Pigeon Loft or House Overview
Side view of pigeon loft (technically a pigeon house or aviary):
This small loft is designed to house 12 to 24 pigeons. It is 6 feet high and measures 4 by 8 feet at the base. When it comes to space for the pigeons, the more the better for their health and wellbing.
The tree provides shade and natural beauty.
This roof is made of standard composition shingles with a felt fabric underneath to keep moisture away. You can also use long roofing panels like those used for patio covers.
The windows and trap doors in this loft are designed to allow free air circulation, which is good for you and the birds.
Inside the loft, the floor is covered with sand for easy cleaning.
A true pigeon loft should be off the ground with a cement floor for the pigeon droppings for easy clearning and to prevent histoplasmosis, a fungal infection of the lungs that can occur under humid conditions when bird droppings and dirt mix and the spores are carried in the air by flying dander and dust. Dove workers should take precautions to avoid this disease.
The pigeon loft should be located a good distance from homes to avoid flying dander and vector (pigeon fleas, flies, mites, lice) exposure to humans. The foundation should be located on high ground to avoid accumulation of moisture.
The pigeons should drink water outside the loft to prevent accumulation of moisture inside the loft and prevent mold and bacteria growth. The dove worker should wear a dust mask and work clothes when cleaning the loft to prevent air borne illness. The dove worker should also wash his or her hands after handling the birds to prevent bacterial and mold infections. The dove worker should clean the loft regularly, no less than once a month to prevent the accumulation of droppings, dander, bacteria and mold. In addition the dove workers should regularly inspect and spray for pigeon vector.
So do you really want to build a pigeon loft? Then click to the right to move on to the next frame.