URGENT!!! Major problem with pigeons! HELP!!!!

[shelleyd2008]

I think the ones that were out were the homer pigeons (the parents) and one of their young from this summer. When my dad got home from church, he did what I was wanting to do and opened the door to the coop. The parent birds went right in. The other one was having some trouble figuring out where the door was. All the other pigeons were looking at the door like they were thinking "OMG!! The door's open!!" They didn't even offer to go out. That is, until some of dad's roos decided to go in there. They scared about half the birds out of the coop! Dad fixed the door so the pigeons could get in, but the chickens couldn't, and eventually they all went back. One of the parent homers was flying in and out of the door, like it was showing the others how to do it. Eventually they all figured it out. They were climbing on the outside of the wire for a while, and roosting on part of the 'roost' that sticks out of the wire, but eventually everyone was safe and sound. They really ought to be let out more, IMO. Dad had one fly into the woods, and he said he just walked right up to it and picked it up, it was so worn out from flying!! Poor thing!

 

[bantymum]

Yes, ask him to let them fly around, they will get the hang of their surroundings.
Its beautiful to watch them fly.
Mine dont go too far on their own but they look great when in formation.
When they go to work for me, they get taken in the car and always come home safe.
I dont take risks and release them where they havent been yet.
Im soft on them. They need to be taken further away each day in different directions to get used to your area.
Have fun!

 

[shelleyd2008]

He's really worried about the hawks getting them. He had to tie his dog up while he was trying to get them back in...she decided it was her job to help catch them...uh no!! One of these days I'll get it through his thick head that being out is actually good for them!

 

[bantymum]

Yes, they are "Hawkbait" I can see his point, perhaps he can try it during the non hawk feeding time, I dont have many hawks here.
But I do notice them in the early evening, late afternoon.