Found a Dove... it won't leave

[onedayfarm]

Well all the local pigeons seem to love our provsions and are coming around everyday to eat all the seeds

[onedayfarm]

It's still coming here every night... I thought I'd post a picture.

[relofts]

Thanks so much for sharing the picture of this little one. I can tell you from looking at the picture that you have shared that this is definately a racing pigeon and is just a youngster, the light blue band is for 2005 birth year, it is hard to say for sure at this age but it does appear to be a girl from the looks, but she is young and she also is not in the best of condition, a couple of things I think I am seeing in this picture is that she is holding her feathers ruffeled which is never a good sign in a pigeon, also it appears that she may have what looks to be green droppings on her feathers on the underside, this is also not a good thing to see if this is actually what it is, the picture certainly makes it look that way, this could be caused by multiple situations, stress is a large cause of problems such as this, as well as cocci, salmonella, young bird sickness and I am sure a multitude of other things. It is my best suggestion to you to try and contain this little one and get her turned over to someone who can care for her medical needs if this picture is what it appears to me, I know the feathers are definately fluffed and in homing pigeons the feathers are normaly tight to the body and have a shine.

Ellen

[Trees Gray]

I just had a chance to look at the picture, and Ellen is right about the bird not feeling well, she shows the classic signs. The eyes are also dull.

Can you shut the door and catch the bird the next time she comes in at night? She should not be that hard to catch, as pigeons have limited vision and she will be easier to catch since she is not feeling well. She may try to act fine, as that is their defense mechanism, but she is not.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

[onedayfarm]

It's really not possible to catch it... it wont let us near it and it usually doesn't ruffle it's feathers like that but it was not happy about me taking the picture, I'll post another for comparison. It continues to come everyday for shelter and we still provide food and water. I suspect someone has attempted to catch it as it used to let us get within 5 feet or so before fleeing but now will fly off if we even come within 20 feet.

I should add, I'll try and get close enough to take another picture but this morning it flew off before I got close to the barn.

[relofts]

You really need to contain this pigeon and see what is going on and where it came from, the horror stories you hear of birds being returned to their owners is not always the case, this pigeon being white is at risk from predators getting it, this is a domesticated bird and needs to be put back in the enviroment that it was born in and cared for and vaccinated and treated for any illnesses, even if we obtain the band information and the owner doesn't want to retrieve it a home should be easily found as it would be a perfect candidate as a pet, the white pigeons are a sign of love, innocence, sincerity and most people love them, it is in the best interest of this pigeon to get it contained. Please post where you are located maybe someone is near you that can help out.

Ellen

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by onedayfarm

it usually doesn't ruffle it's feathers like that but it was not happy about me taking the picture, It continues to come everyday for shelter and we still provide food and water.

I really appreciate your continued care of this bird, and would appreciate if you would try to catch it.

A pigeon will try to look perfectly normal as a defense mechanism, especially when you approach them. It's when they are relaxed and they think no one is around that they show their "true colors".

Please try the trap on the link posted earlier, since the bird is still coming for food and drink.

thank you for all your attempts to help this youngster, it needs to go home, and/or get some care.

[onedayfarm]

sorry... again...short of an invisiblity cloak we have tried to catch it and it will even fly off in the middle of the night if we try to get close. How can we trap it if it won't eat here, it goes somewhere else to eat eventhough we offer food and water daily (that other pigeons are enjoying emensly btw) So if anyone wants to come here and try.. be my guest.

We have tried to contact a few ppl in the area that have pigeons and no one seems willing to reply let alone come and see it, so I really have no other options other than to keep offering food and shelter. If anyone knows anyone in my area that might like to come give it a try.. feel free to let them know, but we've done all we can do.

[relofts]

I would be glad to do what I can and use my resources as the Owner/Moderator of the 911 Pigeon Alert Group. I really need to get information on your location and contact information. We have a site setup for reporting lost and found or injured pigeons to that you can go in and complete the contact sheet and we will deal with your little charge direct through the 911 Pigeon Alert Group and will try to locate someone near you and make contact direct with those that may be able to assist, I am including the link for you to complete the contact form, please complete the form and include as much information as you can and we will get to work on your case right away.

Please follow this link to the contact form:
http://www.teranetsystems.com/911PAContact/

Thank you for all your concern regarding this wayward youngster.

Ellen

[onedayfarm]

Well for anyone whose wondered.. "Dovey" for lack of a better name has taken up permanent residence with us it seems. He flies into the barn every night by 4pm to be sure to get inside before dark (he's missed cerfew a few nights and been left out on the ledge). It was a rough winter at times and he has done very well living with the horses, I'm sure they kept him fairly warm.

He has a nice little spot in the barn up in the rafters where he sleeps and is content there until morning when we let him out. He has FINALLY taken to eating near us, and we've tried a zillion different bird mixtures but he seems to like the horse feed for some reason. So now we mix it in with the birdseed.

He flies around the neighborhood all day and visits different bird folks and then makes sure he is back inside the barn by dark. He has become very good friends with our 4 resident pheasants that have also come to live here, with all the good 'eats' we put out everyday. He especially likes the female pheasant and cooos to her whenever she comes by.

He chats with us in the barn and is quite friendly but still won't let us too close to him. We don't force the issue with him anymore as he is doing very well and it only makes him nervous and upset if we try. He is sleek and healthy looking and in very good weight (as are the pheasants!!).

Just thought I'd let you know it looks like our Barn Dove is here to stay.


Here's a picture ....all tucked in for the night!!

[onedayfarm]

and one more picture.. ('scuze the cobwebs... spring cleaning any day now.)

[Nooti]

What a lovely bird. He can visit my loft anytime.

[Reti]

How cool, this guy adopted you. I am very glad he found a permanent home he seems to love.
Thanks for the update and the pics. He's a lovely bird.

Reti

[jazaroo]

He is looking healthy and content. What a lovely bird.

[Lady Tarheel]

Thank you for the update. This bird is so very beautiful. It looks like your good feed has helped her a lot. She looks healthier than in the first picture.

I believe as time goes by she will begin to come down to you - probably will land on your head or shoulders. She just has to get used to you but they are very trusting after a period of time.

Maggie