage but it's quite heavy. The coup is currently placed under my elevated deck so it is protected from wind and snow. I placed a heat lamp in there last night which seemed to slightly raise the temp. I know it may be a fire hazard so I made sure to secure it from the coup roof.
My question is should I be worried? Can pigeons handle the -25C in the coup or should i continue to use the heat lamp and or bring the coup in the garage for extra warmth.
Thanks
Mike

You will be fine without a heat lamp. I have had training birds now for several years. You only concern is giving them water and it freezing. Even with that issue the birds fair well as here they know to get to the water .

Dick

not sure how your coup looks like, if you're concerned about wind chill, wrap with plastic foil (just a few staples needed)

PS: Yes, as others mentioned. Should have added to have it loose enough to allow a little bit of air circulation and avoid dampness. If you do a sloppy job (like I most likely would at these temperatures) you'll naturally have top and bottom little irregularities with foil (don't shrink wrap them LOL)

Your pigeons should be fine provided they are out of a draft. The coup shouldn't be so air tight causing condensation on the inside of the coup. No heat lamp needed because this will cause condensation especially when its really cold. Birds live outdoors in the cold and typically find shelter together out of a drafty place. Lots of shavings, straw or hay will do for some warmth.

If they go directly under your heat lamp they're needing it's warmth. If they are beside (away) from it it's too warm for them.
HD

Fresh water every day , 24/7 feed, no draft , no dampness & good ventilation as said before . No heat lamp necessary . They will also pick ice & snow , love taste of salt in snow but must have fresh water at least once a day . Enough roosts for all to share & so they can sit on feet with fluffed feathers . They'll be fine .

Deerman post a picture of your coop so I can see what your working with and BTW they are very hardy birds

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Hey Guys I will be getting a new pup in the future and was wondering were you get your pigeons or if you would be willing to part with a few?
Sorry to high jack the thread...
Feel free to PM me or respond.
Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CanadianWaterfowlr

Hey Guys I will be getting a new pup in the future and was wondering were you get your pigeons or if you would be willing to part with a few?
Sorry to high jack the thread...
Feel free to PM me or respond.
Thanks

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Good cheap pigeons I always get mine at the stouville fair that open 5am to 11am on Saturday but the close until April I believe

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I agree with keeping them out of drafts and fresh water. I would also add good feed will keep their internal furnaces fired.

Pigeons will be fine. I raised them for years and was an avid racer. You do not need heat lamps or anything else, they'll be fine. Just make sure they have water and more corn in the winter for fat.

The wild one's seem to do fine living under bridges, they will be fine.

Thanks everyone. I took everyone's advice and the birds turned out fine. Had to change the water twice a day since it was freezing but overall not a problem. I earned a new respect for pigeons. http://www.lcsupply.com/Pigeon-Loft-...oductinfo/PLP/
I tried attaching a pic of my coup. It is a link to a coup that is similar.

To keep your water from freezing, you can buy a bird bath water heater app. $50 and put that into you water bowl and be worry free.