Banded Pigeon Found - Assistance Please

[3bird]

Two questions: 1) Is the partially webbed left foot a normal thing for pigeons? 2) Nail trimming?

P.S. Is it time to remove that band?

 

[CCUK]

Two questions: 1) Is the partially webbed left foot a normal thing for pigeons? 2) Nail trimming?View attachment 1543470
P.S. Is it time to remove that band?

I wouldn't worry about the webbed foot. He has been fine with it so far. Pigeons normally have long claws. I've not had to trim any. I'd probably leave the band with the numbers as it will be difficult to remove. If you do want to remove it a dremel will probably be best. I had to remove one from a pigeon with a broken leg, all I had was a small pair of electrical wire cutters and it was a real pain. The other one is just a rubber marker band and should cut easily with a pair of scissors.
Pal is looking really happy in his new home! He certainly has you well trained!

 

[3bird]

I wouldn't worry about the webbed foot. He has been fine with it so far. Pigeons normally have long claws. I've not had to trim any. I'd probably leave the band with the numbers as it will be difficult to remove. If you do want to remove it a dremel will probably be best. I had to remove one from a pigeon with a broken leg, all I had was a small pair of electrical wire cutters and it was a real pain. The other one is just a rubber marker band and should cut easily with a pair of scissors.
Pal is looking really happy in his new home! He certainly has you well trained!

Thanks! We were more curious about the partial webbed foot than anything else. Thanks for the thoughts about the band. The only real concern is that if Pal got out and then someone returned him to his original home (although given our experience trying to reach them, that seems unlikely).

We're pretty smitten with the lil fella, and he certainly has us figured out!

 

[CCUK]

Thanks! We were more curious about the partial webbed foot than anything else. Thanks for the thoughts about the band. The only real concern is that if Pal got out and then someone returned him to his original home (although given our experience trying to reach them, that seems unlikely).

We're pretty smitten with the lil fella, and he certainly has us figured out!

I have got some clip on leg rings with my phone number on. If I lost any and somebody found it, I like to think they would find it easier to phone the number before trying to trace the number on the band! I do think that if he got out he would be back to yours though. He's got it easy!

 

[CCUK]

It's funny how pigeons grow on you. I'd never have thought about having them before I found a stray. Anyway 14 later! I don't know how come I didn't get some sooner! They are such quirky little characters and sooo underrated!

 

[biophiliac]

Thanks! We were more curious about the partial webbed foot than anything else. Thanks for the thoughts about the band. The only real concern is that if Pal got out and then someone returned him to his original home (although given our experience trying to reach them, that seems unlikely).

We're pretty smitten with the lil fella, and he certainly has us figured out!

I checked feet last night and found none with webbing like Pal. I can't see how it could hinder him in any way. Just makes him more special.

Agree w/CCUK - the seamless bands are made to stay on for life. Perhaps you could manage to obliterate the numbers by covering them with a 'sticker' of some kind?

@WVduckchick and @Miss Lydia - I found out Frillbacks are a German breed that goes back a couple hundred years. Sadly, their feathers are not water-proof.
Interesting fact- If you take any two different fancy breeds and cross them for a few generations you will get the 'classic' grey bird with black bands and normal body type.

 

[biophiliac]

And check out this great vid about pigeons!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/uk-pigeon-owners.1244157/page-65#post-20487026

 

[3bird]

So....we need your help again! We have an opportunity to get Pal a young female pigeon (a rescue from a neighboring state). What do we need to know to assess if this is a good idea?

 

[biophiliac]

So....we need your help again! We have an opportunity to get Pal a young female pigeon (a rescue from a neighboring state). What do we need to know to assess if this is a good idea?

Yes, yes, yes!A female would be perfect whether Pal is male or female. Females get along together well, I have 2 Fs paired up in my loft and they guard their nest box an happily sit on their 4 eggs. If Pal is a male you will have to decide if you want to let them raise young.

 

[3bird]

Yes, yes, yes!A female would be perfect whether Pal is male or female. Females get along together well, I have 2 Fs paired up in my loft and they guard their nest box an happily sit on their 4 eggs. If Pal is a male you will have to decide if you want to let them raise young.

What is the introduction process like?