Can A Homing Pigeon be happy as a house pet?

Thank you so much for caring for this bird. I'm glad you're enjoying it, and it seems happy with you. 1.) Yes they certainly can. Many people will say the bird will not be happy and you're being cruel taking away it's 'freedom', etc etc. Don't pay them any attention. Your little friend is happy with you. They don't NEED to fly outside to be happy. However, they do enjoy time outside of the cage. Which is why I suggest you doing so in the house. Keep the dogs and cats away during this time. Some dogs and cats don't mind, some do. Better safe than sorry. Also you can go here to get a custom pigeon 'diaper'. They're cute and take a little getting used to, but makes life a lot easier for you. http://www.birdwearonline.com/index.html They lady that makes them is very nice, and does good work. 2.) If the owner knew for a fact that bird was 5 months old at the time, then yes most homing pigeons at that age will stay with you after being held 'prisoner' for a month or so. But I suggest getting it used to a food call, like whistling, saying, or making the same sound everytime you feed her. Then when you do let her out, make sure she's a little on the hungry side. Then you can call her back in easily to eat. If I were you, I'd keep the bird in the cage for a couple more weeks just in case. 3.) No, she will not be lonely. Pigeons are social birds, yes. They stick to their flocks and enjoy attention. However, they don't talk like parakeets, so they don't need another bird to talk to. You are the pigeon's flock. As long as you are giving it attention, that's all it needs. Also if it is a hen, I wouldn't be surprised if you find a couple eggs one day. She may pretend you are her 'mate' and lay eggs for you, and sit on them. After she abandons them, throw them out. No harm done. Now about the outside flying issue. Hawks are your main problem when releasing pigeons. Fit homing pigeons are faster than hawks in level flight, but a surprise attack or dive can take a pigeon in a heart beat. Being a pet eating peanuts without much exercise, I'd be careful letting her out. If you do, stay outside where you'd be visiable to hawks. They're less likely to attack if they see you. Also, don't expect the pigeon to go far the first few times out of the cage. If in doubt, don't let'em out. That's a pretty good motto. Everytime you let any pigeon out, no matter what the breed, you're risking it. Since you've grown so attached I'd just keep her in the cage and let her out to stretch her wings in the safety of your home. Also on another note, as long as she's been outside, the heat or cold shouldn't be a problem, because she should have moulted out according to the weather. Taking an indoor pigeon and putting it out in the cold could be bad, but putting them out in the warm gives them time to moult into appropriate feathering and get used to the temps as they drop. Just thought I'd add that in. But it's fine bringing her in for the winter, or whenever. I'll stop there before I talk too much :P Good luck with her, and have fun! Becky