Pigeons are found all over the world, but they seem to have a preference for nesting in areas with high human activity.
Pigeons want to nest where they feel safe and comfortable.
Pigeons aren’t fussy when it comes to nesting materials, in the wild twigs are typically used, but if you are looking for nesting material for your pet pigeon then any of these will work well:
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- Tobacco stalks
- Pine needles
- Nest felt
- Nesting paper (opens in new tab)
- Straw (opens in new tab)
- Twigs
Pine needles and tobacco stalks make some of the best nesting materials because many fanciers find they help deter lice and mites.
1. Tobacco Stalks
Tobacco stalks also make great nesting material for pigeons.
Tobacco stalks provide insulation against cold temperatures well and can be used in areas with extreme temperature changes.
Tobacco stalks are coarse and springy, which makes them easy for pigeons to build with and gives a firm base for laying eggs and raising young.
Tobacco stalks also help protect your pigeon from parasites as they are believed to deter mites and lice.
Tobacco stalks are also biodegradable and easy to clean up after.
A disadvantage of tobacco stalks as a nesting material is that they can harden and go mouldy over time, which can make cleaning more difficult.
2. Pine Needles
Pine needles are a natural nesting material that pigeons often use in the wild.
Pine Needles are very easy to find and provide good insulation against cold temperatures and can be used in areas with extreme temperature changes.
They also help protect your pigeon from parasites as they are thought to help repel lice and mites.
3. Nest Felt
Nest felt is a great nesting material for pigeons.
Nest-felt can be used in any season and does not need to have hay added on top of the layer that you put down as insulation against cold temperatures as it is a very well-insulated material.
The disadvantages here would only really apply during summer months when nests made entirely by felt may not be as cool and comfortable for the birds due to how dense and warm the material is.
4. Paper
Paper (opens in new tab) is one of the most common types of nesting material for pigeons because it’s lightweight and cheap!
It provides some insulation against cold temperatures but not much else, so you’ll need other items if you live in an area with extreme temperature changes.
Nesting paper for lining nest bowls
Check price on Amazon (opens in new tab)Pigeons like paper because it’s lightweight and is soft enough that eggs won’t break easily if laid upon them or if they are stepped on.
The disadvantages of paper as a nesting material include not providing much insulation against cold temperatures so they will need other material for areas with extreme temperature changes; paper also provides little protection if an animal tries attacking your pigeon’s nest while she lays her egg(s).
5. Straw
Straw (opens in new tab) provides insulation against cold temperatures well and can be used in areas with extreme temperature changes.
The disadvantages of straw as a nesting material include not being easy to clean and the fact that it provides little protection if an animal tries attacking your pigeon’s nest while she lays her egg(s).
Some straw to line nest boxes
Check price on Amazon (opens in new tab)The other disadvantage is when using hay, there can be too much dust in one area which may cause respiratory problems for pigeons.
Straw also gets damp from squabs’ droppings, which can lead to lice and mites making a home in it.
6. Twigs
Twigs are one of the most common natural nesting materials that pigeons use in the wild.
They make for strong, sturdy and secure nests, though they don’t provide a huge amount of insulation.
Twigs are easily available wherever you live so make for a cheap and effective material that your pigeon will be very familiar and comfortable using.
Top Tip: If you want to give your pigeon somewhere extra secure to build their nest why not put together a DIY nest box for them.
We hope this has helped you find a suitable nesting material for your pigeon, thanks for reading!
Last updated 30 October 2026 · Keeping