Please help! I found a baby pigeon...

[LamarshFish]

Great common sense advice, thank you for your help! It does look like a fledgling..he is able to fly small distances.

Have you let him fly around your home? If so, you need to factor into your decision whether to keep him or not the fact that he may home back to your house in any event. I think it's safe to say that most feral pigeons have quite a bit of homing/racing pigeon blood, and therefore have the homing instinct to some degree or another. That said, if you keep letting him fly around your house he will likely start routing the area, and if you plan on releasing him, you should plan on seeing him from time to time back at your house (which may be entertaining anyways). If you do decide to keep him, consider trying to get a hold of a few more. They are gregarious critters and do like company. But then be ready for babies. Pigeons are a slippery slope. They are very fascinating birds, which I'm sure you're already beginning to notice. Best of luck!

 

[AndreaR4]

Pigeons are great. I'v been researching them lately as I want to build a small loft and keep a few Homers. Your has a cute pied pattern now, wonder what he'll look like once grown? Hope you will check in with an updated pic once in a while.

Keeping Homing pigeons would be so much fun! I've fallen head over heels for the birds. He's becoming a beautiful bird and is growing so fast. You can't see it in this photo, but he has a pretty band of teal and purple feathers around his neck.

 

[biophiliac]

Do you want to do an experiment and see if we can predict the gender by looking at the toes?

Andrea - could I suggest you take a pic of your birdie to replace the default Avatar that IMO resembles the sign on a womens restroom.

 

[AndreaR4]

Have you let him fly around your home? If so, you need to factor into your decision whether to keep him or not the fact that he may home back to your house in any event. I think it's safe to say that most feral pigeons have quite a bit of homing/racing pigeon blood, and therefore have the homing instinct to some degree or another. That said, if you keep letting him fly around your house he will likely start routing the area, and if you plan on releasing him, you should plan on seeing him from time to time back at your house (which may be entertaining anyways). If you do decide to keep him, consider trying to get a hold of a few more. They are gregarious critters and do like company. But then be ready for babies. Pigeons are a slippery slope. They are very fascinating birds, which I'm sure you're already beginning to notice. Best of luck!

He is free to fly around, but hasn't showed a lot of interest in it. He will only fly to get to me and back to his nest. I had thought he might home back to the house if I released him (which I would love!), but so far I'm thinking of keeping him. I don't have a flock of pigeons nearby and I don't feel comfortable releasing him where I found him. We will see, I'm still not for certain.... I did consider getting another one or two, I would love to find some rescue ones. Thanks for all your helpful advice.. I'm crazy about these birds already!

 

[biophiliac]

Does he fly to your shoulder?

 

[Hokum Coco]

Thanks for all your helpful advice.. I'm crazy about these birds already!

You would be wise to house your pigeon outside in some sort of cage or loft. Pigeons have been know to cause health issues for people when kept inside. Then again I can not explain why I am still alive.

 

[biophiliac]

You would be wise to house your pigeon outside in some sort of cage or loft. Pigeons have been know to cause health issues for people when kept inside. Then again I can not explain why I am still alive.

I've heard that too! But if it's only one maybe the feather dust wouldn't be too bad? More than one, I'd definitely house outside.

 

[AndreaR4]

Do you want to do an experiment and see if we can predict the gender by looking at the toes?

Andrea - could I suggest you take a pic of your birdie to replace the default Avatar that IMO resembles the sign on a womens restroom.

Oh yes, please! I'd love to know the gender.
Ha! Good idea on the avatar.

 

[AndreaR4]

Does he fly to your shoulder?

Sure does! He's got a wonderful personality and would sit on my shoulder all day if I let him.

 

[AndreaR4]

You would be wise to house your pigeon outside in some sort of cage or loft. Pigeons have been know to cause health issues for people when kept inside. Then again I can not explain why I am still alive.

Haha, thanks for the advice! If I do keep him, I'm thinking of having an outdoor area for him as well as an indoor one. I do enjoy spending time with him so I can't see him as just an outdoor bird.