My DIL and I were sitting on the front porch this morning, Gem was on one of his ledges when all of a sudden he took flight.
And I'm talking FLIGHT.
He flew up about 50 feet and two streets over, circled my house a few times and flew back to his ledge. It was awsome to watch him. (and he didn't even scare me this time)

oh man I am excited for mia to do that but soooooo scared at the same time

she is doing well on flying to me when my arm is out and she is called with a certain command. Maybe another week of this and we will venture outside...

my ultimate goal is for her to fly free outside when I am out there but really for her to just fly to me on command so I can take her around to school for the kids to see etc and spread the word......

Yea Gem, I am happy you are feeling more confident with free flying Gem.
Heather, If possible place Mias cage in front of a window to allow her to learn her surroundings outside, this is how I train my birds here.
There's plenty of windows in my loft, vital to there training, then I open the trap and let them come out on there own, they pretty much take it from there.
Or do as Susan did, Take Mia outside for awhile eachday and place her down somewhere, you won't get far and she will fly to you, Mia will never leave you Heather, Not on her doing anyways....
There is always risks, Hawks, Falcons, Eagles, risks come with freedom...

Could everyone in here that is owned by a Pigeon/Dove post some pics of your lofts?
I would just like to see what they look like if I were to build one, or make one out of my shed. I would like some different ideas.

Sorry I dont have a loft for Mia outside and dont plan on having one for her... she is a total indoor baby..... but I have some trees around that are old and huge and assume that she will end up hanging out in them at some point!


Arty, I am not ready to attempt to take Mia out at this point.... she is doing really well so far at flying to me nine times out of ten when asked but she still has that one time she does her own thing.... I do watch her carefully though and watch her checking things out really trying to take it all in...

she is amazing

Even if you keep Mia inside, you can still free fly her outdoors?

Gem now spends most of his day outside.
I make him come in out of the heat for an hour here and there.
He id pretty much only in his cage to sleep now.

I have not yet built Gems loft but here is a very rough draft.
I have to wait till my back wall is complete on the outside.

Attached Images

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	cage2.jpg (136.7 KB, 3 views)

Thanx Susan, that was a very nice drawing you did! Well you can send me a pic when it is all done....

yes I can take Mia outside to venture around and let her learn the lay of the land so she can fly around while we are out there BUT I have no intentions of her being an outdoor bird.... there is rarely a comfortable day here it is either too bloody hot or too stinking cold for birds....

she gets to fly around the house most of the day and hang out with me, well she flies around and stalks me LOL

...I told ya Mia would be drawn to you....
Takes alot of training to get any other bird to show there loyalty as well as what comes naturally from the bird of peace....
I am very very pleased to see you posting more here on Parrot Chatter Heather.
I am awed by everyones contributions to the Dove & Pigeon forum.
Mia and all Pigeons are wonderful birds, they mean no harm to mankind what so ever, they are very intelegent birds that thrive on mankind, just as any bird that comes accross a bird feeder, they are very grateful for all mankind offers them....
Mia and I are so grateful for you opening your heart and home.
Mia loves you Heather....Bottom Line....


A Baby Dove