New Fantail

Question
This past April, an Indian Fantail (Saddle) started feeding at my feeder and has been with us ever since. Let me say I know nothing about pigeons, but this beautiful bird, which we have named "Clarence" is very friendly and shows up each day after I return home from work looking for food, and I can get within 2 feet of him which is very cool. Several days ago I saw him flying for his life avoiding a huge crow. He circled my house about 4 times avoiding this crow before disappearing over the tree line-luckily he was unscathed, and tonight he has perched upon my kitchen window sill and is currently sleeping. This is a new activity, since we had no idea where he went at night. (Looks like our relationship just went to the next level)I live in Northern Connecticut and would like Clarence to survive the New England winter. Do you have any suggestions on food, (he is now eating commercial bird food and loves it) and housing.
Thank you for your time.

Rick K.

Answer
Rick,

Commercial bird food is fairly decent pigeon feed.  An addition of dry pigeon peas would be a big help.  Pigeons need a higher protein intake than most seed eating birds.  A perfect mix would be equal parts un-popped popcorn, wheat, pigeon peas, milo and a dash of black sunflower or safflower.

Pigeons like to roost inside a shelter.  If you built a small (18" cube) box with a block of wood for him to perch on, he would be quite content!

Good luck,
Dave