Whats the best way to tame a Pigeon

[cochinfan]

I found a pigeon and after much work I can't find its owner. I'd like to make a pet out of it. Right now it is in a huge cage in my family room. I can reach in and pick it up but I would like to get it more comfortable with being held. Should I keep holding it on and off? It will stay in my lap with my hand around it but does still occassionally struggle to get away. Am I crazy to want to make her/him a pet? I tried to release it multiple times but it kept going back to my barn. I am sure my barn cats would get it eventually if I let it stay there (too many close calls already)

thanks for any help.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Start by getting it used to your hands. That's what they are really afraid of. Before you feed him, offer some food in your palm first and let him come to you. Of course he has to be hungry first to show any interest at all. If you feed him twice a day instead of having food in his cage all the time, it'll keep him at a healthy weight and make it easier to get him to eat from your hand cause he'll be a bit hungry when you try