Another set back.

[jak2002003]

I have been having so many problems with my pigeons and I finally thought everything was going OK and my flock numbers were growing.... now had 5 adults and 2 new squabs.

This morning I went out to feed them and saw some predator had got into one of their cages and 2 of my adult birds were missing. I have no idea what got into the cage.. the door was forced open and the thing must have been strong. My garden is all walled up, and the only things that could get in are cats.

I found the remains of one of the birds in the corner of the garden... all eaten excepts the legs and wings.

I feared the other one was also killed, but I spotted him sitting on the house roof. He has not moved all day and now its evening. I can't see if he has any injuries, but the feathers on his back seem to be sticking up and he looks hunched up. I just hope he does not fly down early morning before I get up as the predator might get him too.

I am in the process of getting my new pigeon coop built... so will tell the guy to make sure its really secure.

 

[oltman]

I am guessing Raccoon, tough and mean critters. I use
a trail/field camera to identify the culprit. Whatever it is
it will need to be relocated as it will continue to harass
your birds, i use the Havahart type trap.

 

[Quacking Pigeon]

Well hopefully the bird is ok that’s on the roof. And the new loft the pigeons get is very secure. It is always a pain when loosing birds especially when you have more recently got them or when they are in low numbers.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I have no idea what got into the cage.. the door was forced open and the thing must have been strong.

Sorry for you loss. Hopefully bird #2 will recover. Strong and cover of darkness I will bet racoon.
Loss is part of being a pigeon fancier and it is hard to except. You must take heart and be thankfull it was not a weasel. I lost my entire flock to such a predator in just "ONE" attack.

 

[jak2002003]

Sorry for you loss. Hopefully bird #2 will recover. Strong and cover of darkness I will bet racoon.
Loss is part of being a pigeon fancier and it is hard to except. You must take heart and be thankfull it was not a weasel. I lost my entire flock to such a predator in just "ONE" attack.

We don't have racoons here (Thailand). I did loose most of my flock years ago to a mongoose (kind of like your weasel. They kill in a frenzy... more than they can eat.. like a fox.

I found the dead birds remains. Everything had been eaten.. even the bones, head, beak!! Only feathers of the wings left, and one leg (the animals must have been too full to eat that last bit).

I got a ladder and managed to pick up the pigeon from the roof. He looks ill and won't eat or drink, although I can only find one small black pimple like mark on his back and one on his chest. No blood or open wounds. Maybe he is in shock.

The bird that was killed was my old infertile hen (who was a useless breeder), so although I am sad she met such an end, at least it was not one of my good birds.

I got the sick bird isolated in a quiet place, with its favourite seeds (budgie seeds) mixed in with the regular feed. He is just standing hunched up in the corner looking sad, but is more alert than yesterday (he just slept all the time). Maybe he is sad about his mate, seeing her get killed? Who knows what goes on in their brains (but I suspect they are more intelligent and sensitive than they let on).

The guy making my new coop will now change the wire mesh to a stronger one.. and put metal slide bolts on the doors, instead of just a wooden peg thing.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Maybe he is in shock.
will now change the wire mesh to a stronger one.. and put metal slide bolts on the doors, instead of just a wooden peg thing

I am quite sure if you had to choose a bird to loose that one would be near the top of your list for sure. You have to take some consolation in that. I remember reading your post about the loss to a mongoose. They are a blood thirsty predator and are descendant to the weasel.

Sounds like you have things under control in your new loft.
Just one last word of advice for your new loft. Do not be like me and forget to close it up. I lost birds due to my own stupidity that way.
Hope #2 bird recovers for you wishing better luck in your new loft BYC buddy.
Share a few photos of what to do and not to do if you get a chance always enjoy seeing lofts.
Thank you for sharing maybe some one benefited from your experience.