new loft

llewgor · Post by **llewgor** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 6:36 pm

I just got a new loft for the birds I have and it seems to be working well against predators so far. It's a chain link dog kennel with 2 extra panels 1 on top and another on the bottom. This way the predators can't dig under the loft. It has some plywood on the back third of the kennel with perches and some nesting boxes. I also put some dowels in the front area so the birds can sun.

Ryan · Post by **Ryan** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 6:49 pm

Sounds like a good loft. one question how can they recall? Do you have a hole cut or anything?

llewgor · Post by **llewgor** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 7:02 pm

It has a door.

tailcrackin · Post by **tailcrackin** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 8:02 am

There alot of mink's in your area?? You start seeing what looks like rat holes. better move them, you'll be coming out to a pile of feathers, but thats a very good idea. Thanks Jonesy

Post by **ezzy333** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:58 am

Ive had pigeons for years and the only predator I have had any trouble with is the house cat. You do need to watch for mice and rats and hawks though. But normally you wont have much trouble. Pigeons are easy to keep and are great for training. Its a good idea to get them out and let them fly for an hour or so every few days and then feed them when you want them to come down to the loft. You can train them pretty easily with feed.

Good Luck

Ezzy

sandhill · Post by **sandhill** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 4:13 pm

llewgor the chain link will hold out the big critters but the small vermin and the twitty birds will get through the big links.

If you plan on breeding I would suggest maybe lining it with some 1" chicken wire or smaller if you can, The mice and rats will get in and disturb your breeders and they will leave the nest, Rats will eat the eggs and the small birds carry diseases that you dont want in your loft if you plan on keeping your birds for long. I have raced pigeons for many years and have learned from my mistakes.

Also you didnt mention weather or not you elevated your loft off the ground?. If not sounds like it will be hard to keep clean.
JMO hope things work for ya Good Luck.

Steve

llewgor · Post by **llewgor** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 8:54 pm

Tailcrackin no minks

Sandhill I do have to add a smaller chicken wire the mice are getting in and eating the food. Because this is on my friends property I'm only out there on the weekends and have to feed and water with large feeders. It is not elevated but I filled the bottom up with dirt and rake it clean. Thanks

I got this idea from the State of California who are using this stype of cage to house chicken around the state to check for west nile. This cage has kept the coyotes from getting the chickens and my pigeons.

sandhill · Post by **sandhill** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:43 pm

llegar
I understand what you have done there, If it where me i would lay down some lime from time to time to help knock down the bacteria that might build up in the dirt or perhaps but down some sort of bedding, ie; wood shavings, straw or hay this will make it easier to clean also.
Good luck
Steve

llewgor · Post by **llewgor** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 3:58 pm

Sandhill
Thanks for your advice, will do.