Injured Racing Pigeon Found

[MageofMist]

I was handfeeding Pidove, and closed my hand slightly into a bowl shape so Pidove wouldn't throw the food everywhere... Pidove took offense to that and started biting my fingers!

 

[CCUK]

Also... Been debating on getting Pidove a buddy, not too far away there's tons of feral rock doves which I have been thinking about, they look healthy and have lots of different colours and there's even feral fantails there, but I am still rather hesitant due to risk of disease and parasites. I have looked up breeders in my area... But they are charging £30 or more for something I see feral on a regular basis walking and flying around at the town when I go shopping!

Edit: I mean, look at these beauties!
View attachment 1399644 View attachment 1399645 View attachment 1399646 View attachment 1399647

Have you tried looking here?
https://www.birdtrader.co.uk/uk/columbidae-for-sale/pigeons/

 

[MageofMist]

Have you tried looking here?
https://www.birdtrader.co.uk/uk/columbidae-for-sale/pigeons/

Yup, there's only 2 breeders within range of me which are pretty pricey and other than a few small ruffs I see on a few in one of the pics, they look pretty much the same as the ferals.

 

[CCUK]

Oooh, I'll keep an eye out for it or something similar for Pidove, I'm sure she'll love it!

Edit: Looked up Kaytee dove mix on Amazon... £59.15 for 5 lb! I'll look around at the local stores for... More affordable options!



That is true, which is why it is always good to isolate the new birds first, even if from a breeder.

Have you got a farm/country store near you? Or a pets at home? They should have a selection of feed. I can get a 20kg sack of pigeon feed for about a tenner at the store I get my chicken feed from.

 

[MageofMist]

Have you got a farm/country store near you? Or a pets at home? They should have a selection of feed. I can get a 20kg sack of pigeon feed for about a tenner at the store I get my chicken feed from.

I do have a few stores in the area I can check in, right now Pidove is eating wild bird seed mix, finch seed mix, crushed peanuts, diced up grapes, grated apple and some cut up blackberry and dandelion leaves. With some oyster shell grit on the side.

Edit: Oh, and whatever cat biscuits she can fit in her beak from the cat's food bowl.

 

[CCUK]

If you phone the RPRA if you ask if there are any clubs local. You could find some going cheep!

 

[LamarshFish]

I was handfeeding Pidove, and closed my hand slightly into a bowl shape so Pidove wouldn't throw the food everywhere... Pidove took offense to that and started biting my fingers!

Pigeons do that. I think they wonder whether your finger is just a large piece of corn, pea or peanut.

 

[LamarshFish]

I should add, some of my more ornery racers that don't want me near them, they have no problem eating peanuts from my hand but as soon as the last one is gone they will just peck and bite the crap out of my hand lol. Ungrateful little terds!

 

[MageofMist]

Pigeons do that. I think they wonder whether your finger is just a large piece of corn, pea or peanut.

I should add, some of my more ornery racers that don't want me near them, they have no problem eating peanuts from my hand but as soon as the last one is gone they will just peck and bite the crap out of my hand lol. Ungrateful little terds!

Pidove was pecking really hard, so I doubt it was her mistaking my fingers and thumb for food. She takes food gently from my hand, but was mauling it when I partially closed it. She also attacks my hand with hard pecks if I pull away before she is finished eating...

 

[biophiliac]

Pidove was pecking really hard, so I doubt it was her mistaking my fingers and thumb for food. She takes food gently from my hand, but was mauling it when I partially closed it. She also attacks my hand with hard pecks if I pull away before she is finished eating...

I think she will make an effort to train you! This bird is not returning to her prev owner - she has a mind of her own.