Pigeons are common and can be seen from bustling cities to countryside landscapes. Pigeons are known for their adaptability, intelligence, and unique cooing sounds. Pigeons have been close companions to humans for thousands of years. But how long do pigeons live?
Let’s learn about the lifespan of these resilient birds and their close companionship with humans. What can you expect from these resilient, intelligent birds and their history with humans? Were pigeons domesticated?
We will explore all the facts about pigeons and possibly learn everything about them in this blog. So keep on reading to get answers to all your queries.
How Long Do Pigeons Live?
Watching these resilient birds from your window balcony, you must be wondering about them a lot. You may also have seen them doing unexpected things for food and survival.
The Average Lifespan of a Pigeon
Among all the thoughts, you may also wonder how long pigeons live. Well, the average lifespan of pigeons in the wild is 3 to 6 years. Their lifespan in the wild depends on the environment, food, and predators.
In the wild, threats of diseases and being preyed on by big birds are likely to be greater than in rural or urban areas. However, life threats are also present in urban areas.
Pigeons live longer in captivity than in the wild. The average life expectancy of a pigeon in captivity is up to 15 years. These resilient birds can survive up to 20 years under good environmental and health conditions.
Factors Affecting a Pigeon’s Lifespan
Several factors, including protection, veterinary care, and diet, help them reach the maximum life expectancy in captivity.
1. Environment: Pigeons in rural areas are safer than those in urban areas. They usually take shelter in high-rise buildings or abandoned places.
They don’t take refuge in trees because of predator threats. Buildings and abandoned places are safe to build nests instead of trees.
However, in urban areas, pigeons are exposed to pollution, limited natural food resources, and other threats to their lives.
These factors can shorten their lifespan. In contrast, pigeons in controlled and safe environments tend to live longer.
Polluted air affects the population of other small birds. These tiny birds have almost vanished from urban areas and can only be seen in rural areas or the wild.
Due to this, the population of pigeons has increased in urban areas where their wastage also causes human diseases.
The balance between humans and nature has been disturbed on several levels due to pollution.
2. Predators: Wild pigeons are constantly at risk from predators like hawks, falcons, and cats. These threats reduce their chances of living a long life.
In urban areas, the population of hawks and falcons is likely nonexistent, so pigeons thrive there.
However, stray dogs and cats pose threats to pigeons in urban areas. Other life-threatening causes include diseases caused by polluted air and unsuitable food.
However, domesticated or protected pigeons are far less likely to encounter predators.
Pigeons as pets are safe when they are with domesticated cats and dogs.
They will likely thrive in captivity for up to 15 years in a safer environment.
3. Food and Nutrition: Healthy and balanced nutrition is crucial for any pet in captivity. Similarly, a pigeon’s life longevity depends on a healthy and nutritional diet.
Pigeons in the wild often rely on leftover food from humans, which can harm them. Human leftover food is also unsuitable for birds and can develop diseases.
In contrast, domesticated pigeons benefit from balanced diets that keep them healthier for longer.
4. Health and Disease: Wild pigeons are exposed to various diseases, including avian flu, pox, and parasites.
These diseases can significantly impact pigeons’ lifespans in the wild. Meanwhile, under veterinarian care, pigeons thrive and live longer.
Domesticated pigeons, on the other hand, receive vaccinations and regular health checks, which help extend their life.
Lifespan Comparison: Wild vs. Domesticated Pigeons
The disparity in the lifespan of budgies or pigeons in the wild and in captivity is evident. Their lifespan is also affected by the scarcity of quality and limited food availability in the wild.
Urban pigeons, while resourceful, often face these challenges daily. Urban pigeons mostly rely on human leftovers, which is not their natural diet.
In urban areas, sharp electrical wires often get stuck around people’s necks, causing strangulation.
Other threats, including stray animals and polluted air, also cause shorter lifespans.
Meanwhile, domesticated pigeons get regular care and nutritional diets while in captivity.
A controlled diet and dedicated care can help domesticated pigeons live up to 15 years.
Signs of Aging in Pigeons
As pigeons age, they may show certain signs similar to other animals. If you have pigeons as pets, there are certain things to consider while they age.
Reduced activity is one of the primary signs of aging, though this can happen when they are sick.
But when your pet pigeon is more likely not to participate in any activity and requires more frequent resting, this is a sign of aging.
Another evident sign of aging is the change in eating habits. They eat less, even if it’s their favorite food type.
Additionally, their feathers might lose some shine, and their overall energy levels tend to decline. Regular health check-ups are essential for those keeping pigeons as pets to ensure they age gracefully.
Health and Disease: Common Ailments Affecting Pigeons
Like any other bird, Pigeons are also susceptible to health conditions and diseases.
In the wild and urban areas, pigeons are more prone to get in contact with parasites and a variety of pathogens.
Some well-known and registered diseases can affect birds, especially pigeons.
1. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Bird flu is a highly contagious disease affecting many species, including pigeons.
Pigeons generally get less affected by the disease compared to other bird species. But they spread milder strains.
Symptoms of bird flu may include fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and respiratory distress.
Regular veterinarian visits and vaccinations can prevent such diseases for your pet pigeon.
2. Pigeon Pox
Pigeon pox is also a viral disease like avian influenza. It can be spread through mosquito bites or direct contact with infected birds.
There are two types of pigeon pox: wet pox and dry pox. Dry pox causes warts on the skin, especially on the beak, nose, eyes, and feet.
Wet pox causes breathing problems by affecting the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat.
This disease is slightly challenging to treat, but vaccination can prevent it from affecting and spreading.
3. Trichomoniasis (Canker)
This disease is widespread among pigeons and can be fatal if not treated in time.
Infected pigeons can face difficulty swallowing food due to yellowish lesions in their throats.
Young birds are more susceptible to this disease. Pet owners should regularly clean the feeding areas and water dishes.
This disease is likely to spread with contaminated water and food.
4. Paramyxovirus (PMV)
Psittacosis is rare in pigeons compared to other birds.
Pet owners should keep the feeding area and sanitation to reduce the risk of infection.
However, there is no cure for PMV, but it can be prevented with vaccination. Supportive care can help if an infection occurs.
5. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever)
Parrot fever is a bacterial infection but is rare in pigeons than in other birds. But this is a serious condition as it can be transmitted to humans.
If pigeons get infected with this disease, symptoms may include breathing problems, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Regular veterinary visits are essential to detect infections in their primary stages and cure them in time.
6. Salmonellosis (Paratyphoid)
This bacterial attack on the digestive system of pigeons. This disease has evident symptoms like diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Keeping the food area clean is crucial because this disease often spreads due to contaminated water and food.
Keeping good hygiene is the way to prevent the risk of any infection.
7. Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection and is usually found in a humid environment. This type of disease primarily affects the respiratory symptoms in birds.
In pigeons, it also causes breathing problems, nasal discharge, and loss of appetite.
Aspergillosis is more common in environments with poor ventilation or high humidity. It can be cured with antifungal antibiotics.
8. Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis infects the intestine lining of the birds. This disease can cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness.
Younger birds are more susceptible to this disease, which affects pigeons’ digestive systems. This can cause symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness.
Regularly cleaning their environment and offering medicated feed or water under veterinary guidance can help.
9. External Parasites (Mites and Lice)
Like other birds, Pigeons are prone to external parasites, including mites, lice, and ticks.
These parasites feed on their blood and cause feather loss and irritation. In some cases, anemia also occurs.
Treating pigeons with anti-parasitic medications and regularly cleaning their living areas can help control these pests and prevent further infestations.
Preventing Disease in Pigeons
Prevention of diseases is crucial when it comes to keeping pigeons healthy and extending their lifespan.
Here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of disease:
1. Clean Living Environment: Regular cleaning and disinfecting of cages, perches, and feeding areas can prevent the buildup of infections and bacteria.
Good hygiene and sanitation can prevent any fungal infection.
2. Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations can protect against common pigeon diseases like PMV and pigeon pox.
Vaccinations also save younger birds from many fatal infections. Due to their low immune systems, they are prone to infection.
3. Quality Diet: A balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals boosts pigeons’ immune systems.
Balanced diets also help to live longer in captivity by making them more resilient to illness.
4. Reduce Contact with Wild Birds: Limiting exposure to wild birds can reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Most diseases are contagious to birds, so keeping domesticated pigeons away from wild birds is a good way to reduce the risk of infections.
5. Regular Veterinary Care: Regular health checks and prompt treatment for any signs of illness are essential for both domesticated pigeons.
Detecting any infection in the primary stage is crucial to make pigeons live longer.
How to Make Pigeons Live Longer?
Whether you keep pigeons as pets or are simply a bird lover, there are a few ways to help pigeons live longer:
1. Provide Proper Nutrition: It is crucial to feed pigeons a balanced diet of grains and seeds. Even if you are a bird lover, you can feed them good-quality grains.
Occasional supplements can significantly improve their health and longevity.
Pigeons are strong birds and can quickly adapt to changes in food and environment, but proper nutrition is essential to extending their life span.
2. Ensure a Safe Environment: Protect them from common urban dangers and predators whenever possible, especially for pet pigeons.
Train your domesticated cats and animals to cope with your bird pets.
Keep your pigeon pet away from nets as they usually get their neck in nets.
3. Regular Veterinary Care: Like any pet, pigeons benefit from regular check-ups, vaccinations, and timely treatments for health issues.
Many bacterial and fungal infections can be detected in checkups, which can help patients get treatment in time.
4. Avoid Feeding Wild Pigeons Junk Food: While sharing human food with pigeons is tempting, such items often lack the necessary nutrients and can even harm their health.
Do not let them eat your leftover food, either. This type of food is not designed for birds, and it can disturb their digestive system.
Were Pigeons Domesticated?
We have explored pigeons’ lifespans and how we can help them live longer. We will also learn about pigeons’ history and role in human life.
Pigeons have been part of human life for thousands of years. Although they are not urban dwellers, they have been part of our stories and histories for centuries.
Pigeons were among the first birds to be domesticated, holding a special place in various civilizations throughout history.
But what was needed to domesticate these seemingly ordinary birds? Let’s learn about pigeons and their role in our lives.
Early Domestication: Pigeons in Ancient Cultures
Pigeons are believed to have been domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East.
Early humans noticed that these birds were resilient. Pigeons are easy to care for and can return to familiar locations even after long flights.
Ancient civilizations valued pigeons and domesticated them for various purposes.
In ancient Egypt, pigeons were associated with the goddess Isis, the goddess of fertility and protection.
The Messenger Birds of the Ancient World
One of the most remarkable traits of pigeons is their homing ability. They can visit the same place even after taking a long flight. They are brilliant birds.
This instinct enabled pigeons to serve as reliable messengers.
These domesticated pigeons played a crucial role as messengers even in isolated and distinctive places for centuries.
Pigeons were trained to carry messages over vast distances. Even during wartime when other communication methods were unreliable or compromised.
Pigeons as a Source of Food and Fertilizer
In addition to their role as reliable messengers, they are considered a good food source.
Pigeon meat, known as “squab,” was considered a delicacy in many cultures. Their droppings, known as “guano,” were also highly valued as a rich fertilizer.
But nowadays, in urban areas where pigeons eat human leftovers, their droppings cause various breathing problems in humans.
In the past, their droppings were particularly useful in agricultural societies.
Yes, pigeons were domesticated and played numerous roles in human society beyond their current status as city birds.
Final Thoughts
How long do pigeons live? Well, we have learned about the facts that affect the lifespan of pigeons.
For obvious reasons, pigeons’ lifespans significantly depend on whether they live in the wild or urban areas.
Wild pigeons often have shorter lives due to environmental hazards and predator threats. Meanwhile, domesticated pigeons can enjoy a much longer lifespan with proper care.
Pigeons are resilient, most adaptable, and enduring birds in our environment.
Whether soaring through city skies or nesting on your balcony, pigeons add life and character to our world.
FAQs
What is the most common cause of pigeon death?
Predation is the most common cause of pigeon death in wild or urban cities.
Another reason could be a fungal or bacterial infection caused by contaminated water and food.
Other birds can spread some diseases. Pigeons are resilient but may also be infected by other birds.
How do you know a pigeon is dying?
A dying pigeon exhibits some evident and noticeable signs, including fluffing up its feathers when it feels cold.
A dying pigeon may be unusually weak, barely moving, and resting most of the time. Also, a pigeon who refuses to eat or drink may be ill.
Dying pigeons also have difficulty breathing. These are some clear signs.