advice needed for found pigeon

[alicefelldown]

While taking care of my chickens tonight, a pigeon flew over to me, friendly as could be. The bird ate out of my hand, hung out next to me, showed no signs of fear, and let me pick it up and carry it around.

It is banded, on both legs, registered with the American Racing Pigeon Union. Unfortunately, the owner listed has a disconnected phone and his email bounced back.
According to their directory, he lives about an hour and a half, or 80 miles away. Which would be well within their normal range right?

I've got the bird secure for the night, waiting on a reply from the racing union or the owner (unlikely) and will let loose when the sun comes up. I don't want to hold someones bird hostage!!

Anyone know what breed and sex this pigeon is? I looked around online but couldn't find anything that matched.

Should I be doing anything different? I don't believe they fly at night, and if it was in the middle of a race it probably wasn't going to win after hanging out eating my bird seed for 30 minutes.

 

[Beka]

He looks a bit rough, you have done the right thing by keeping him for the night, let him go in the morning when he is all rested up and has recuperated, he should fly home but if he hangs around you want to get in touch with the American Racing Pigeon Union and tell them, they are responsible for any birds wearing their bands and should help you out even if the owner doesn't.

 

[alicefelldown]

I sent a copy of the email that bounced to the American Racing Pigeon Union - hopefully they will get in touch.

Thinking about calling local feed stores to see if they have clients who buy for pigeons in the area. The disconnected phone and bouncing email of the owner/racer concerns me.

Normally the bird's feathers are smoother and more 'normal' looking - it didn't like the flash on the camera and puffed up. Haven't seen it poop but it looks healthy enough to my untrained eyes.

Thanks Beka.

 

[alicefelldown]

Spoke with the legion - they have a new phone number for the club secretary/racer/owner/whatever & left a voicemail.

I hope I get to keep Francis, I've grown quite fond of it.

Anyone know the breed/sex?

 

[deerman]

That is a homer, color blue bar saddle. Color of band looks like this years hatch.

That one was breed for its color or show. Not for racing , so my guess it got lost, but not in a race. Keep it untill you find the owner. Most time I would say release racing homers. Most guys racing pigeon dont race one that color.

Hard to sex them by pics.

That is a well marked saddle, may do good in a show. Odds not good it can find its way home if released.

 

[seismic wonder2]

You can't tell the sex until it lays an egg. (or not)

If it's banded by AU it will (normally) be a Homing pigeon. It looks like a barred homer. You said it had two bands?
The AU band will have a date on it that will (shoud) tell you how old it is.
The other band MAY be a club band or racing band. That band is used as a timing method, some have RFID chips, can't tell by looking.
do a search for Pigeon Racing Clubs in your area, you may get lucky.

I don't recommend letting him go too soon, If he's weak or sick he may not have the energy to get home or get away from preditors. If after a few days of rest and relaxation you let him go he should do a few circles around your house then make a straight line for parts unknown. If he comes back, he may want to stay with you!
If you can't find the owners, keep him! They make a great pet!

Also go to "pigeon talk" at WWW.pigeons.biz/forums/ and post in the section "I found a pigeon, now what?" they will help you either find the owner and or give you advice on proper care and feeding or your new little friend!

Good Luck!!!

 

[deerman]

Note the color of the AU band the color for 2009. Should have the year marked on the band. Please dont release the bird, it is a racing homer, but most likely not race.

Pic. is one of my 10 day old racing homer. The age they have to be banded.

 

[alicefelldown]

Thank you all for your concern and information! I've been looking everywhere online for lists of pigeon breeds, like there are for chickens, but really coming up at a loss. It is definitely a blue bar saddle though - thanks deerman!

As I mentioned up thread, the racing legion gave me a new phone number, and I left a voice mail this morning offering to hold the bird until it's rested or until someone comes to pick it up. It's up to the club secretary at this point, however, the bird is securely resting in a cage and being cared for.

I'm hoping to find out the sex, in the eventuality that no one claims the pigeon - after a 30 day quarantine period I'll add on to the chicken coop and give this fella a home and a mate.

I've also joined and made a post on the pigeon.biz site mentioned above - thanks for the resource!

 

[deerman]

Males coo alot, tell sex on males by way they act, also cock birds have larger cere. It needs to be 6 months old.
National Pigeon Club of all breeds.

http://www.npausa.com/

 

[alicefelldown]

After leaving about five messages for the club contact, with no response - and watching the poor bird struggle to get out of the cage ALL DAY - we released it. It did the circle around the house thing and took off to the east. There's food and water outside if it chooses to come back, but it was definitely acting like a bird who wanted to be 'free' again.

I feel used!!! But glad to have been able to help the 'lil thing.