New Barn Pigeon

[BarnPigeon]

Hi All,

I have a pigeon that showed up one day at our barn about five months ago. We have ducks and started leaving our duck feed out for him. I was able to read his tag and found his keeper. Unfortunately he lives over the border in the US and can't come to transport him across. He's a racer pigeon. He told me if I stop feeding him he may try to come home but may not make it across Niagra Falls. I'd rather he be safe here so we'll keep feeding him.

He (or she, we call it John) perches on the exterior protruding portion of a barn beam. I know they're hearty animals and survive the cold well. However, I'm concerned about the winds come winter. From what we can tell he's never gone inside the barn. What's the best way to coax him and introduce him to the hay loft for safety? He comes around on a fairly regular schedule to eat. He makes his presence known when he sees us in the AM or just before dusk. So he would likely be responsive to food. Should I leave a trail? Try to catch him? We also have barn cats. So I want to make sure he only ventures to the hay loft beams where he'll be safe.

If I can get him to safety permanently I'd like to get him a friend as well. Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[biophiliac]

Hi All,

I have a pigeon that showed up one day at our barn about five months ago. We have ducks and started leaving our duck feed out for him. I was able to read his tag and found his keeper. Unfortunately he lives over the border in the US and can't come to transport him across. He's a racer pigeon. He told me if I stop feeding him he may try to come home but may not make it across Niagra Falls. I'd rather he be safe here so we'll keep feeding him.

He (or she, we call it John) perches on the exterior protruding portion of a barn beam. I know they're hearty animals and survive the cold well. However, I'm concerned about the winds come winter. From what we can tell he's never gone inside the barn. What's the best way to coax him and introduce him to the hay loft for safety? He comes around on a fairly regular schedule to eat. He makes his presence known when he sees us in the AM or just before dusk. So he would likely be responsive to food. Should I leave a trail? Try to catch him? We also have barn cats. So I want to make sure he only ventures to the hay loft beams where he'll be safe.

If I can get him to safety permanently I'd like to get him a friend as well. Any suggestions would be helpful.

If he has been at your barn for 5 months I believe he will have searched out some sheltered roosting spots within. Look around under the beams for tell tale signs of pigeon poop.

 

[BarnPigeon]

That's what we've looked for. It doesn't seem to be the case.

 

[biophiliac]

That's what we've looked for. It doesn't seem to be the case.

Well then he must have found some other spot nearby. Any other out buildings? Check under roof over hangs? We have a few that found their way into the space under the porch roof and above the ceiling. Another likes to roost on top of a window AC unit under the over hang. They are very clever in finding cozy spots.

 

[cavemanrich]

Unfortunately he lives over the border in the US and can't come to transport him across.
Why,,, Is owner a wanted criminal,,, and cant enter Canada,,,, or JUST NOT INTERESTED IN GETTING HIS PIGEON BACK.

He's a racer pigeon. He told me if I stop feeding him he may try to come home but may not make it across Niagra Falls.
Owner need to get his portion above neck examined.

I'd rather he be safe here so we'll keep feeding him.
I agree with you totally. Just keep him.
Just hang around on this forum and ask any questions about pigeons you may have. There are plenty of peeps here to help you with all questions.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and

 

[BarnPigeon]

He mentioned something about the import of birds that have been in contact with other wild birds. It more or less sounds like border red tape he's not interested in dealing with.

I'm glad to hear they're resourceful enough to figure this out on their own. I wasn't sure if a "domesticated" pigeon was capable of doing so.

Thanks for the input folks.

 

[CCUK]

If he's been with you for 5 months it's likely he will be staying put with you! Normally if they get lost or tired in a race they will take a couple of days to recuperate and carry on there way home. If he's still with you now this is unlikely to happen. He should be able to fly the niagra falls or detour around it easily. We have cross Channel pigeon racers all the time here. Im not familiar with US-Canada border controls. In UK there are none for registered pigeons involved in racing. No passport required!
Can you leave a cage out in the vicinity that you see him with some food and water? If he finds it and knows that's where his food is you could catch him and put a loft somewhere safe that he can eat and sleep. Looks like you got yourself a pet!