How Much Does a Pigeon Cost?

With their graceful flight, soothing coos, and loyal nature, pigeons can make rewarding and unique pets. But for those considering bringing one of these gentle birds into their home, an important question arises - how much does a pigeon cost?

Pigeon prices can vary quite a bit based on the specific breed, quality, lineage, age, training, and source. Expenses also continue after the initial purchase through proper housing, feeding, and healthcare.

This guide provides an in-depth look into the factors that influence pigeon pricing, typical costs for common breeds, what to budget for ongoing care, tips for finding the best deal, and how to be a responsible pigeon owner. Let’s go into the captivating world of pigeon costs and ownership!

How Much Does a Pigeon Cost?

The cost for a pigeon can range from as low as $25 (≈1.7 hours of labor required at $15/hour) for basic mixed breed birds from small hobby breeders, up to $1,500+ (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for top-tier pedigreed show birds with elite bloodlines and training.

On average, plan on spending approximately $50 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour) for most common pet pigeon breeds purchased from local breeders and rehoming networks. However, champion show pigeons have sold for as much as $275,000 (≈8.8 years at your job making $15/hour non-stop) at auction in rare instances, but purchases at this level are extremely uncommon.

To many, the graceful, cooing pigeon elegantly soaring through the urban skyline epitomizes freedom. But did you know the pigeon is also a popular domesticated pet and sporting bird?

Pigeons exhibit wonderful traits as companions - they are intelligent, enjoy human interaction, and form strong social bonds with their owners. Buying and caring for a pet pigeon offers a uniquely rewarding experience.

However, pigeons do require proper housing, training, nutrition, and healthcare, making them more involved than typical starter pets.

According to Reddit the cost of a pigeon can range from $0 to several thousand dollars, depending on how you acquire the bird and what breed it is. For example, a dog crate or puppy pad can cost around $20 to $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour).

Birds and Trees notes that setting up a home for a pigeon can cost around $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) initially. Buying from reputable breeders can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) or more, depending on the breed and quality of the bird.

Smithsonian Magazine writes the average price for a good racing pigeon is around $2,800 (≈1.1 months working every single day at $15/hour). However, some high-quality pigeons can cost significantly more, such as the world-record holding racing pigeon Armando, which was sold for $1.4 million (≈44.9 years of your professional life at $15/hour).

PigeonShip offers shipping costs for pigeons vary based on the weight and destination. For example, shipping 1 lb. costs $6.15, while shipping 3 lbs. costs $8.03.

Factors That Influence Pigeon Pricing

Several important factors contribute to the wide range of costs for pigeons:

Pigeon Breed and Bloodline Pedigree

Purebred show pigeon breeds with exceptional champion lineages can sell for premiums ranging from $500 to $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) in some cases. Standard pet-quality pigeons of mixed breeding typically cost much less. Proof of pedigree increases value.

Pigeon Age and Training

Younger hand-fed pigeons and those with considerable handling, obedience training, and housing acclimation can sell for higher pricing, sometimes up to $75+ (≈5 hours of labor required at $15/hour) over untamed birds. Older juvenile or adult pigeons tend to be most affordable. But age is not necessarily an indicator of temperament.

Health and Physical Condition

Pigeons currently in peak physical condition can reasonably demand anywhere from $50 (≈3.3 hours of labor required at $15/hour) to over $100+ (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) above birds exhibiting signs of illness or needing rehabilitation. Past medical issues and compromised immune systems reduce pricing as well. Obtaining vet health records is recommended.

Market Demand and Current Trends

As with any pet market, trendy, rare designer breeds of pigeons or specific color variations in unusually high market demand sometimes increase pricing exponentially for a period of time. This “fad” pricing premium eventually declines as supply catches up. Being aware of trends helps assess true value.

Breeder Skill and Reputation

Highly esteemed expert pigeon breeders with demonstrated success participating in shows and races understandably will price birds higher than backyard hobbyist sellers. However, premium pricing does not always guarantee superior quality and ethics. Buyer beware.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a parakeet, bald eagle, or mynah birds.

Pricing by Pigeon Breed and Type

Prices span a wide spectrum depending on the specific pigeon breed, bloodline, and intended sporting or show purpose:

Homing Pigeons - $50 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) - Prized for their innate ability to return to their home loft from distances up to 600 miles away using an internal compass, well-bred homing pigeons with proven natural navigation instincts typically sell from $100 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) if coming from champions. Smaller hobbyist breeder prices range from $50 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job).

Racing Pigeons - $100 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) - Selectively bred for speed and endurance, elite world-class racing pigeon bloodlines boasting long histories of award-winning performances at major competitions can fetch premium prices from $1,000 (≈1.7 weeks working every single day at $15/hour) to over $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour). Mid-level racers cost $300 to $800 (≈1.3 weeks working without a break on a $15/hour salary). Budget hobbyist racing pigeons sell for under $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour).Fancy Exhibition/Show Pigeons - $50 to $350 (≈2.9 days working without breaks at $15/hour) - With ornate plumage and striking color patterns, decorative breeds like Fantails, Pouters, Frills, and Jacobins exhibited at pigeon shows for their beauty and unique appearance command anywhere from $75 to $350+ (≈2.9 days working without breaks at $15/hour) if conforming closely to the breed standard. Pet-quality fancy pigeons cost $50 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job).Basic Pet Pigeons - $25 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job) - For those seeking a simple pigeon companion pet rather than a competitive show bird, commonplace mixed breed pigeons bond just as strongly with their families. These sell for very reasonable prices typically ranging from just $25 to $150 (≈1.3 days of continuous work at a $15/hour job).

So, pedigree competition lines and rare exhibition breeds understandably demand higher premiums, while friendly mixed breed pigeons offer a budget-friendly pet option without the prestige of a fancy name or pedigree. But remember - a higher price tag never guarantees a healthy, well-socialized bird.

Where to Buy Pigeons

With pigeons being quite popular but sometimes controversial urban birds, finding a trustworthy source to purchase a healthy tame pigeon from an ethical breeder is essential. Here are top options bird lovers recommend exploring:

Local Reputable Pigeon Breeders

Connecting with experienced pigeon breeding hobbyists in your area allows prospective buyers to visit lofts in-person and interact with birds directly before purchasing. This builds trust through transparency while allowing the breeder to educate on proper pigeon care. Average prices range widely from $50 to $500+ (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) based on breeding operation size and prestige of lineages bred.

Pigeon Swap Meets and Auctions

Periodic local swap meets and regional auctions offer fun opportunities for pigeon enthusiasts to gather, buy/sell, and trade rare breeds. However, first-time buyers should arrive educated on value and pricing benchmarks. Auction fever can lead to overpaying without diligent research. Realistic prices at events range from $20 (≈1.3 hours of your life traded for $15/hour) for basic pet pigeons up past $1,500+ (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for elite imported birds.

Online Classifieds Listings

The convenience of online classifieds like Craigslist allows searching for pigeons available nearby to avoid excessive transport stress. However, the lack of relationship or vetting of anonymous sellers raises risks of getting swindled with sick birds. Inspect any pigeon carefully before providing payment. Average prices range $30 to $250 (≈2.1 days working for this purchase at $15/hour).

Local Livestock and Feed Farm Supply Stores

In agricultural regions, farm supply stores catering to 4H clubs and homesteaders sometimes partner with area pigeon breeders to sell young starter pigeons suitable for training projects or backyard lofts. Peak spring and summer are ideal timing to inquire. Expect reasonable prices averaging $25 to $100.

No matter the source, carefully screen sellers to confirm healthy, humanely managed pigeons before providing payment. An ethical, transparent pigeon breeder will welcome questions.

Ongoing Pigeon Care Costs

In calculating the total cost of pet pigeon ownership beyond just the bird's purchase price, prospective buyers must be prepared to budget for proper housing, nutrition, healthcare, enrichment accessories, and other supplies. Typical recurring expenses include:

Suitable Housing - $200 to $800 for coop/cage setup

A secure pigeon coop or cage with adjoining aviary for exercise provides essential safety from predators and climate. Expect to invest $500 to $800 outfitting a starter loft with necessary roosts, nest boxes, perches, and protection elements. DIY projects can save costs.

Balanced Pigeon Diet - $25 to $100 monthly

Feeding high-quality commercial pigeon food mixes designed to provide complete nutrition costs between $30 to $100 per month depending on number of birds and whether supplements are used.

Routine Veterinary Care - $200+ annually

Annual veterinary wellness exams, diagnostic testing, vaccines, and medications average at least $200 yearly. Additional illnesses or injuries incur extra costs, which pet insurance can offset.

Enrichment Accessories - $100+ annually

Proper pigeon care requires accessories for bathing, toys to nibble and play with, and other enrichments to stay active and engaged. These range from $100 to $500+ in startup costs.

Budgeting approximately $1,000 to $2,000+ beyond just the pigeon purchase price itself covers first year essential housing, medical, nutrition, and enrichment basics. Ongoing costs tend to taper after initial setup.

Tips for Affording Pigeons

Here are great tips for reducing overall pigeon costs:

• Adopt don't shop - check shelters and rescues for pigeons needing homes.
• Seek reputable backyard sellers with fairly priced birds versus high-end breeders.
• Consider an older, retired pigeon - cheaper and still makes a great pet.
• Buy in bulk - shared costs for housing, food, supplies with other pigeon owners.
• Build your own affordable loft using online DIY plans.
• Grow sprouts at home for cost-effective supplemental feeding.
• Join local pigeon clubs to find deals and exchange advice.

With strategic planning, pigeon companionship can fit many budgets!

Pigeon Prices vs Other Pet Birds

How do pigeon costs compare against other pet bird alternatives? Average pricing:

• Pigeons- $25 to $1,500
• Parakeets- $10 to $75
• Cockatiels- $80 to $300
• Lovebirds- $15 to $45
• Parrots- $300 to $3,000

So, pigeons fall into a middle ground - more affordable than parrots, but pricier than starter birds like parakeets. Each species offers unique benefits.

Final Words

Owning a pet pigeon can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but also requires research and investment to properly care for these complex birds. While costs vary widely based on breed and other factors, budgeting realistically for quality housing, nutrition, and healthcare is essential.

Adopting from rescues, shopping small breeders, and joining owner communities helps locate well-bred birds at reasonable prices. With diligent planning and commitment, pigeons make wonderfully endearing companions for the right caretakers. Their graceful beauty, loyal personality, and unique attributes offer a priceless value that passionate pigeon lovers will find worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pigeons expensive?

Top-tier show and racing pigeon breeds with exceptional award-winning bloodlines, flawless conformation, and extensive training can sell for $500 - $1,000+. Proven champions demand huge premiums at auction. But high cost does not guarantee quality.

How much space does 1 pigeon need?

A single pigeon needs a cage or loft about 2-3 feet wide by 3-4 feet deep by 3-4 feet tall as minimum space, with access to an outdoor aviary for flying. Each additional pigeon requires about 1.5-2 square feet inside and 4-6 square feet in the aviary. Proper room to flap wings is crucial.

How much can a pigeon carry?

Most pigeons can comfortably carry a payload weighing 5-30 grams attached to their backs while flying. Elite racing pigeons and larger utility breeds may manage up to 75 grams. But avoiding unnecessary weights allows for faster, easier flight.