I just found a pigeon (or it found me)

[pappy1264]

I live in Essex, and we don't have pigeons around there (we have lots of hawks). Well, just went to get a coffee at Dunkin Donuts and a pigeon flew down and landed on my head! I managed to get it to fly onto the newspaper container. But as I went inside, it tried to follow me! I found out he has been hanging outside doing that for two days. He has no band, looks healthy. He flew right onto my head as soon as I came out and would not get off me. I went to my car, thinking he would fly away. When I opened the door and started to get in, he flew inside, onto the headrest and began preening himself! I sat there for minute, and then drove home. I now have him inside, in a pet carrier. Gave him water and birdseed (he ate a little). He coo's whenever he sees me and jumps onto the front of the carrier. What do I do?? Where he has no band, is it likely he would be a racer or homing pigeon? I have put a few calls to places after I called my vet. They believe from the sounds of it, he was raised by someone and was let go. It was warm yesterday and will be today, but a snow storm is due tomorrow, so between that and the fear of a hawk having a good dinner, I am hesitant to just bring him back outside. What do I do now?????? (I live in Essex, MA)

[Msfreebird]

It sounds like someones pet found you and doesn't want to be on his own! I wouldn't let it go. If you can't keep it, I'm sure we could find a home for it. There are alot of members here in Mass, and I'm in NH. (you are in Mass, USA - right? there are members all over the world here

[Charis]

I agree with Waynette, likely you have found someone's pet and it would perish if you were to turn it outside .
Is it possible for you to post a picture?
We will help you find a home for the bird if you don't want to keep it.
Great save, by the way!

[wolfwood]

Hi Pappy. I live in Southern NH (Fremont) and had our 1st pigeon also find us (last Sept)!! We now have 5 rescues (with a few eggs on the way) and would welcome your friend into our loft - today, next week, next month - if you decide at some point that you can't keep him. Feel free to send me an eMail at wolfwoodhome@netscape.net.

[pappy1264]

My husband just got home and we are going to try to keep him. He is SUPER TAME and bonded to people. All he wants to do is sit on my head and preen himself. He saw his reflection in the mirror, he ran down my arm, began cooing like crazy and attacking the 'other bird'. Almost like he was 'protecting me'....lol I have small birds (finches, keets and tiels) and actually have a wild finch we raised from a nestling and a sparrow we raised last summer that fledged really late, so it got too cold. Now a pigeon (I feel like they 'know' they are safe here....)

Ok, so what is a good cage set up for when he has to be in a cage? We were thinking of using pvc and landyard cloth and building a big flight cage for the living room, with a tree and a box at the top to roost in. Does that sound ok? I gave him a mix of parakeet, cockatiel, and wild bird food, and added in some white rice. He ate some, and drank water for me (I read the tip of 'swooshing' the water, and he came running right to the bowl!)

I have an appt. on Thursday with my exotic vet and she can check him over.

Anything else I need to do?

Thank you for offering to take him. If I find it is too much for me, I will definitely let you know. I wonder if his owner passed away and the family just let him go? He just seems so bonded to people, I am blown away by it. I grew up in the city and always fed the pigeons. We don't have them here, as we have a huge hawk population. That was my biggest fear for him, since there are no other pigeons around.

So I am doing the right thing by keeping him, then? I have let my vets who are down the road know, so if anyone calls them looking for one, they know where to send them.

How do you post pics? I took a bunch. Thanks again!

[pappy1264]

This little guy (who we have named 'Stewie', can you tell we like 'Family Guy') is THE SWEETEST! He loves to cuddle, and have his head rubbed and scratched. And he is doing this thing with his beak, which reminds me of the baby parrots I hand raised. He will put his beak between my fingers and act like he is about to regurgitate (he hasn't, yet....lol) He is wonderful! Who would have known!!! I mean, I have always liked pigeons, but never had one or known of anyone having one as a pet. This little guy LOVES PEOPLE!!!!! For now, we are going to house him in my dogs 48" dog crate, up on a table, until we can build his cage. Will that be adequate for him for when he has to be in a cage? Can someone also tell me how you post pics here???? Thanks!

[pappy1264]

Added pics, hopefully this works....here is our new pigeon, Stewie!

[TAWhatley]

Stewie is just adorable! I'm so glad he had the good sense to kind of force himself upon you! A 48" crate is fine for when he has to be confined.

Please do keep us posted.

Terry

[Msfreebird]

I think its wonderful that you can keep him - whereas he chose you! They are amazingly friendly and smart! Stick around, you'll learn alot more about them too - and welcome here

[Lovebirds]

This is just the sweetest story. I'm so glad that Stewie found you. Doesn't sound like he could have done any better.

[wolfwood]

Congratulations to you AND Stewie! Sounds like he knew exactly what he was doing ...when you just thought you were just going out for coffee.

[tuxedobaby]

he is sweet!!he is making himself right at home by sound of things

[pappy1264]

As I type, Stewie is sitting on my shoulder. Whenever I try to walk away, he flies after me! lol We are covering the crate with landyard cloth, as he could stick his head out and I don't want him to injure himself! He ate like a horse a little while ago, then drank a bunch. He seems quite relaxed here....I am still in a bit of shock! lol I spoke to my exotic vet today and he agreed this was a pet that was most likely released. I have to intro the dogs to him (they are confined to the bedroom right now.) They are used to animals, since we have a mini zoo here....lol Does he look healthy from his pic? His poop looks great, so that is good! I have been reading about pigeons all day (who would have imagined when I got up this is how my day would go!!!) I have not even seen a pigeon in over 8 yrs (we don't have them here) so this is pretty funny. But I am glad he is safe, as I can't imagine him being out alone. He is home....

[Garye]

I have a feeling Stewie is a female - not much irridescent feathers around the neck. It's a cute bird and it seems to have taking such a liking to you - like it sensed you would be a good owner. I'm so glad you decided to keep it because I really think it picked you for a reason. It just sensed it could trust you and that you would really care for it.

[Ivor]

You have an adorable pigeon, my pigeon that I raised is like that, when we go out we need to take turns because he follows us, so I'm always the last one when we leave, but I always tell him where I go and for how long, if is dark because is going to rain or if we will be late, I make sure that the lights are on, all the doors open because he likes the access to all the house, they are incredible, and I'm sure you will enjoy your new baby.

Ivette