Pigeon Bulletin Board?

[cavemanrich]

It made its way back home IT DESIRED.. DON'T EVEN THINK OF TAKING IT FURTHER,,,,,
Check out my posting... https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-bulletin-board.1174207/page-15#post-19430076
and see how I was infected with pigeon keeping.
Use some of those EXTRA shed panels and build a small loft and get one or two more companions.

 

[CCUK]

I have been around peeps with pigeons for a long time. Never considered getting any myself. Then this thing happens.
View attachment 1237698
About 10 years ago, I'm sitting and chillin in front of my open garage. Enjoying some cooling beverages when the above pigeon lands on top of roof. I got up and started looking at him. Next thing I know,,,,,,,, pigeon flies into the inside of garage. At that point I closed the large door and caught the pigeon. No struggle or resistance. Placed him into loft that I used for my chicken winter housing. Gave him food and water. He started eating right away. I could see that he was in a race and must have been detour frightened by a hawk. I had no way of finding who owner was by his band. Today, maybe I would be able to.??? The second thought that occurred since he was in a race,,,,,,,,, I know what the peeps from long before would do to losers. If you don't know? just ask and I can clarify. The club racers would of course wager within club some heavy duty ca$h. I figure he had better chances with me.
Let him have my serama chicken for company. I would bring him into the house so he would not feel like in darkness. (I did provide electric light during day inside loft. It was before I built the outside aviary.) I would also put him into a screened tent set up in the back yard, for the day. He was able to fly around somewhat. Had tree branches inside for natural type environment feel. I got him 2 extra white pigeons. Problem was, I ended up with 3 males. I kept the trio for 2 years prisoners hoping I could homeset them. Had the outside aviary set up so they did have a nice happy home.
Time came for the ultimate risk for me. Try and see if they will return to loft. Opened aviary and gave them FREEDOM. They flew out onto roof. Then they started testflight maneuvers from roof to roof. Then they flew up into considerable height and started circling. Each progressive circle was getting larger in size. Then I no longer could see them. I know that the were getting their bearings into focus.
That was the chance/risk I had to take since I was not going to keep them prisoners for life. They most likely returned to their original homes.
So that is how I started on my pigeon journey I never planned on.
View attachment 1237713

Here is a pix of Gorbie.. I placed initially for companionship until I got the 2 pigeons. Gorbie BTW is in my Avatar. The got along great.!!!
View attachment 1237714

That's pretty much how it happened to me. Cut a long story short, sat morning, neighbour, pigeon, boot . I left food and water out for it, went out and it had gone. Sunday morning I was washing my car, putting hose away and it was sat in my garage next to my brahma that was in the broody cage. So I fed it and gave it water and put it in a pet carrier. I contacted the owner through the RPRA from the no. on its leg ring.

 

[CCUK]

I love these!

I have never in my life seen anything like it!

 

[cavemanrich]

There are those peeps that like rolling pigeons and those that prefer homers. Some keep both. There are also many different breeds of other fancy varieties.
@Chickencountryuk
Check out this thread of someone actually using a kit to take his pigeons to flight area. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/roller-pigeons.1230414/

 

[CCUK]

Meet Boomer!

My first pigeon! I spoke to the owner this morning and he is more than happy for me to keep her. Smiles all round!
I'm loving the racing band! I just need to transfer ownership and register her with me now! And I need to sort a loft. Haven’t heard anything back from the one I saw on eBay. And I have to cut back on the sunflower seeds and budgie food she's been having. Too high protein. It's good for a long distance race but not for day to day feed. I'm sooo happy!

 

[biophiliac]

I'm thrilled for you!!! Boomer is a great name, ... from 'boomerang' right?

 

[CCUK]

I'm thrilled for you!!! Boomer is a great name, ... from 'boomerang' right?

You got it! I've got a loft for her. It's about 6x6x2.5". It not massive but it's better than the carrier she's in now. Still waiting for the seller to tell me when I can collect.

 

[CCUK]

Just brace yourself for all the impending questions! I'm a total noob! My learning curve will be quite steep!

 

[biophiliac]

Just brace yourself for all the impending questions! I'm a total noob! My learning curve will be quite steep!

No prob! I spent about 6 months researching online, I know where to find answers. haha And there are plenty of more experienced members who are happy to share.
Are you thinking about finding a companion for her? They don't like to be alone. Ask her former owner if you could get a couple of 'squeakers', recently weaned birds that have not been outside their home loft.

 

[CCUK]

No prob! I spent about 6 months researching online, I know where to find answers. haha And there are plenty of more experienced members who are happy to share.
Are you thinking about finding a companion for her? They don't like to be alone. Ask her former owner if you could get a couple of 'squeakers', recently weaned birds that have not been outside their home loft.

I want to get another 3-4 to keep her company. He said if I can get them about 3 month old would be best. I need to speak to the RPRA on Monday and find a local club so I can find a breeder. It would be nice to have some from where Boomer came from but I didn't want to push my luck!