I've found a racing pigeon & may have to keep it over the weekend.

[casu consulto]

Hey, hey. I never posted on here before...

Yesterday, whilst walking in a park type area, we discovered a racing pigeon. The park is full of feral pigeons, but this was stood out a lot due to his/her unusual appearance. Someone had scattered wild seed for the pigeon, and it was walking around pecking at this. Unfortunately, the park was full of children and dogs. The park is known for being unsafe for animals and birds, with many of the geese on the nearby lake often being shot at and injured. Some kids were poking at the pigeon, which seemed either unable to, or unwilling to fly. I went across and picked the pigeon up, as it had a ring on.

I live in England, and according to this ring, the pigeon belongs to the Royal Pigeon Racing Association. According to their website, any racing pigeon found might be exhausted, and in need of rest. Or else hungry/dehydrated and in need of food and water. It recommended keeping the pigeon in a pet carrier/card board box with food and water, safe from predators for maximum 48 hours and then to try releasing it. If it still won't fly, then they ask to be contacted.

The pigeon has been living in a pet carrier, on an old blanket and straw. We've provided water, and wild bird seed (which is what the site recommended) and he or she has been making use of both. There are no obvious signs of injury to the bird, but each time I've tried to release it, it seems unable to maintain any height and remain airborne. It just flutters to the ground and rushes off to the tree where we feed the birds, to peck at the crumbs or seed there. Unfortunately, we also have three cats, so this results in me having to pick it up and return it to the carrier. The pigeon is alert and lively.

Ideally, we planned to release it, but this isn't going to happen as it won't fly. So we contacted the RPRA, but they say that they're only really likely to respond betwenn 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. So, I might be stuck with a pigeon over the weekend. I like the pigeon, he or she is no bother at all and tends to fluff itself up and sleep, when not eating or drinking. But my mother isn't too chuffed... Is there any more I could be doing for the birdie? And, in giving the bird back - possibly injured - what is likely to happen to it?

[mr squeaks]

WELCOME TO Pigeon Talk!

Thank you for rescuing this bird! From what you describe, the bird sounds like he/she might have some issues going on.

We DO have members in England and I'm sure they will be on shortly to help and advise.

One of the first questions we ask is, what do the poops look like?

Shi & Squeaks

[casu consulto]

Thank you. ^^

It's strange, because he or she honestly doesn't have a mark of them... And the pigeon can extend its wings fully...

The poops were... hm. To be honest, they just looked like the sort of poops you find where pigeons roost? I didn't pay much attention to them earlier when I cleaned the carrier out... Eeeek.

[Pidgey]

Where, basically, in the UK are you?

Pidgey

[casu consulto]

North West of England, in Manchester.

[pigeonpoo]

Are you able to carefully open the wings on the bird - one at a time? Many RPRA members stamp the wings with their phone numbers. What is the number on the ring? Is it an 07 bird? Try running your fingers down the front of the bird to feel the breast bone. Does it feel straight and all in one piece? If it has broken it's keel it will take some time before it is able to fly. Whereabouts in the UK are you?

There will be much more knowledgeable peeps coming on soon to help you - don't go away!!

[pigeonpoo]

Whoops!! I've been beaten to it!! My one fingered typing takes forever!!

[Pidgey]

I've PMed and emailed John (member name: John_D and he's a Moderator on the forum here) about this thread. I believe that Helen (member name: Nooti also a Moderator) is in Blackburn just northeast of you. It may be that we can make some arrangements for the bird but it may take some time.

Pidgey

[casu consulto]

I've done that. ^^ Checked the inside of the wings for a stamped number, and was unable to see any. The bird is an 07 bird, yes. The brestbone feels straight and firm, but is it supposed to feel so prominent?

& don't worry. I'm sticking around for a while. I've always had a soft spot for feral pigeons, so this little guy or girl is fascinating to me. I just want to make sure he or she returns home.

[mr squeaks]

Originally Posted by casu consulto

Thank you. ^^

It's strange, because he or she honestly doesn't have a mark of them... And the pigeon can extend its wings fully...

The poops were... hm. To be honest, they just looked like the sort of poops you find where pigeons roost? I didn't pay much attention to them earlier when I cleaned the carrier out... Eeeek.

I can understand your poop reaction. However, the condition of the poops give a clue to the bird's health status.

When we ask about them, we need to know if they are formed, runny, what color(s) and is there any odor.

Since this is a pigeon site, we do discuss poops a LOT. So feel free to be most descriptive...

Shi

[casu consulto]

Don't worry - I spend half my time lurking on a rabbit forum. Poo and the condition of it comes under discussion a lot there, too.

I know that the poo is not strong smelling, as he's been sat in this room for over 24 hours and there's no horrible smell coming from the carrier. It wasn't runny, I don't think, either.

[Pidgey]

Originally Posted by casu consulto

The brestbone feels straight and firm, but is it supposed to feel so prominent?

Usually, if someone who isn't very familiar with pigeons makes this comment, we can generally conclude that the bird has suffered extreme privation or is actually sick with something and will be needing medicines or a vet visit. That's why it would really be good to get in touch with Nooti.

Pidgey

[casu consulto]

I don't mind keeping the pigeon for the weekend. I sent the 'found pigeon report' earlier, to the RPRA and had to fill in a form which required my contact details, so when they contact, they'll be expecting Mr. or Ms. Pigeon to be here. But I do feel I need to know exactly how is the best way to care for it until these people come to collect their pigeon, or get in contact.

Or, in the strange event they don't want it back, what should be done with it.

[casu consulto]

What sort of signs of sickness do pigeons show?

[pigeonpoo]

Can you post the ring number and I'll see if I can locate whereabouts it's from.

Sadly, in the UK, many young birds get lost in their first racing season (I have one in my shed at the moment.) The owners are supposed to send for any of their birds found by a non fancier but, all too often, they do not want to pay the carrier and will tell you that the bird is from very valuable parents and offer it to you!!

It may be that this bird has been lost for a while and is unable to forage for itself. That would explain the prominent breast bone. Could it be that it has flown itself out and needs a few days TLC ??