pigeon found us

[debbie GR]

4 days ago an unbanded,all black with 2 white "V's" on secondary wings flew into our garage. He would "talk" to us whenever we approched. We shooed it out at night to close doors and was gone all the next day. Day 3 we opened door and he immediately flew back. I saw him trying to eat a peice of dropped dog food so I felt bad and gave him some of my cracked sunflower seeds and water of which he ate all. The samething this morning, I opened and in he flew. We are concerned for his safety from the neighborhood cats. He can fly but spends most of the day walking around the driveway and street when he's not in the garage. What should we do?

[TheSnipes]

Does he have a band on either leg? Even if he doesn't, it sounds like a tame pidge to me, who is used to being kept in a garage or similar structure. AND he is used to having food and water provided. If he has a band, his owner can probably be tracked down using the numbers on it.

Best thing is to try and trap him. There is a thread here with a simple DIY pigeon trap you could use. Then you might set about decided whether to keep him, or find a home for him.

[maryjane]

This definitely is a tame pigeon. Thank you for taking care of him. Can you tell us your general area so we can see if a member is nearby? If not, we can tell you how to care for him if you are interested in keeping him. A single pigeon is at great risk outside by itself, not only from cats, raccoons, mean people, and other ground-predators, but also from hawks. If you can pick up a bag of dove/quail seed at the pet shop, or even better, some pigeon seed, that would be highly beneficial to him. Most places also sell red grit, which assists him in digesting seeds. Please let us know your general area and let him sleep inside the garage at night if possible to keep him safe. Thanks!

[debbie GR]

thank you for your quick response. I will keep him in the garage tonight, I probably would have anyway - were expecting storms. I'll try for proper food tomorrow, however will the sunflower chips hurt him? We live in Lancaster county PA. and would appreciate your continued help. We know nothing about pigeon care and really have no facilities for him and really is so sweet. Thank you again

[Birdmom4ever]

Though unbanded, he sounds like a domestic bird. Could you possibly allow him to stay in the garage and then put him in an old dog crate or large box? He is in danger from predators, not just cats but hawks. If you can't keep him, hopefully we can find someone in your area who can. Sunflower seeds are fine (shelled better than whole, since they tend to be a bit large for pigeons). If you have access to dove or cockatiel mix that would be really good, too. Whereabouts are you locatead?

[Birdmom4ever]

Oops--didn't see that there were two identical posts and Maryjane and the Snipes had already given good answers. I merged the two posts to avoid confusion.

-Cathy