How long do Fantail Pigeons live?
Fantail pigeons commonly live 7-12 years with good care and predator protection.
What do Fantail Pigeons eat?
Feed a pigeon mix of seeds and grains plus a balanced pigeon pellet, with access to grit and calcium (oyster shell or cuttlebone); avoid avocado and chocolate. Fresh water and a separate bathing dish daily. During molt and breeding, add protein and vitamins.
Fantail Pigeon housing and daily life
Keep in a clean loft or large cage at least 24 x 24 x 24 inches (60 x 60 x 60 cm) for a pair, with perches, a nest bowl, and a bath. They are weak fliers, so safe enclosed space matters; protect from predators (cats, hawks, rats). Good ventilation and dry bedding prevent respiratory and foot problems.
Common mistakes with Fantail Pigeons
Common errors are no grit/calcium (egg-binding and weak bones), damp or poorly ventilated housing (respiratory disease), and letting them free-fly where they cannot escape predators. Nonstick-fume exposure and toxic foods are acute risks.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- No access to grit and calcium, causing egg-binding and weak bones.
- Damp, poorly ventilated housing, leading to respiratory disease.
- Letting weak-flying fantails free-fly where predators catch them.
- Exposing birds to nonstick (Teflon/PTFE) fumes or toxic foods like avocado and chocolate.