Rescued Pigeon needs home in Oklahoma

[ChickMom]

I don't know enough about pigeons to state what kind he is but a friend of mine does dog and farm animal rescue and got a pigeon from the animal shelter. She says he can fly but not well enough to be let go in the wild. Are there any pigeon rescues in OK or near OK? She's in south Central Oklahoma. Thank you. You can email me at chickmom at gmail.com.

-Chick Mom in OK

[Pidgey]

Where in south central? Can you get a picture of the bird? Does it have a band?

Pidgey

[ChickMom]

It does not have a band. It's in Sulphur OK. I will ask if she can take a picture. Thank you for your response to me.
-Chick Mom in OK

[Pidgey]

Usually when pictures are blurry, they were taken too close. Tell her to stay four feet back, use the highest resolution, the most zoom and the flash. Then, you can crop the picture to just what's necessary.

Pidgey

[ChickMom]

I have some photos now of the pigeon. I will attach them. Thank you for looking. I'd love to help them find a good home for the little guy.

[ChickMom]

Could someone tell me how to describe this pigeon so I can continue to look for a home for him/her? I don't know pigeon types or breeds so I don't know what to say to describe him. Thank you.

[Lovebirds]

Originally Posted by ChickMom

Could someone tell me how to describe this pigeon so I can continue to look for a home for him/her? I don't know pigeon types or breeds so I don't know what to say to describe him. Thank you.

Where did this bird come from? Do you know? It appears to be a Blue Check homing pigeon. Just don't know if it's feral or a lost unbanded homer. Anyone looking for a pigeon or that knows anything about them would know what a "blue check" is though.

[ChickMom]

Thanks very much. That's very helpful. The pigeon was at an Animal Shelter and we don't know where it came from prior to that. So it could just be a feral bird? If so, theoretically, it could be released? I'm dumb about pigeons and thought some kinds were domestic (always kept by people and not able to manage on their own) and other kinds were wild (and live free). But it sounds like this blue check could be either. Thanks.

[Lovebirds]

Originally Posted by ChickMom

Thanks very much. That's very helpful. The pigeon was at an Animal Shelter and we don't know where it came from prior to that. So it could just be a feral bird? If so, theoretically, it could be released? I'm dumb about pigeons and thought some kinds were domestic (always kept by people and not able to manage on their own) and other kinds were wild (and live free). But it sounds like this blue check could be either. Thanks.

Well, you're right. There are the two different kinds and without this one being banded, there's really no way to know for sure "what" he was before or where he came from. I certainly wouldn't release it. Do you know whether it's a male or female? You can't look at them and tell. You usually tell by their behaviour or of course if it lays an egg, that pretty much seals the deal. LOL

[ChickMom]

Thank you. The Animal Shelter and the rescuers both thought the bird was domestic and didn't want to release it. The rescuers believe it to be male although they aren't pigeon-savvy. It hasn't lain any eggs but I don't know if that's definitive. Thank you for your info.

[Pidgey]

What seems to be the problem with his ability to fly?

Pidgey

[Lovebirds]

OH, it can't fly?

[ChickMom]

No, it can fly. Here is what she said to me about it:

"Hi, well I would say the pigeon can fly, but not enough to protect himself from predators and he certainly has never had to "hunt" for food. He eats parakeet food, green veggies for snacks, a non tip water bowl, not spoiled at all......"

I'll ask for more clarification. Thank you.

[Pidgey]

Okay, I assumed from the first post that he could fly but not well.

Pidgey

[ChickMom]

Yes, that's correct. I just verified this with Linda who has him. She said:
"On his flying ability-we have no clue why he can't fly well. He can fly short distances but not like a normal pigeon."