Found Homing Pigeon in SE PA

[snoweys friend]

Hi all. I'm new to the group and had a few questions. We had a young pigeon show up on our deck roof on Wednesday. We have provided him with food, water & grit according to what information I found on line. This morning he felt trusting enough to come close so I could read his leg band. I went to the IF website and checked the band listings and found a contact name of someone who lives not far from me. I have e-mailed this person hoping to get a response. My questions are the following: If the owner does not contact me, I am more than happy to provide a home for this wayward flyer, but I know next to nothing about pigeons. I have cockatiels and a sun conure. I would like some advice on housing and care. Is it best to build something to house him outside or can he be kept indoors. I want to provide the best and safest home for him, should it come to that. He is such a sweet bird, and has already let me hold him. He also will eat out of my hand. Also, can you distinguish the sex by site or is a dna test necessary. It doesn't matter to me what sex, was just curious. Thanks in advance for any and all help and advice.

------------------
Snowey's Friend

[John_D]

Thank you for caring about this pigeon. Although many owners are pleased to have their 'lost' pigeons back, some will simply put them down because they 'failed', so it would be good if you got an assurance from the owner that the pigeon will be welcomed, if he wants the bird back.

There is, I believe, a test for the sex of a pigeon but I think it is uncomfortable and stressful for the bird. Behavior is one guide - a male tends to do the puffing up chest and strutting, bowing and cooing and turning circles thing. Sometime they will respond to a mirror like that (as if telling the newcomer 'this is my patch'), til they realize it is not another pigeon.

Be aware that sometimes, once they are recovered from their exhaustion, homers will often just set off back to their loft.

Pigeons can be kept inside just fine, but not continually contained in a cage. I don't know enough about the other birds to know how they would mix, if they were in the same room.

An outside home is great for a pigeon, if it has good flight space and is totally predator proof (not always as easy as it sounds).

Let's all see how you get on with the owner, then plenty of folk can provide more detailed suggestions

John (UK)

[Skyeking]

Hello and welcome to pigeons.com

Thank you for helping out this young bird. What is the year on the band? Sounds like you have taken the initiative and done everything you can for this bird.

Please pick up the bird and provide it temporary housing that is predator proof. He is hawk bait if he is left to linger outside.

If he is indeed only a few months old he may not be exhibiting what gender he/she is. Chances are, if around another pigeon, he/or she will try to play the role of male or female.

If the owner is a member of a huge racing club it might take a few days to track the number down. The bands might all be registered to the president of the race club, and he will designate and distribute the bands among club members.

As John says, lets wait and see if the owner replies, and what happens, we will be happy to provide you with ideas on housing, etc.

Please keep us updated.

Treesa

[snoweys friend]

Thank you for responding. I love all animals and would never turn one away if I can help. This boy has been here since Wednesday. Since posting my original message, I have been in touch with the owner who is someone different than the name I had gotten from the IF site. Anyway, turns out this guy lives less than a mile from me, but he told me he was having problems with hawks, which could explain why this little boy is here. The owner seemed very interested in getting him, so as much as I hate to see him go, if I can catch him, he'll be back home tonight. Big emphasis on IF I CATCH HIM. This boy was just hatched this year so he is also just being trained apparently. But I will tell the owner if he feels he is not working out the way he expects, I'll be more than happy to take him off his hands, and find him a good home, if not here with me. Thank you again. Will let you know how I make out with the "owner".

------------------
Snowey's Friend