Pigeon Talk

[Hokum Coco]

Is this the answer to what happens to some 'lost' birds?

The first time my white homer went missing it joined in with some feral pigeons and was gone all summer. When winter began approaching a retired couple (who feed birds as a hobby) became worried for her safety when it appeared at there feeder. Through a google search on the internet they managed to get in contact with me. It took me over 2 weeks to catch her this time. This was the 4 time I have captured her at the same place. When they call they say "LOVEY DOVEY" is back. This time was the most challenging one. She is spoiled now as a homer and I will only release her from the loft this day forward. That being said she is my top breeder and her off spring are some of my best birds.

 

[biophiliac]

The first time my white homer went missing it joined in with some feral pigeons and was gone all summer. When winter began approaching a retired couple (who feed birds as a hobby) became worried for her safety when it appeared at there feeder. Through a google search on the internet they managed to get in contact with me. It took me over 2 weeks to catch her this time. This was the 4 time I have captured her at the same place. When they call they say "LOVEY DOVEY" is back. This time was the most challenging one.

Do you think she produced some young when she was gone all summer?

Do tell about the recapture!

 

[Hokum Coco]

Do tell about the recapture!

The first recapture was done on the first day.
With a wire cage the same as the image minus the dog of course.

I had retrieved this cage from the garbage I might add what a find.

I brought another male white homer with me in a separate wire bird cage.
I baited the trap with peanuts attached a string to the door to pull it shut.
That capture was accomplished in about an hour +-.

I later took out the bottom pan of the cage the bottom was more open with few bars. With only adding a piece of wire mesh with zip ties and "U" shaped bobs from wire coat hangers (along with cut drinking straw segments to keep bobs separate) was able to make a bob trap that I use now to catch pigeons. I was able to catch said pigeon 2 more times by employing this same trap.

What is nice about my trap is that it is a repeating trap. I can place a live bird in to attract other pigeons. I only need to take one cage now to the site in a perfect world. I have caught feral pigeons in it as well. I can leave it set with food and water and catch pigeons at my leisure.

Plus it folds up to require even less space when being transported or stored.

 

[biophiliac]

The first recapture was done on the first day.
With a wire cage the same as the image minus the dog of course.

I had retrieved this cage from the garbage I might add what a find.

I brought another male white homer with me in a separate wire bird cage.
I baited the trap with peanuts attached a string to the door to pull it shut.
That capture was accomplished in about an hour +-.

I later took out the bottom pan of the cage (the bottom was more open with few bars) and with only adding a piece of wire mesh and "U" shaped bobs from wire coat hangers was able to make a bob trap that I use now to catch pigeons. I was able to catch said pigeon 2 more times by employing this same trap.

What is nice about my trap is that it is a repeating trap. I can place a live bird in to attract other pigeons. I only need to take one cage now to the site in a perfect world. I have caught feral pigeons in it as well. I can leave it set with food and water and catch pigeons at my leisure.

Plus it folds up to require even less space when being transported or stored.

View attachment 1665019

Very clever! I think I know what you mean about adding bob wires, but can you show a picture of it(or a sketch)? No rush - perhaps when its warmer and convenient to get a pic. I have two of those wire kennels and also the large size one I use when a bird needs to be isolated. I'd like to make one into a bob trap like yours. I'm sure it would come in handy.

Ps Both my small wire kennels were free too!

 

[biophiliac]

Yesterday I saw the feral flock taking a cruise around their 'territory'. lol They live in the rafters of the furthest lumberyard shed which is only about a tenth of a mile from me. It looks like they are still at about 18 strong, same as my flock, so they are doing ok so far this winter. These are Loper's birth tribe.

If I had known of @Hokum Coco 's bob trap I might have started my flock from these ferals.

 

[WVduckchick]

I have been having problems with on particular hen pigeon. She was lost when I first began training her and has become imprinted on an area about 10 miles south of my loft. I can let her fly at large she is one of my older birds and her off spring are excellent homers.
Problem is any time that I make take her out any distance from the loft for a toss.
You probably guessed it she homes to that area that has become imprinted on her. Yesterday was the 4 time I had to trap her. and she is becoming trap wise.

Might you try that method?
(I love how he pounded the screw in with a hammer, lol!)

The first recapture was done on the first day.
With a wire cage the same as the image minus the dog of course.

I had retrieved this cage from the garbage I might add what a find.

I brought another male white homer with me in a separate wire bird cage.
I baited the trap with peanuts attached a string to the door to pull it shut.
That capture was accomplished in about an hour +-.

I later took out the bottom pan of the cage the bottom was more open with few bars. With only adding a piece of wire mesh with zip ties and "U" shaped bobs from wire coat hangers (along with cut drinking straw segments to keep bobs separate) was able to make a bob trap that I use now to catch pigeons. I was able to catch said pigeon 2 more times by employing this same trap.

What is nice about my trap is that it is a repeating trap. I can place a live bird in to attract other pigeons. I only need to take one cage now to the site in a perfect world. I have caught feral pigeons in it as well. I can leave it set with food and water and catch pigeons at my leisure.

Plus it folds up to require even less space when being transported or stored.

View attachment 1665019

Excellent idea! I have one of those cages also. (Wish I had bought another when TSC had them on sale for $23)

Yesterday I saw the feral flock taking a cruise around their 'territory'. lol They live in the rafters of the furthest lumberyard shed which is only about a tenth of a mile from me. It looks like they are still at about 18 strong, same as my flock, so they are doing ok so far this winter. These are Loper's birth tribe.

If I had known of @Hokum Coco 's bob trap I might have started my flock from these ferals.

There’s a feral group I see often that seems to live under the interstate bridge by my exit, about a mile from my house. 2 groups of 8. I haven’t seen them in the last week or so though.

 

[biophiliac]

Might you try that method?
(I love how he pounded the screw in with a hammer, lol!)

LOL No I will not be using that method but I do admit to a fondness for the 'primitive bird trap' genre. There are QUITE A FEW vids on YB and I find them fun to watch. I think this guy has done several others, some just with a knife, some string and sticks and natural materials picked on site. I hope he makes some money from his YT channel.



Excellent idea! I have one of those cages also. (Wish I had bought another when TSC had them on sale for $23)

If you have to pay for one, get a used one for $5 tops. They are indestructible!


There’s a feral group I see often that seems to live under the interstate bridge by my exit, about a mile from my house. 2 groups of 8. I haven’t seen them in the last week or so though.

I have so much respect for those feral flocks. So adaptable to any environment.

 

[WVduckchick]

I can never find those cages that cheap around here. Even on CL, the little ones sell for at least $15. Maybe I need to look again though.

@Misfits Farm 92 how’s your injured bird doing?

 

[backyard pigeons]

I have so much respect for those feral flocks. So adaptable to any environment.

It's amazing. Have you noticed that they NEVER nest over water? Smart birdies!

 

[slorider18]

Just curious, what does y'alls feed look like?View attachment 1663859

That's what mine looks like, complete with the bucket lids that say grit and feed. lol. What brand did you get. I have Winner's Cup brand food that they carry at our local feed store. It's low fat so I might add some corn. I think it's like 11%.