nesting materials

Question
Hi,
I have read that I need to provide nesting material for my pigeons, especially if they are being held prisoner.
My question is: should I put the material (I plan on using hay and pine needles and tobacco stems if I can find some) in thier nest bowls or just put it somewhere in the loft so they can find it? I also read that they really like hemp and was wondering if you could tell me what hemp is and where I could possibly find it?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Debora,

You could place a little of the material in the nest bowl to start and then sprinkle the rest around the loft as they do like to find their "supplies" to build their nest. Hemp is a seed and it can be fed to pigeons as a treat. It apparently has many nutritional properties and can help put weight on birds. I do not know much about it, but here is a  helpful link:

http://nutiva.com/nutrition/amazing.php

Here are a few places you can purchase it, if you are interested:

http://www.jedds.com/ProductDetail.asp?MainCategoryID=81&SubCategoryID=961&Produ...

http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/products.asp?dept=23

You might also want to look at your local feed stores.

I hope this helps!

Thanks,
Stacie