Looks like a Birmingham roller. Can you please try to catch him? He won’t survive long on his own in the wild. How to Catch a Pigeon or Dove in Need of Rescue | Palomacy

 

Thanks for getting back to us. That's our worry. We have put out lots of local appeals but no joy. If we can catch him (which we are not sure we will be able to) what do we do then? When he does fly, he proper takes off and goes a long distance, high and well out of view over the countryside. Is there any chance he will be able to make his way back to wherever he came from safely?

 

Roller pigeons don’t have homing instincts, so he won’t be able to fly home on his own unless his owner is your next door neighbor. You can adopt him as a pet if you want (they do great indoors or in a safe aviary), adopt him out to someone else, or try to find a rescue that will take him.

 

Please catch him. You can build him an aviary and adopt a mate for him later on. You can always let them free fly after keeping them inside the aviary for a couple of weeks. This is a risk however. But at least he will then have a safe spot to sleep at night and he will spend more time inside the aviary during the day as well which will be much safer for him.

 

Please catch him. You can build him an aviary and adopt a mate for him later on. You can always let them free fly after keeping them inside the aviary for a couple of weeks. This is a risk however. But at least he will then have a safe spot to sleep at night and he will spend more time inside the aviary during the day as well which will be much safer for him.

Please catch him. You can build him an aviary and adopt a mate for him later on. You can always let them free fly after keeping them inside the aviary for a couple of weeks. This is a risk however. But at least he will then have a safe spot to sleep at night and he will spend more time inside the aviary during the day as well which will be much safer for him.

Thanks for your response, we will have a think what to do. We want to keep him safe and don't want him exposed to the elements but don't want to stifle his beautiful flying and we do worry about him being lonely.

 

I have ex-racers in my one aviary and I allow them to free-fly during the day. I open a hatch in the morning and close again in the evening. Honestly, they prefer to stay in the aviary and will only fly once a day. A short circle route above our home. I think the safety of the aviary is much more important for them than being outside and having freedom.

 

Thanks Marina, I really appreciate your response. We have been in contact with a rescue today who will do just what you are saying. Our next challenge is to catch him and get him to the rescue. The help on this page has been invaluable so thank you everyone for your advice and support.

 

Will the rescue centre keep him longterm? Obviously then they must have aviaries filled with unreleasable pigeons. Just please make sure about this before taking him there.

 

Yes they will and yes they do, so that's good news. We just have to catch him now!

 

What rescue is it? Roller/tumbler pigeons are known to have a high mortality rate when free flown outside due to the aerial backflips they’ve been bred to do and their lack of homing instincts. I have a Birmingham roller and he is perfectly happy flying indoors and in my closed aviary.

 

Linjoy.
That's very sad to read. I'm glad your Birmingham Roller is happy. Is there anything else you can suggest we do. We are super keen to do the best by this little chap.

 

The first step is catching him, have you taken a look at the article I linked in my first comment?

They do make great pets if you want to keep him. Here’s my roller pigeon and a new rescue of undetermined breed (who was found by a nice couple with clipped wings, either lost or dumped outside):

 

Try the method below. He might even follow you inside the home or garage when hungry. Don't put out food, rather keep the foodbowl in your hand and see if he will follow you.

 

What have you tried so far?

 

Well , he is still here. We haven’t managed to catch him. We have tried. Coming into Autumn , what should we do? We want to do the best by him , we’ve become quite attached. He watches us go about our daily routines and gives the occasional sound to us. Can anyone help please?

 

Hi,

I'ld suggest building a small loft, even a well Protected OPEN cage will do IMO.

Try to get him to eat inside the cage. Lure him in with food. Hopefully he'll settle inside it.

Doesn't matter if the cage is open, better to have a space where they are comfortable and free to go and come as they please IMO.

Disclaimer : my personal opinion is not too popular on the Forum, since I allow/ prefer free flying my pigeons, unless they're injured, sick etc. Free flying comes with it's pros and cons so be careful.

Good Luck 🕊

EDIT : just saw the Pic enlarged. What a beautiful pigeon!
Short beak and small cere ; best to try trap it, it doesn't have strong homing instincts I think.
If you can't trap it, at least try to get it to settle into a cage /loft.