Rescue and Release!

[Wabbs]

Hi everyone...

I've just joined the forum in order to (hopefully!) receive some expert advice.
I found a sick pigeon in the town centre last week.. she was lame and looked in very poor condition. I took her along to my vet where she has been residing and treated.

They have suggested I bring her (him?) home to see how she gets on over the next few days.

My question is, can I release the pigeon away from her usual habitat? The town centre where I found her isn't a nice place and many pigeons are killed by heavy traffic.. Being a complete novice where pigeons are concerned, have no idea if she will adapt to new territory.

Also, is it a good time of year to release her? It's very cold here and I'm worried about whether she will survive. There are pigeons nearby and I'm wondering if I could release her in to this flock..?

Any help or advice greatly appreciated!

[Trees Gray]

Hello and Welcome to pigeons.com

Thank you for helping this needy bird and providing it a home.

I would not release a bird in unfriendly territory if the birds are dying from traffic, also if the weather is too cold. Here is a link that will help you to decide to release.

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=10874

and another..

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=11919

[Wabbs]

Thanks for you prompt reply and the links Trees, most useful!

As I'm not familiar with pigeons at all (I have 8 house rabbits and a dog! ), I'm not sure I have all the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision at this stage...

My vet 'phoned a few minutes ago and suggested I release Scrabble into my garden and put seed out to give her a helping hand.

Apparently, she's still limping slightly but this could be an old injury that hasn't healed up perfectly... she is now in good condition and has been feeding really well. There is no obvious wound or injury to the leg. I'm just worried that in the wild, she might not cope with predators etc.

If anyone knows of a wildlife centre that would be happy to assess/rehabilitate and release Scrabble safely back into the wild, then please let me know asap. I'm located in East Yorkshire, UK and am willing to travel within a reasonable distance.

Cheers!

[Trees Gray]

Hi again,

You are right to not want to release the bird with a limp, she should'nt be.

We have several expert pigeon rehabbers in the UK, I'm sure they will be able to make some excellent recommendations.

I will e-mail one of them for you.

[Wabbs]

Thanks Trees...

Much appreciated!

[cyro51]

The Midgeleys in Sheffield (they have changed their name) http://www.voluntaryrescuecentre.org.uk/ have had one of our pigeons before.

I am in Norwich. I am hoping to be able to release pigeons into my garden so that I am able to feed them. I haven't released many into the garden but when I have released adult pigeons, singly or in pairs, they have flown off immediately no doubt "homing" back to their own flock. The ones that arrived as juveniles have found their way back to the garden.

Karen, on the other hand, who lives in Nottingham, has let all her healthy birds out for a flight and have all but one return.

Both of us would be prepared to take your pigeon, but it is a long trip for you!

Cynthia

[pigeonpoo]

Hi, Amtrak will transport the bird for £22. They pick it up one day and deliver the next so it is not boxed for longer than 24 hours. I would wait until this freezing weather has passed before shipping any bird.

[Wabbs]

Cynthia...

I think my best bet is to talk to the Midgelys in Sheffield.. that's within reasonalbe driving distance from here.

The other option is that I'm going to nottingham the weekend after this one, so Karen could be a possibility too. Could you give me further details of Karen?

Thanks

[Wabbs]

Heck,

You can post a pigeon? I'm more than happy to drive her if she's going to a good home but thanks for the info..

[cyro51]

Sorry, I have a horrid tendecy to mix up Nottingham and Northampton! Karen is in Northampton.

I have posted a pigeon via Amtrak, it arrived safely, but I don't feel happy about transporting birds that way.

I notice that the Midgely's say : We guarantee that if an animal is unable to be re-released, a suitable home or animal sanctuary will be found. That is reassuring!



Cynthia

[Wabbs]

Update

Just to let you know that I took Scrabble the Pigeon to Sheffield last Thursday to the Voluntary Rescue. She should be fit and well again soon and ready for release.

Thanks to everyone who answered my post!

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Wabbs,

That's great news about little Scrabble, he or she looks very healthy. Well done and congratulations on this success

[Trees Gray]

Well, I'm so glad you updated us as I was wondering how Scrabble was doing.

Great picture, and thanks for giving him every opportunity for a healthy and happy re-adjustment back to his world.