Racing Pigeon

ikkle87

Hi guys,

for the last hour or so there has been a racing pigeon sat on a cardboard box on our balcony. It seems to be burrowing further and further into the corner of the balcony as if it's seeking shelter almost.

I just wondered if there is anything I should do? Try to approach it, offer it water etc or wait to see if it disappears? I don't want to frighten it but I can't really tell if it's injured or just tired through the window and I also don't want to affect any training or anything it's had cos I know naff all about racing pigeons x

picklepick

Hmmm I'd go out and see if I could get a hold of it. They can get tired. You can offer it water and put a little sugar in the water to rebuild its strength.

Then on the ring there should be a number, similar to this: GB 01 A 12345

If you've got the number you can call the Racing Pigeon Organisation on 01452 713529 and tell them you have a lost pigeon and would like to trace it's owner. They will put you in contact.
Don't call unless you've actually caught the pigeon, though.

ikkle87

Thanks hun, I know it's a racing pigeon as it has the ring on it's leg just haven't got close enough to read the ring. I've heard about a lot of racing pigeons going missing lately which is why I wanted to check what I should do. Was just worried I might scare it. Will see if I can approach it. x

picklepick

Oh and sometimes, if you pull out a wing, on its feathers, there may be a number you can call. Either the race organiser or the owners.

Paradigm

Thing is that if you find the owner & return the bird there's a chance he'll "neck" it.

After working with two avid pigeon owners I know that underperforming birds are culled, they don't get many chances to prove their worth & the owners can't afford to keep them all.

ikkle87

Oh I hope they don't neck it

I need to wait for my OH to help check the ring tag. Don't think it's too good an idea me touching the pigeon at 8 months pregnant x

YORKSHIRELASS

This happened to us once. My husband managed to catch it and we found a code on the bird and a number online to ring. We tracked down the pigeons owner who was delighted and made the 100 mile round journey to collect it, even offering us money as a reward.

So not all of them get necked, I am sure this one didnt! My husband turned down the reward money and we found out afterwards that some of these birds are quite valuable to their owners.