Pigeon Emergency...no one is replying in the pigeon forum.

[BlueEggs4Life]

I'm posting here hoping someone has experience with homing pigeons. Please help. I starting loft training yesterday and the birds did well until they landed in a pine tree above the loft. They stayed there all night even though they were flown hungry. It is now the next morning and they still are in the same tree. I went back outside this morning shaking the feed can and whistling like I always do when feeding and a large hawk swooped in and took one with me right there. I'm a newbie with pigeons and this is devastating. I am so frustrated at how to get them back in the loft. They seem very content just sitting in the tree for the rest of their lives, food or no food and loosing friends one by one. They didn't even flutter around during the hawk attack. Any ideas on how to lure them back to safety? Any advise on how to prevent this tree landing in the future?

They are about 6 months old, I have had them since about 1 month old. They have been allowed to see the outside surrounding for some time now. Not sure why they wont re-enter the loft. It's noon now and only 2 of the 6 are left. Can anyone help?

 

[ranchhand]

Sorrry for what's happening, but I know nothing to suggest except keep trying the lure them with food.

You might try sending a PM to someone who really knows about pigeons.

 

[Teach97]

sorry about the loss but that happens...once hoawks learn there is an easy meal they stay around.

need a little more info on how you trained...let them see their surroundings and how you are re-trapping them...getting them back in the loft.

here is what I do...have had both homers and rollers...if you are working with new birds...and do not have older birds...you need to put a structure up that lets them get on the coop and outside so they can 1. see around really really well adn 2. learn to use your gate or whatever opening you are using. Whe nyou let them go it also helos to sometimes keep back a couple so they act as "bait" or callers...some call them Judas birds...anyways...they will help call the others home.

Hope that gives you some ideas

 

[ellieroo]

We have had racers for over 40 yrs. My husband is training as I type!! Young birds are ever an adventure! Put feed on the landing board it will draw them down.Did you train them thru the drop holes? We put ours on a table in front of the loft for a whole day so they orientate themselves. since you are training already put feed out and give them time.We refer to this as a dreaded nighjtfly.Please we can help more my husband is both race sec. and past Pres. of state of Washington and we get lots of referals from National HQ.

 

[TwoChicks]

I don't know a thing about pigeons, but is there any way to scare them out of the tree in hopes they might seek the loft for shelter? Like maybe a pellet gun or something?

You'd think the hawk would be scary enough!

 

[BlueEggs4Life]

Thanks for everyone that replied and PM'ed me. I might have gone crazy without you guys! Just an update... there are two pigeons left. Another hawk attack this afternoon sent them from the tree above the loft to dodging the circling the neighborhood for their lives. I didnt see either be captured so I'm hoping they escaped unharmed and will work their way back towards the loft yet this evening. I'm starting to doubt they are going to actually return inside since the food at the landing/entrance to the loft didn't entice them all day. I brought the beloved bath out also trying to get them down from the trees where the hawk took them all. No luck, obviously. The food is still there waiting for them. Now I sit and wait some more I guess, hoping I see some sign of them returning. I wont be making the mistakes I did twice, that is for sure. Again, thanks everyone for your support...this has been a difficult day and many painful lessons learned.

 

[ellieroo]

We have waited four days for some young birds to get over their fright. It just kills you to watch them flying around and around and your doping everything you can to point here Land Here!!! fingers crossed it works out !

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Could there be something in the loft or in their path to it that is frightening them?

 

[Sunny the Hippie Chick]

When I first let my pigeons out to fly. I waited until they paired off and started sitting on eggs. I also didnt remove them from the coop to let them fly.. I just opened the door and when they wanted to go out they did. And since they know what door they left out of.. They returned the same way.. Plus they had to go back or the eggs would go bad, and to relieve their mate.. I was told its best to let them start a family before letting them out.. Plus throwing some feed or treats on the ground may attract them to the coop...

 

[darkfur]

I got rid of a hawk by waiting for it to get close enough and giving it a darn good blast with a powerful waterpistol. I hadn't lost any birds though - once they get one they know it's good eatin' at your place. I'd still blast it with water for the satisfaction though.