Can I keep a lost pigeon?

[DotTheHen]

I found a pigeon today. It just let me scoop it up, it had bands and everything, but it wasn't registered to anyone. Is it okay to keep the pigeon? I gave it 7 grain chicken scratch, water, and a bit of grit. It drank and ate immediately. I feel like it might die if I release it (my cat was hunting it). It is currently living in a prefab chicken coop with no chickens in it. Should I keep the pigeon? If so, I plan to get a second one so they can bond. I don't have any other pigeons, just chickens. Thanks

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I would post on pigeon pages the location where it was located.

 

[Buckeye Amy]

Call your local pigeon club and let them know. They will be able to help you out. I had a similar thing happen to me. It could be a racer just taking a break, which they do if they are on a long race.

 

[cavemanrich]

I found a pigeon today. It just let me scoop it up, it had bands and everything, but it wasn't registered to anyone. Is it okay to keep the pigeon? I gave it 7 grain chicken scratch, water, and a bit of grit. It drank and ate immediately. I feel like it might die if I release it (my cat was hunting it). It is currently living in a prefab chicken coop with no chickens in it. Should I keep the pigeon? If so, I plan to get a second one so they can bond. I don't have any other pigeons, just chickens. Thanks

If you found it, of course it is an option for you to keep it. Here are my thoughts.
If pigeon has permanent bands, it is likely a pigeon that can be traced to owner. If you want to, then post the information on those bands. (in this post) There are ways to locate the pigeons origins often.
It is much better for you to return this pigeon if possible, and here are a few reasons.
1, You do not have a loft housing set up to keep him. (your prefab coop needs some modifications to serve as a loft)
2, You know very little about pigeons at this time.
3, This pigeon is already adult. Chances of him returning to your loft, once released are slim. He most-likely would try to return to his old home. You would have to keep him prisoner in your loft, that you do not have properly set up yet. Do not get alarmed by the term prisoner, It is a term use to describe a pigeon that stays inside loft, and aviary, and is not free-flown.
4, If you would like to keep pigeons as a hobby, which is very pleasing, I suggest you start with.
A. prepare housing. Loft, and aviary/
B. have proper feed on hand ahead of time.
My final thought; When you have all the essentials sorted out, you can get pigeons that are young, and you can train to have them return to your loft. Pet Pigeons are not expensive, unless you want some exotic breeds. I know some individuals that would be happy to give you some free of charge. You can also capture young feral pigeons, and it is legal to do. Pigeons are probably only bird that you can do it to.
If you are not able to find owner of your found pigeon, then I suggest you get a large dog cage, and keep pigeon inside your home. Feed wild bird seeds as a beginning feed, (easily available) or the chicken scratch you have on hand.
Build loft and aviary. (your prefab can be converted, if you are somewhat handy with woodworking), Post pictures if you would like advice. Then see if you are able to find another pigeon or 2 to join yours.
Ask anything else you are not sure of. We here, are most happy to offer advice for the best result.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[DotTheHen]

I researched how to read the bands, typed in the code, but nothing came up under the AU club registration. I am scared that if I release him again, he may stick around, and my cats will get him (we live on a farm). I can run to the store and get pigeon food and other necessities, and I have the ability to build an aviary. Thanks everyone for the advice! It really helped. I want to do best by the bird, and I don’t want to keep him if it is going to cause him poor quality of life.
Also, is a loft or aviary better? If I kept him, I probably wouldn’t release him because of the cats, so I’m thinking aviary? How big should it be for just one or two pairs? Thank you everyone!

 

[DotTheHen]

He was a lot brighter this morning, and above were his droppings. He has just been getting 7 grain scratch and a bit of grit. And water of course. And also above, is the coop he is in.

 

[cavemanrich]

Good to see pix of the coop. It is better than what I expected for a prefab coop. Since you say you are able to do modifications, and building, this is my idea what would be an easy solution. Remember, this is MY VIEW, and others reading here may have better ideas.
I would build a base same rectangular dimensions, as coop. I would go with 4 foot height. (also standard lumber dimension.) The walls could be a combination of plywood, and hardware cloth. Place complete coop on top, and install a walk in doorway. On the closed portion of coop, I would install window panes, or clear plexiglass where the access openings are. This would bring in daylight into the box portion of coop. This would provide a nice loft/aviary combo.
On the inside, since you have about 7 feet in heigth , place random places for pigeons to perch on. They would fly from one to the other for some exercise.
When you have everything going well, we can guide you thru homesetting pigeons to your loft, including this lost one. That is a little down the road, so I wont get into that at this time. Glad to see another person getting into pigeons
I started my pigeon venture also with a lost pigeon that came to my house. Here is a jump to my story on another pigeon thread started by @biophiliac , a very knowledgeable, and friendly pigeon keeper. There is much great information on that thread.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-bulletin-board.1174207/post-19430076
I did a rough sketch of my idea on coop modification. Its not very good artwork, but is the best I can do free-hand, and quickly. It does convey the idea visually.

 

[DotTheHen]

That looks good but I think the framing of the prefab is too weak (it’s four years old with thin framing). My idea was to funnel the existing coop into a large open area for flying. Basically building a mini aviary and attaching the coop to it. Another question, is there anything I should worry about when introducing another pigeon to him? And should I get just one or multiple? Thank you for all your help!

 

[DotTheHen]

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[Coffee N Chickens]

Feral cats have been trying to catch the doves that hang around my house, and so far they have not caught one. I agree, the right thing to do would be to let it continue with its journey.