Pigeon Fanciers Society of NSW Inc

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A LOST PIGEON

A bird which has gone without water for a while is sometimes a bit less than itself. It may be so exhausted; it doesn't even realize that water is in front of it, especially if the water container you use is different from what it is familiar with.

If a bird looks really exhausted, Gatorade or other proprietary sports drink may be added to the water. A teaspoon or two per cup (250 ml) of water will help replenish electrolytes.

In fact, they would likely ignore it as possible food. Instead of bread, you might try feeding them something else from around the house.

Popcorn, rice, split peas, barley, canary seed, etc., are all good first options to feed a lost bird with.

THESE GRAINS SHOULD NOT BE COOKED OR POPPED BUT FED RAW.

Water should also be provided since pigeons normally drink immediately after eating.

Any container that a dog or cat can't get into will be fine. An old bird cage will hold the pigeon for a day or so with no problem, as will a cardboard box - a screen on top of such a box is better than simply closing the flaps since there will then be enough light for the bird to see to eat and drink.

FINDING THE BIRD'S OWNER.

If the bird has a band on its leg, the owner can sometimes be traced through one of the national pigeon organizations.

However, this is often not even necessary. After twenty-four to forty-eight hours rest with food and water, most homing pigeons are more than capable of finding their way home on their own. Simply release the bird in an area free of wires or other obstacles and it will usually head home immediately.

NOT REALLY SURE HOW TO READ THE BAND ON THE PIGEON YOU FOUND?
 

HOW TO READ A BAND
The letters on the band will tell you the origin of the bird.

(EXAMPLE BAND BELOW)

Say... the band number reads, ANPA 7 07 AT 1089

The ( NPA ) means it originated from the National Pigeon Association.

The (7) is the band size.

The (07) is the year the pigeon was born.

The (AT) is the band alphabetical sequence.

The (1089) is a unique serial number for identifying that bird

If there is No band, it is a wild pigeon and no club member owns it.

If you find an injured un-banded pigeon, contact your Humane Society.

The banded pigeons could have originated from several organizations.

Below are some pigeon organization contacts that hopefully will help you.

Injured Birds 

Being handled and treated is a very stressful experience to an injured bird, and before you attempt to catch it, the benefits of treatment should be weighed against this.

For instance, a bird with an injured leg is probably best left, whilst a wing injury is serious enough to merit capture and treatment.

It is usually difficult to catch an injured bird and careless handling may cause further injury. Handling must be firm but gentle. Small birds up to blackbird size can be held in one hand. Place your hand over the bird so that its head fits between your forefinger and middle finger. The rest of the fingers will naturally wrap round each wing holding the bird firmly.

Medium-sized birds are best held with two hands, one over each wing. Handling large birds requires great care because of risk of injury to the handler. Unless you are used to handling large birds, it is best to call an expert rescuer to the bird rather than try to capture it yourself.

Once the bird is caught, examine it quickly and place it in a well ventilated covered box to wait for treatment. Darkness reduces stress, and is likely to be the best first aid you can give the bird. It is also the best treatment for shock.

An injured bird should always be passed onto a local vet, RSPCA  

RSPCA New South Wales

02 9770 7555

Contacts for Lost Pigeons

• Racing Pigeon Federation - 1300 766 622
• Tony Dessmann -  (02) 9606-5619