Pigeon
Terrence S asked: "if i juss found a pigeon in the middle of a street or on the sidewalk can i keep it or can i get aressted for that ?plzz cuzz i want a pigeon"
A1: charlzdork replied: "yes u can have that pegion,just be sure first to look for its owner,if u confermd that the pegion you found has no owner,then you can have your very own pegion."
A2: Jonathan D replied: "DOnt let the bird watcher or the nerd of the block catch you..
Other than that you are safe"
Other than that you are safe"
A3: Poizon_J replied: "YOU SHUD BE ABLE TO..!!! BUT PIGEONS ARE NASTY.. AND DIRTY!!! WHY WUD U WANT TO KEEP IT?! LOL SORRY IM JES SPEAKIN FOR MYSELF!!!"
A4: walkswithraptors replied: "Try looking at the federal migratory bird act law and see if that bird is on the list. If its on the list you can not keep it."
A5: XxJ3ssxX replied: "just cos you found it and want it .. doesn't mean you should have one .. you shouldn't.
at least if you are really determined to get one get a tame pigeon (the ones used for racing) it'd be fairer . .
keeping a wild one is not fair on the pigeon and would die anyway cos of shock .. lack of proper care . which you can't provide . . . you have to think of the bird getting a wild one is cruel no matter what you think . imagine how the bird would feel
so get a racing one instead"
at least if you are really determined to get one get a tame pigeon (the ones used for racing) it'd be fairer . .
keeping a wild one is not fair on the pigeon and would die anyway cos of shock .. lack of proper care . which you can't provide . . . you have to think of the bird getting a wild one is cruel no matter what you think . imagine how the bird would feel
so get a racing one instead"
A6: pigeonguy replied: "Enjoy the bird and have fun. Just make sure that you take care of it correctly. Here are some basic hints on doing just that.
Also, you might want to go to
and check out the Forum called Pigeon Talk.
There are a lot of folks who've done exactly what you have and have made a great pet of the bird. Those people have got lots of information to share with you as well."
Also, you might want to go to
and check out the Forum called Pigeon Talk.
There are a lot of folks who've done exactly what you have and have made a great pet of the bird. Those people have got lots of information to share with you as well."
La bomba asked: "A couple of pigeons decided to have their babies on my balcony and I was wondering how long they will stay after the eggs hatch. I read that it takes about 17 days to hatch and the babies need to be taken care of for two to three weeks after. Will they be there the whole time? They already made a hot mess and we don't want to be charged for excessive pigeon crap out there when we end up moving out."
A1: Ringo+Starr replied: "they will stay until the babies learn to fly."
A2: ieguy replied: "The babies will wean at about 35 days. When they do, you can just take a hose to what left and it will wash off with almost no residue at all."
chippyminton91 asked: "In pigeon racing, the pigeon who returns home first (all pigeons go from the same starting point) wins the race. But I don't understand how this can work, because they all have different homes, hence will have to travel different distances. Surely this is not fair, so is there something else they do to find the winner, or have I misunderstood something?"
A1: Mary M replied: "Pigeon racers have developed special clocks specifically for pigeon racing. The pigeons are banded with a plastic countermark band on their feet, containing the release time. As soon as they arrive home the racer takes the band off and inserts it in the clock, and calculates the average speed, in yards per minute. Some clocks are electronic and the countermark band has a chip inside that registers as soon as the pigeon enters home. When the racer has the exact time the pigeon has come home (down to a fraction of a second), the times are sent in and all the times of all the pigeons are compared and the fastest pigeons win the race."
A2: ieguy replied: "You're absolutely correct. They go different distances in any race except one where they all home to one loft (some special races are done that way.) However, in most races, the birds come home. They are clocked. Either electronically or by removing the countermark (a rubber numbered band) from their leg. The countermark is placed into a sealed time clock that stamps the time onto a paper strip. Once the clocks are taken to the clubhouse (or the electronic information of the timing is transmitted there), the speed of each individual bird is figured.
Here's where it gets to be interesting and fun. Each loft location from the release point is known to the fraction of a yard (or meter). We know what time the birds were released. It's a fairly simple matter then to figure out the speed in yards per minutes (or meters per minute) for each bird. There is also a time allowance for distance.
E.g., if my loft is ten miles farther from the race release than yours, and if your birds is averaging 1760 yds/min (60 m.p.h.), then my bird has to be at my house sometime within the next ten minutes to beat yours. If he takes 9 min more to get home, then I win. If he takes 12, then you do.
We normally list winners in yards (or meters) per minute. In my area, where the weather is sometimes over a 100 degrees F. and there are mountains, etc., speeds are often at about 1400 yds/min for a good race at distances up to 500 plus miles. Speeds of any particular race, of course, vary depending on various factors.
If you'd like to know more, I suggest that you contact the American Racing Pigeon Union for their beginner's booklet."
Here's where it gets to be interesting and fun. Each loft location from the release point is known to the fraction of a yard (or meter). We know what time the birds were released. It's a fairly simple matter then to figure out the speed in yards per minutes (or meters per minute) for each bird. There is also a time allowance for distance.
E.g., if my loft is ten miles farther from the race release than yours, and if your birds is averaging 1760 yds/min (60 m.p.h.), then my bird has to be at my house sometime within the next ten minutes to beat yours. If he takes 9 min more to get home, then I win. If he takes 12, then you do.
We normally list winners in yards (or meters) per minute. In my area, where the weather is sometimes over a 100 degrees F. and there are mountains, etc., speeds are often at about 1400 yds/min for a good race at distances up to 500 plus miles. Speeds of any particular race, of course, vary depending on various factors.
If you'd like to know more, I suggest that you contact the American Racing Pigeon Union for their beginner's booklet."
Middle N asked: "A pigeon is stuck in some netting that was supposed to keep birds out of my air conditioning unit. Somehow two pigeons got themselves trapped in the area under the netting. I unscrewed a bolt to create a gap so they could get out, and one of them did, but the other one flew right into the netting and is now tangled up in it. It won't let me get close enough to cut it free of the netting. What can I do?"
A1: Amber A replied: "this is a problem the pros have to handel , i suggest you call your nearest animal control instantly , they now how to handel the serioust of problems , especially getting a pigeon out of the netting , same thing happend when a ferret got stuck in my neighbors cellar from across the street , we live next to a trail leading from the mountains in Altadena , CA so the ferret climbed in at nnight and animal control came and freed it and then took it and released it safley , hope i helped , Good luck !"
jewelbaham asked: "I seem to be the only roof on my block that this pigeon likes to hang out at. While I am flattered to be chosen ...He poops on my front step and I am concerned that he/she is nesting and may start a little family here. According to my lease, I can only have a family of four and two dogs. We have already reached capacity and need to know how to kindly evict the pigeon."
A1: Radiocrow replied: "Poison always works, but the friendly approach would be to put up spikes along your eaves so they have no place to perch or nest."
A2: am1benz replied: "My Aunt had this problem, She attached empty plastic grocery bags to the perching area for a week or two. The noise from the bag when the wind russled and moved them freeks the birds out!"
Mel asked: "I know they're in the same "species" I guess of Columbidae, but is maybe a dove a certain type of pigeon? Or could you just look at any one of them and call it a pigeon or dove interchangeably?"
A1: antwon from the 'hood replied: "they both nasty,, birds is gross,, bird flu,,, crappin on our heads,, nasty thangs them birds is"
A2: margecutter replied: "Some people do use the words interchangeably. In fact, the common feral pigeon that you see on most city streets is known as the Rock Pigeon, but used to be called the Rock Dove.
"The species was commonly known as Rock Dove until 2004, when the British Ornithologists' Union and the American Ornithologists' Union changed the official English name of the bird in their regions to Rock Pigeon.""
"The species was commonly known as Rock Dove until 2004, when the British Ornithologists' Union and the American Ornithologists' Union changed the official English name of the bird in their regions to Rock Pigeon.""
A3: [x]...Becca Ehm...[x] replied: "There is no scientific difference between a dove and a pigeon, the smaller pigeon breeds tend to be referred to as doves, also some people refer to their birds as doves because others see doves differently to pigeons and tend to take more kindly to someone keeping doves rather than pigeons.
The 'doves' released at weddings are in fact white homing pigeons, if a normal breed of pigeon or dove was used they would not fly home because although they do have a homing instinct it is very vague and not strong enough to get them back to where they came to.
Antworm- Pigeons or doves arent't actually carriers of bird flu, so please check your information"
The 'doves' released at weddings are in fact white homing pigeons, if a normal breed of pigeon or dove was used they would not fly home because although they do have a homing instinct it is very vague and not strong enough to get them back to where they came to.
Antworm- Pigeons or doves arent't actually carriers of bird flu, so please check your information"
A4: birdgirl replied: "Columbidae is a family NOT a species. There are many different dove and pigeons species. (eg. Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, White-winged Dove, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rock Dove..formerly known as Rock Pigeon, etc.) They are all different species of birds but are closely related."
A5: lonelygirl_sweetheart replied: "As mentioned by another answerer Doves are typically small pigeons. Though you can look at doves and pigeons and know almost instantly which is which. Pigeons have a shorter bill than most doves, Doves have also no homing ability what so ever. Pigeons, typical pigeons, have also a smaller head than most doves. Again this is from my experience raising doves."
Allan Singapore asked: "I want to train a pigeon to deliver mails daily from an apartment (at 9th storey) to the farmer's paddy field's hut which is 400 metres away (at ground level). There is no phone lines or electricity supply there.
How to train a pegion to do that?"
How to train a pegion to do that?"
A1: free2but2001 replied: "i think it needs to be a homing pigeon"
A2: Deane T replied: "ahh....you might need to take it to a place to be trained and remember this was basicly only done in the olden days but some people still do it now~"
A3: The First Dragon replied: "To do this, you simply use the pigeon's homing instinct. A pigeon can fly hundreds of miles back to its home.
Simply have somebody keep pigeons caged at the site where you wish to send mail. After a pigeon has been living there for 4 or 5 weeks, you can put it in a closed box and drive it 200 miles away and let it loose, and it will beat you home.
When the pigeons have been living there long enough, then go maybe once a week to pick up 7 pigeons, and cage them at your place. When you want to send a message, fasten the note to the pigeon's leg (that part you may have to figure out; I think a small canister or tube is used) and let it loose. It will be at its old home in a minute.
As long as you don't keep the pigeons too long at your place, they will regard the farmer's place as home, and return there faithfully. The farmer can actually let his pigeons out in the daytime if he wants to, once they know where their home is; they will come back, if they don't get killed by local predators."
Simply have somebody keep pigeons caged at the site where you wish to send mail. After a pigeon has been living there for 4 or 5 weeks, you can put it in a closed box and drive it 200 miles away and let it loose, and it will beat you home.
When the pigeons have been living there long enough, then go maybe once a week to pick up 7 pigeons, and cage them at your place. When you want to send a message, fasten the note to the pigeon's leg (that part you may have to figure out; I think a small canister or tube is used) and let it loose. It will be at its old home in a minute.
As long as you don't keep the pigeons too long at your place, they will regard the farmer's place as home, and return there faithfully. The farmer can actually let his pigeons out in the daytime if he wants to, once they know where their home is; they will come back, if they don't get killed by local predators."
A4: Bonsylar replied: "Pidgeons only fly home.
So, you'd need to set up a coop (cage full of pidgeons) at the farmhouse and go get them every few days or so. They have short memories, and won't remember where the farmhouse coop is if you wait too long.
You also need to set up (and fill) a coop at the apartment. Drop off a few of those pidgeons at the farmhouse for return messages. That cage will also be used to house the farmhouse pidgeons waiting for messages.
Does that make sense?
Basically, I don't think this would help you. You have to drive out there every week or so, it's just as easy to get all your business done then.
ALSO:
Please do research on the care and keeping of pidgeons. They are easy keepers, but you need to feed them properly, make sure they don't get cold, wet, sick, infected with parasites, etc.
Consider finding a mentor. There's lots to learn."
So, you'd need to set up a coop (cage full of pidgeons) at the farmhouse and go get them every few days or so. They have short memories, and won't remember where the farmhouse coop is if you wait too long.
You also need to set up (and fill) a coop at the apartment. Drop off a few of those pidgeons at the farmhouse for return messages. That cage will also be used to house the farmhouse pidgeons waiting for messages.
Does that make sense?
Basically, I don't think this would help you. You have to drive out there every week or so, it's just as easy to get all your business done then.
ALSO:
Please do research on the care and keeping of pidgeons. They are easy keepers, but you need to feed them properly, make sure they don't get cold, wet, sick, infected with parasites, etc.
Consider finding a mentor. There's lots to learn."
A5: vt_ctgirl replied: "u cant"
A6: Chris J replied: "Maybe a 400m string and 2 paper cups would work better? :)"
A7: [x]...Becca Ehm...[x] replied: "What these people are telling you is right but I don't understand why you want to do that when he only live 400m away?
I highly doubt it would be worth the effort or hassle of building a pigeon loft, homing the birds, training the birds or buying all the extra stuff that comes along with them-
food dispensers,
water dispensers,
next boxes,
medication,
supplements depending on time of year these change,
a transport box,
leg rings,
what ever you put the letters in,
syringes,
garlic,
cod liver and the birds don't come too cheap!
Also think of how many birds your going to have, think of how often they poop and now think of keeping them caged in for up to 6 days at a time, what quailty of life would this be for the birds, it's like taking you and 5 friends and locking yous all in one prison cell for a week and you'll still have a better time than the birds would.
Seriously, I think you should just alternate delivery days with the farmer, you deliver his mail on a Monday he could pick it up on Tuesday, it can't do either of you any harm to take a 10 minute walk every other day!"
I highly doubt it would be worth the effort or hassle of building a pigeon loft, homing the birds, training the birds or buying all the extra stuff that comes along with them-
food dispensers,
water dispensers,
next boxes,
medication,
supplements depending on time of year these change,
a transport box,
leg rings,
what ever you put the letters in,
syringes,
garlic,
cod liver and the birds don't come too cheap!
Also think of how many birds your going to have, think of how often they poop and now think of keeping them caged in for up to 6 days at a time, what quailty of life would this be for the birds, it's like taking you and 5 friends and locking yous all in one prison cell for a week and you'll still have a better time than the birds would.
Seriously, I think you should just alternate delivery days with the farmer, you deliver his mail on a Monday he could pick it up on Tuesday, it can't do either of you any harm to take a 10 minute walk every other day!"
A8: Avian Queen replied: "HOMING pigeons (man I wish there was a bold option so it didn't seem like I was yelling :[ ) only come home. Many people believe that you can actually train a pigeon to go where you want it to, but this is false.
First of all, you'll need to have a loft at the farmer's house. You'll need to raise a good homer there, and by raise I mean have a pair and raise young. This works much better since the babies will be guarenteed to come back there and only there. If you don't want to raise homer squabs, then go get at least a pair of newly weaned, unflown homers. You'll need to keep them in the loft for a month. Homers that have been flown but are still young (as in under half a year) will need to be kept in for two months. Once the time is up, the training begins. Let the birds out a few times to get them used to flying and their surroundings. Then start taking them off and releasing them. Start off at a mile for a while, then a little farther...and farther. After you've got at least a 5 mile radius around your house that they've flew from before, you'll be able to take it off longer distances and they will come back.
THAT is the training of which people speak when talking about sending messages.
Of course, you wouldn't have to go through all the trouble of that training since we're only talking about 400 meters, but if you're going to have homing pigeons, I figured it would be nice to explain how to get them to come home from even greater distances - which is the fun part. Because it isn't that far away, all you'd need to make sure is that the bird IS young (or else when you release it, it will go back to the place you bought it, even if you kept it in for 3 months). You also do not want to start attatching messages to its back until you get it to where it flies directly back to the loft instead of lazily flying up into a tree. Yes I said its back. It is much easier for a pigeon to fly with the message secured on its back between its wings than on its leg (which could mess up the landing).
Why do you want to use a pigeon to send messages to him anyway? You did mean meters right, not miles? If it was miles I could understand...but why not just drive on over there and give it to him? Oh and the message has to be able to fit in a small capsule not much longer than an inch or two...
Honestly it would be so much easier just to forget using pigeons for sending the mail. The birds could get sick, killed, injured, and much more. In this case you'd need medicine, which along with the loft, birds, food, and equiptment, would cost a pretty penny.
Well, good luck :]
- Becky"
First of all, you'll need to have a loft at the farmer's house. You'll need to raise a good homer there, and by raise I mean have a pair and raise young. This works much better since the babies will be guarenteed to come back there and only there. If you don't want to raise homer squabs, then go get at least a pair of newly weaned, unflown homers. You'll need to keep them in the loft for a month. Homers that have been flown but are still young (as in under half a year) will need to be kept in for two months. Once the time is up, the training begins. Let the birds out a few times to get them used to flying and their surroundings. Then start taking them off and releasing them. Start off at a mile for a while, then a little farther...and farther. After you've got at least a 5 mile radius around your house that they've flew from before, you'll be able to take it off longer distances and they will come back.
THAT is the training of which people speak when talking about sending messages.
Of course, you wouldn't have to go through all the trouble of that training since we're only talking about 400 meters, but if you're going to have homing pigeons, I figured it would be nice to explain how to get them to come home from even greater distances - which is the fun part. Because it isn't that far away, all you'd need to make sure is that the bird IS young (or else when you release it, it will go back to the place you bought it, even if you kept it in for 3 months). You also do not want to start attatching messages to its back until you get it to where it flies directly back to the loft instead of lazily flying up into a tree. Yes I said its back. It is much easier for a pigeon to fly with the message secured on its back between its wings than on its leg (which could mess up the landing).
Why do you want to use a pigeon to send messages to him anyway? You did mean meters right, not miles? If it was miles I could understand...but why not just drive on over there and give it to him? Oh and the message has to be able to fit in a small capsule not much longer than an inch or two...
Honestly it would be so much easier just to forget using pigeons for sending the mail. The birds could get sick, killed, injured, and much more. In this case you'd need medicine, which along with the loft, birds, food, and equiptment, would cost a pretty penny.
Well, good luck :]
- Becky"
superjeong@sbcglobal.net asked: "Few weeks ago pigeons made a nest on my balcony and laid 2 eggs which hatched and today in the morning i see that one of em is not moving. I believe its dead. What do i do now? What happens to the other chick?
The other chick is bigger about the size of my fist, but its mother wont get in the nest with the dead pigeon chick. Do I remove it if I do won't the Pigeons abandon the chick that is still alive?"
The other chick is bigger about the size of my fist, but its mother wont get in the nest with the dead pigeon chick. Do I remove it if I do won't the Pigeons abandon the chick that is still alive?"
A1: phooey2u replied: "Leave nature to do what nature does best. If you go near the nest the mother will abandon the chick. The chick probably starved the other in competition for food, especially if it is scarce at the moment. Try leaving grain on the ground nearby, if the mother doesn't have to search for food she will have more time for the nest."
freswood asked: "Today we captured a feral pigeon that visits our house, and treated it for parasites. It had suffered extensive feather-loss around its head. How will we know when it is better? Do we just have to wait until its feathers grow back? Or is there some obvious sign. We have released it, by the way.
We won't be able to catch him again, so are there any signs that we'll be able to see from a distance?"
We won't be able to catch him again, so are there any signs that we'll be able to see from a distance?"
A1: And My Soul Flies replied: "Hold him in your hand, beak facing you and feet tucked into your finger. Pull his wing out, spreading it, and looking at the underside of the wing, so you can see the individual ones. Parasites will appear as grey or while lines/bars, about a quarter of an inch long, in between the individual parts of the feather. If the parasites are gone, the feather will not have this and appear normal."
A2: Graymalkin replied: "You mean external parasites. It will just get reinfected again from contact with flockmates and from contaminated roosting areas. There is nothing you can do."
urs t asked: "A white pigeon or dove flew down and landed on top of my car.It did not move, it just stared at me.Does this mean anything?"
A1: conorleighton replied: "the dove is a bird of peace"
A2: Dave Womach replied: "Peace and sometimes love."
x3choc asked: "I've just moved to a new flat, and the pigeons are leaving nasty little dunghills on my glazed terracotta tiles. The acid from older droppings seems to have already eaten into the tiles, leaving unsightly dark marks behind.
Can anyone recommend
(a) a special detergent for deep-cleaning pigeon droppings?
(b) a protective varnish for tiles, which is resistant to the acid contained in pigeon droppings?
In fact, if anyone has ANY tips on how to keep the little feathery pests away (humane methods only please), I'd be ever so grateful!
Thanks."
Can anyone recommend
(a) a special detergent for deep-cleaning pigeon droppings?
(b) a protective varnish for tiles, which is resistant to the acid contained in pigeon droppings?
In fact, if anyone has ANY tips on how to keep the little feathery pests away (humane methods only please), I'd be ever so grateful!
Thanks."
A1: mt replied: "shoot the pigeons"
A2: PATRICK replied: "hammer and chisel"
A3: dimpelmum replied: "Well congratulations for your new flat. I can suggest a small amount of ammonia& lemon juice. I can also suggest you look in the loft if you have one. Sometimes you find the builder´s who built the flat/ flats. leave spare tiles around. so you can replace the ones that a very damaged by the dropping. I can also suggest , you string a few Old C,D together, the reflection of the sun on the C,D will frighten the pigoen´s away. Hope this help´s you out"
A4: jaboom replied: "Pour a full bottle of fairy liquid in a mop bucket and pour the bucket over the ties ,leave to soak this should lift no probs.
Cola would also be good also.
dont really know how to shift the pest though.
good luck,
ja"
Cola would also be good also.
dont really know how to shift the pest though.
good luck,
ja"
A5: Darjeeling Snow replied: "(You did not say where your tiles are ...on the window sill outside?)
I would use something like a Lysol detergent ... or some Lysol disinfectant and some liquid detergent and 6 ot 8 layers of soaking wet paper towels ...until the droppings move off easily ...... use rubber gloves and an old
toothbrush
for protection: ask your hardware store people for a plastic coating...maybe that stuff they use instead of varnish on flooring ..."
I would use something like a Lysol detergent ... or some Lysol disinfectant and some liquid detergent and 6 ot 8 layers of soaking wet paper towels ...until the droppings move off easily ...... use rubber gloves and an old
toothbrush
for protection: ask your hardware store people for a plastic coating...maybe that stuff they use instead of varnish on flooring ..."
freezie asked: "There's a pigeon in my garden, its got tags and i've got the number. From looking on websites i've figured its an Irish Pigeon (im in Cheshire, England)
How long do you leave a pigeon before calling someone or bringing it in?
Its been here a few hours. It looks fine but it keeps trying to get in the house, and doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving. I have a dog and we have quite a few cats in the area.
Do i bring it in or leave it out?"
How long do you leave a pigeon before calling someone or bringing it in?
Its been here a few hours. It looks fine but it keeps trying to get in the house, and doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving. I have a dog and we have quite a few cats in the area.
Do i bring it in or leave it out?"
A1: toecee replied: "Call someone now. They'll be please to have it back."
A2: Zadirion F replied: "hmm, i think you should bring the pigeon in, maybe google for any recent irish races with pigeons that have been going on recently, and try contact the organizer and through him, the owner.
Here is a good place to start:
or maybe here
Also look for a phone number, it may be ink-stamped on the underside of one of the wing feathers.
Cheers,
Eddie"
Here is a good place to start:
or maybe here
Also look for a phone number, it may be ink-stamped on the underside of one of the wing feathers.
Cheers,
Eddie"
A3: professor grey replied: "It's just resting. Do not feed it or preventing it from taking off when it's ready. Many people do that thinking they are helping but in fact can cause problems. Racing pigeons can can win money for their owner. They travel great distances and need to rest, sometimes for a day or so."
A4: friendlystranger65 replied: "It's domesticated and lost. I say rescue it if you can do it safely. At a minimum, get it food and water. I recall my brother fed his split peas, but wild bird seed would probably be better."
A5: Ms_G replied: "bring it in before the dog or cat gets it, and phone the number on the tag."
A6: Helen S replied: "bring it in, it will be used to being handled. Pop it into a cardboard box, well ventilated, and let it have some water and if you have any seed or unsalted nuts i'm sure it would be most welcome. Ring the number and the owner will be very happy to hear from you. Not too many people would be as concerned as you today and it's a great shame. Have a great day."
A7: lestatsho replied: "You should really call RSPCA or your local police station for advice on this. Just dont let your pets near it!"
A8: max'smom replied: "I wouldn't mess with it until I talked to someone that know exactly what to do."
A9: Sandra T replied: "Visit the website rpra.org they have a 'report a stray pigeon' click on and advice."
A10: Diamond replied: "tthe racing people I know say if it cannot make it home it's no good to them. Irland is not far from Cheshire as a bird flies, after he's had a rest food and water he will be ready to fly on"
A11: Suzi replied: "It depends on whether the bird is injured, or just resting.
If you have the numbers, you can track the owner, and contact them. They may come and get their bird.
One band has the loft ID, the other one is a racing band, and cannot be used to identify the bird.
Irish Homing Union (IHU)
If the bird is not in a safe location, you can bring it indoors, if you have a large, plastic or wire pet carrier. Line the bottom with several sheets of newspaper. Leave the cage in a bright area of your home. Don't leave the bird in the dark.
You can provide water - fill a heavy coffee cup or mug. They drink by siphoning, the cup should be deep. Use clean fingers to splash in the cup, so the bird knows it's water.
As for food, they will eat split peas (as another suggested), bird seed, and unpopped popcorn - plain, not microwavable."
If you have the numbers, you can track the owner, and contact them. They may come and get their bird.
One band has the loft ID, the other one is a racing band, and cannot be used to identify the bird.
Irish Homing Union (IHU)
If the bird is not in a safe location, you can bring it indoors, if you have a large, plastic or wire pet carrier. Line the bottom with several sheets of newspaper. Leave the cage in a bright area of your home. Don't leave the bird in the dark.
You can provide water - fill a heavy coffee cup or mug. They drink by siphoning, the cup should be deep. Use clean fingers to splash in the cup, so the bird knows it's water.
As for food, they will eat split peas (as another suggested), bird seed, and unpopped popcorn - plain, not microwavable."
Sid Finch asked: "I've been watching a carrier/homing pigeon outside of my office. It has been taking shelter under cars, I imaging it would have to try to avoid predators as the day/night goes on. What is going to happen with this pigeon in the next 12 hours?"
A1: Owlwoman replied: "Ha! This is likely a pigeon that is sick or injured. Unless someone saves it, it will be dinner soon.
A pigeon would not rest on the ground. Something is very wrong.
I recommend you get a cardboard box and put the bird in it. A towel or shirt on the bottom would make it comfy. Then on the way home, stop at a feed store and buy a small bag of cracked corn.
At home pick the pigeon up an feel her chest. If her keel (chest bone) is prominent, she is starving. You may see external parasites on her. Ignore them for now. Drop some corn into the box and put a heavy dish of water in it. See if she responds. You may need to put a heating pad under the box to bring her temp up high enough so she can digest the food. Do not put food or water into her mouth.
Oh - she may not be easy to catch. Hold a large towel or jacket in front of you as you approach her and plop it over her and pick her up into the box.
Can you tell I like pigeons?
Anyway, if she survives the night, she may make it. You can Google - wildlife rehabbers and find one in your state. They may take her in.
I am in New Mexico and would be happy to help you. Email me off Yahoo Answers."
A pigeon would not rest on the ground. Something is very wrong.
I recommend you get a cardboard box and put the bird in it. A towel or shirt on the bottom would make it comfy. Then on the way home, stop at a feed store and buy a small bag of cracked corn.
At home pick the pigeon up an feel her chest. If her keel (chest bone) is prominent, she is starving. You may see external parasites on her. Ignore them for now. Drop some corn into the box and put a heavy dish of water in it. See if she responds. You may need to put a heating pad under the box to bring her temp up high enough so she can digest the food. Do not put food or water into her mouth.
Oh - she may not be easy to catch. Hold a large towel or jacket in front of you as you approach her and plop it over her and pick her up into the box.
Can you tell I like pigeons?
Anyway, if she survives the night, she may make it. You can Google - wildlife rehabbers and find one in your state. They may take her in.
I am in New Mexico and would be happy to help you. Email me off Yahoo Answers."
A2: Ken T replied: "tough one???"
A3: replied: "during w.w.2 pigeons didnt rest over the English canal or till they got to where they where going somthing mite be wrong with it or its not a carrier"
Mattz asked: "There's a pigeon nest on one of the beams above my front door that I'd like to pull down without causing any avian damage, and still keep my front porch poop free."
A1: Lupin the 3rd replied: "shoot it!!"
A2: Joe S replied: "Unfortunately you have only one solution. Kill the bird."
A3: kennyshoneypie replied: "two words...bb gun. Just kidding.. You can't really move them without harming them that I know if, you may be able to call ASPCA or Animal Control, but they may not do anything where the birds themselves aren't in danger, you could also put a tarp, or newspaper down and change it out once a week or so."
A4: Natasha replied: "Some people use a system of birds sounds, but a cheaper way is to buy 2 or 3 fake (but that looks very realistic) owls. A neighbor had the same problem and bought 3 of them for $9/each and resolved the problem. Good luck!"
A5: ?? Broken Secrets ?? replied: "no no! dont shoot it!!!! =I
just shoo them and keep on shooing them until they get the picture"
just shoo them and keep on shooing them until they get the picture"
A6: xcbuffrunner1 replied: "get a cat and a shotgun. after the cat eats the bird shoot the cat."
A7: Fire replied: "Step 1: Start a grassroots campaign in the area to introduce more raptors and other birds of prey into the area. Get petitions , make signs, and be an activist.
Step 2: Contact the DNR and/or local raptor / bird conservatory in your area about your project and see if you can get some released into your area... (including near your home.)
Step 3: Once that's done, watch and see the pidgeons disappear....
If you don't want to go to all that work or be cruel, well... hmm... lol."
Step 2: Contact the DNR and/or local raptor / bird conservatory in your area about your project and see if you can get some released into your area... (including near your home.)
Step 3: Once that's done, watch and see the pidgeons disappear....
If you don't want to go to all that work or be cruel, well... hmm... lol."
A8: jsygrovehpi replied: "Its called a gun.
Seriously, they have these spikey things that keep birds from roosting on unwanted areas. See if you can find them. They look like a bed of nails."
Seriously, they have these spikey things that keep birds from roosting on unwanted areas. See if you can find them. They look like a bed of nails."
A9: Me replied: "Google "diseases transmitted by pigeons." See if that motivates you to encorage that bird to go nest elsewhere..."
matterafact_igotitnoww asked: "The increasing (arrogant) pigeon population is starting to drive away many native birds in my neighbourhood. How do I get rid of therm?"
A1: sadeyzluv replied: "Well I believe you have 4 options.
1. Contact animal control.
2. Buy a gun.
3. Buy cat(s).
4. Feed them poisoned bread."
1. Contact animal control.
2. Buy a gun.
3. Buy cat(s).
4. Feed them poisoned bread."
A2: arjklfepoejngls replied: "Just read a story about how in London they're dealing with the pigeon problem using 'robotic falcons'. Go figure. Check it out"
A3: Margaret Rose C replied: "Trap them in a cage with food and drop the lid.
My father in law had pigion for food and for eggs in Vavcouver about 50 or more years ago, cought like this. and wrung their necks off."
My father in law had pigion for food and for eggs in Vavcouver about 50 or more years ago, cought like this. and wrung their necks off."
A4: swampwalker replied: "http://www.flybye.com/
Hopefully something in there helps. I've used the product Roost No More with good results."
Hopefully something in there helps. I've used the product Roost No More with good results."
A5: KAR36 replied: "I would be tempted to acquire a shot gun and start taking them out.
The others should get the message and move on."
The others should get the message and move on."
jillrobbuk asked: "I think that I can tell a dove from a pigeon because pigeons have distinctive markings- but a friend argues that the 'doves' are just pigeons with different markings. How can I prove that they are doves?"
A1: kissfromaroes replied: "a dove is more white"
A2: Iwearpants replied: "Pigeons and doves are some 300 species of near passerine birds in the order Columbiformes. In general parlance the terms "dove" and "pigeon" are used somewhat interchangeably. In ornithological practice there is a tendency for "dove" to be used for smaller species and "pigeon" for larger ones, but this is in no way consistently applied, and historically the common names for these birds involve much variation between "dove" and "pigeon".
The species commonly referred to just as the "pigeon" is the feral Rock Pigeon, common in many cities. The Rock Pigeon is 30–35 cm long with a 62–68 cm wingspan. The white lower back of the pure Rock Pigeon is its best identification character, but the two black bars on its pale grey wings are also distinctive . The tail is margined with white."
The species commonly referred to just as the "pigeon" is the feral Rock Pigeon, common in many cities. The Rock Pigeon is 30–35 cm long with a 62–68 cm wingspan. The white lower back of the pure Rock Pigeon is its best identification character, but the two black bars on its pale grey wings are also distinctive . The tail is margined with white."
A3: Al Inshearah replied: "Pigeon meat is darker, whilst Dove is perfect in pies. Try them with a Merlot"
A4: joanne replied: "pigeons r RATS with wings lol"
A5: Nicky replied: "doves are white"
A6: Iain N replied: "http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=pigeon&btnG=Search+Images
and
=&q=dove&btnG=Search"
and
=&q=dove&btnG=Search"
A7: fenlandfowl replied: "pigeons and doves are one and the same. People use the term pigeon for the wild ones and doves for the fancy ones.They are the same species."
A8: Dan replied: "Pigeons smell and leave $hit everywhere."
A9: spaceman replied: "............. dove is smaller ................ pigeon has different colors ... and bigger larger ............."
A10: bez replied: "There are pigeons which are greyish that you see everywhere and then there are collared doves they are a lighter grey and have a black band round there neck these are the annoying ones which coo down your chimney for hours on end they are normally in two's, there are the white doves which are obvious to spot."
A11: orangepeel replied: "Doves have also been named WOOD PIDGEONS so im sorry but your friend is right"
A12: bobnet268 replied: "there is only four letters in Dove"
A13: kaitlyn s replied: "a dove has a a shorter tail, and is mostly ALL white."
A14: Laura S replied: "doves are white and prettier"
A15: isle755 replied: "The pigeon is the one laughing at the doves small head. They are basically the same bird."
Jessica C asked: "I've started this new thing on bird watching, but right now i the only bird i can see at the moment, is a pigeon... but thats what i get for living in the city! I think pigeons are strange things, and i want to observe them and how they react to one another.
So can some one please tell me the difference between a male and female pigoen?
And for those who do, bird watching, please give me a few tips on bird watching because i am totaly new on this."
So can some one please tell me the difference between a male and female pigoen?
And for those who do, bird watching, please give me a few tips on bird watching because i am totaly new on this."
A1: Woody replied: "The males the one on top?"
A2: Pokerface L replied: "The female is usually slightly smaller....also watch a pair together....the male will strut around the female....once you get this image in your head there are other small details to look out for...good luck with it"
A3: Summer replied: "The male is greyer, and ususally has green, pink feathers around the neack whearas the female is brown and won't be colourful."
A4: wacky replied: "First know your Pigeons.!!
Feral (flying Rats)pigeons come in a variety of colours,The male bird usually has brighter iridescent feathers round it's neck.
This also applies to Homing Pigeons.
Wood Pigeons the female is slightly larger than the than the male but you need to be experienced to see this and the colouring of the male is much brighter and iridescent(round the neck) than the female.
Collared Doves the male tends to have a much more Grey tint on it's head.
Next the heads of all the species the male has a much rounder head than the female who tends to have a flatter head.
But this all come with experience."
Feral (flying Rats)pigeons come in a variety of colours,The male bird usually has brighter iridescent feathers round it's neck.
This also applies to Homing Pigeons.
Wood Pigeons the female is slightly larger than the than the male but you need to be experienced to see this and the colouring of the male is much brighter and iridescent(round the neck) than the female.
Collared Doves the male tends to have a much more Grey tint on it's head.
Next the heads of all the species the male has a much rounder head than the female who tends to have a flatter head.
But this all come with experience."
A5: Avian Queen replied: "Pigeons are a bird of many MANY colors and patterns. No two pigeons look exactly the same, whether it's down to the smallest details of color, or just the shape of the body and size.
There is no way to tell the difference between a male and female by color, and sometimes even size doesn't work. Just like dogs and cats, some are bigger and some are smaller.
I made a post in my blog telling some of the key things to look for. Some of the things you'd only be able to use if you were actually holding the bird, so don't pay any attention to those things. -?cq=1&p=8
Just remember that the key thing is the males courtship behaviour. They'll be the ones puffing up their crop, fanning and dragging the tail, and struting around on tip toe after the hen. They also 'dance' by bowing and spinning in circles/half circles while making a deep "roo-coo-coo". Pigeon fanciers call this 'bow cooing'. They also puff up the neck feathers and drag the tail while doing this normally. Males may also making a popping sound in flight by slapping the wings together with each stroke. Most of the time if they do this, they're chasing their mate, so the bird that will be playing hard to get will be a hen.
Good luck and enjoy your birdwatching!
Becky"
There is no way to tell the difference between a male and female by color, and sometimes even size doesn't work. Just like dogs and cats, some are bigger and some are smaller.
I made a post in my blog telling some of the key things to look for. Some of the things you'd only be able to use if you were actually holding the bird, so don't pay any attention to those things. -?cq=1&p=8
Just remember that the key thing is the males courtship behaviour. They'll be the ones puffing up their crop, fanning and dragging the tail, and struting around on tip toe after the hen. They also 'dance' by bowing and spinning in circles/half circles while making a deep "roo-coo-coo". Pigeon fanciers call this 'bow cooing'. They also puff up the neck feathers and drag the tail while doing this normally. Males may also making a popping sound in flight by slapping the wings together with each stroke. Most of the time if they do this, they're chasing their mate, so the bird that will be playing hard to get will be a hen.
Good luck and enjoy your birdwatching!
Becky"
A6: Blazing Pen Avenger. replied: "Grab a few, get round the Vets, part with money, and, have them 'sexed.'"
johnston1 asked: "I live in london, and everywhere you go you see basic street pigeons, these can be a pest to some people, but i often see wood pigeons that are larger cleaner and more gray, they usually sit in trees and i never see them scrounging for food, they seem less bother and are more timid than the basic types, what is a wood pigeon what difference does it have to the usual pigeons, do they live side by side."
A1: Corella replied: "You need a road map to find one and the other gives you splinters? They are both delicious!
Seriously, google these two sites.
"Wood-pigeons like to perch on dead branches at the tops of trees. During the cold winter mornings they stay there motionless, waiting for a little warmth to come with the rising sun and arouse them from their torpor. In summer they frequent full-grown forest-trees, and their cooing may be heard in the very midst of the dense foliage. Their nesting place is by preference at the junction of several forking branches. The male goes forth and gathers from neighboring trees, never from the ground, the building material of dry twigs. If he sees a dead twig attached to the branch on which he is perching, he seizes it with his claws, sometimes with the beak, and tries to break it either by leaning on it with all his weight or by pulling it toward him. Possessed of his prize, he returns at once to his mate, who contents herself with putting the materials into place without taking part in getting them. In building the nest, therefore, the male is the worker and the female the architect; but an architect without talent, we must admit, for the structure is nothing but a mass of intertwined sticks without lining of feathers and flock, and, worse still, without firmness. Hence it is not unusual for this nest to fall to pieces before the brood has taken its flight; fortunately the strong branches on which it rests save the young ones from a disastrous fall."
"Wild and mistrustful, the wood-pigeon has never been willing to accept the calculated hospitality of the pigeon-house; it prefers the perilous life of the woods to the full-fed existence of servitude. This is the wild pigeon that frequently falls before the hunter's fire. In certain defiles of the Pyrenees it is caught with large nets, hundreds at a time. The rock-pigeon, on the contrary, has from time immemorial been dependent on man; and in return for the shelter of the pigeon-house which protects it from birds of prey it has been willing to forget so completely the rocks where it first nested that to-day one seldom finds, at least in our country, any wild pairs.
Hope it helps"
Seriously, google these two sites.
"Wood-pigeons like to perch on dead branches at the tops of trees. During the cold winter mornings they stay there motionless, waiting for a little warmth to come with the rising sun and arouse them from their torpor. In summer they frequent full-grown forest-trees, and their cooing may be heard in the very midst of the dense foliage. Their nesting place is by preference at the junction of several forking branches. The male goes forth and gathers from neighboring trees, never from the ground, the building material of dry twigs. If he sees a dead twig attached to the branch on which he is perching, he seizes it with his claws, sometimes with the beak, and tries to break it either by leaning on it with all his weight or by pulling it toward him. Possessed of his prize, he returns at once to his mate, who contents herself with putting the materials into place without taking part in getting them. In building the nest, therefore, the male is the worker and the female the architect; but an architect without talent, we must admit, for the structure is nothing but a mass of intertwined sticks without lining of feathers and flock, and, worse still, without firmness. Hence it is not unusual for this nest to fall to pieces before the brood has taken its flight; fortunately the strong branches on which it rests save the young ones from a disastrous fall."
"Wild and mistrustful, the wood-pigeon has never been willing to accept the calculated hospitality of the pigeon-house; it prefers the perilous life of the woods to the full-fed existence of servitude. This is the wild pigeon that frequently falls before the hunter's fire. In certain defiles of the Pyrenees it is caught with large nets, hundreds at a time. The rock-pigeon, on the contrary, has from time immemorial been dependent on man; and in return for the shelter of the pigeon-house which protects it from birds of prey it has been willing to forget so completely the rocks where it first nested that to-day one seldom finds, at least in our country, any wild pairs.
Hope it helps"
A2: octogen replied: "Hi!! what most people call wood pigeons( bacause that is their natural habitat) are in fact ringed, or collared doves. they have a white ring at the base of the neck. In bright sunlight you may see a big splash of pink on the chest as the spring progresses,and they will be the male birds developing their courting plumage to attract the hen birds for mating.
The street birds are easily tempted to food, i have a sanctury for them and they come right up to a tray on my lap to feed.
Over the last three years i have had them interbreed with some white doves,and the outcome is quite startling to see the mixed markings.
Theyt are not choosy, they will eat almost anything i put out for them."
The street birds are easily tempted to food, i have a sanctury for them and they come right up to a tray on my lap to feed.
Over the last three years i have had them interbreed with some white doves,and the outcome is quite startling to see the mixed markings.
Theyt are not choosy, they will eat almost anything i put out for them."
singpraises asked: "I am having a lot of problems with pigeons at my building. They do their deed all over the building and balconies, making a big mess. Does anyone know what ingredients can be used to make a pigeon control mix? Something that will not harm the pigeons in anyway?"
A1: ........ replied: "i read somewhere that...but I'm not sure if LA, NY or Rome..some place like that with tons of pigeons that they will start feeding them with "birth control-feeds" or something like to control the population. look it up. or you can buy those predator statue and place em somewhere pigeons can see it to spoke em off and keep them away"
A2: Boycott the circus! replied: "birth control is expensive and doest help overall populations.
Hot pepper! Take come red pepper and mix with vinagar put it into a psray bottle or garder sprayer and spray away. You will need to do this often, but it is humane and effective. The pigeons will soon learn that the ledges are not suitable to their liking and will stop comeing. But you must do this often, as rain and snow wash it away.
Hope this helps and good luck!"
Hot pepper! Take come red pepper and mix with vinagar put it into a psray bottle or garder sprayer and spray away. You will need to do this often, but it is humane and effective. The pigeons will soon learn that the ledges are not suitable to their liking and will stop comeing. But you must do this often, as rain and snow wash it away.
Hope this helps and good luck!"
A3: Avian Queen replied: "Let me first mention that the new birth control thing is pretty cruel. You shouldn't take away the ability for the birds to have young, and it won't do a thing for the birds you have now.
As far as adding things to the food, there isn't much you can do besides adding poison, but I'll get to that in a minute. Having food period is going to do nothing but attact more birds.
Pigeons have a very good sense of smell, sight, hearing, and are as intelligent as dolphins and other animals that we all consider smart. Just thought I'd make that clear.
Like some people may claim, bleach or tabasco sause will probably not work even though they do have a good sense of smell. Of course they wouldn't particularly enjoy it, if they are determined to make your balcony their home, they won't care.
One of the most common things people try first is the fake owl or fake hawk/falcon. If you live in the city (which I'm guessing you do), falcons will most likely work better. Just place it on your balcony in a different place every two or three days. The best thing you could do is fix it to where the fake bird will spin in the wind. If it just sits still in the same spot every day, the pigeons will quickly get used to it and figure out there is no harm.
Another thing you'll always want to do is make sure any bird seed or leftovers are left near the balcony. Pigeons 'attack' people in the city because the balconies and ledges of the buildings are the closest thing to their natural habitat on the rocky cliffs in Europe. Since the city is full of food, this along with good nesting sites makes the city a haven for pigeons. And what happens when there's too many of an animal in one place? It's hard to find food. That's why a pigeon will flock a kid with a hotdog - they're hungry. If you have food around, the pigeons won't have any reason to leave because everything they need is provided at your house. This goes with water too. If you have pots or anything that collected water after rain or whatnot, the pigeons may come to get a drink and decide to stay. Dumping out un-needed water prevents mosquitos as well :]
The last suggestion is looking around on the internet. If you type in 'pigeon control' in your search bar, many online stores will pop up with things like 'pigeon spikes' and other inventions we've made to prevent the birds from roosting on areas you don't want them too.
Certain cities and housing developments have different rules on shooting. Some cities don't allow you to shoot within city limits unless it's hunting season, others don't allow it at all. Shooting should be one of your last resorts in controlling pigeons. The poor things never did anything to hurt anybody, they just wanted a home and a family, and yet we shoot them for doing what we do when we move out. When we go off on our own, we cut down animal habitat, like woods, just so we can build a nice big house to have our family in. The animals don't shoot us for it so why should we shoot them!
Poisoning is the very, very last thing you should ever think about. It's possibly the most inhumane thing you can do to a poor bird. I've seen what some poisons can do to pigeons. You'll be walking down the street one day and hear a faint grunt from the alley. You walk down it and see a pigeon jerking violently on it's back, obviously in a lot of pain and suffering. Poisons are not guarenteed to have quick results, and trust me when I say that seeing a pigeon dying from poison is not what you want to see. If you have any feelings for animals what-so-ever, it would break your heart D:
Not to mention there's no guarentee that other birds will get a hold of the poison instead, so you never know what exactly you're 'controlling' with poison. What if a pigeon ate a poison coated corn piece and then flew off only to be killed and eaten by a endangered falcon? And the pigeon had not digested the poison yet? Wouldn't that mean that you not only got rid of the pigeon but you also managed to poison a falcon as well?
You'll soon figure out that certain little tricks you think up will work while others may not. The best thing is to just take your time to see if it works before jumping to the next thing. Hopefully you'll get the results you want :]
Good luck!
- Becky
EDIT: Red pepper and vinegar are two things people use to keep pigeons HEALTHY. Red pepper kills parasites and is used in many bird seed mixes. Vinegar is like a protective linning for the birds insides. I use crushed red pepper in the feed and vinegar in the water for my birds to keep them in prime shape. Did I also mention that vinegar has been said to sort of put birds in the mood to lay eggs and have young? Considering all of these things, I don't think it would help to keep the pigeons away but only make the existing ones healthy and ready to make more pigeons."
As far as adding things to the food, there isn't much you can do besides adding poison, but I'll get to that in a minute. Having food period is going to do nothing but attact more birds.
Pigeons have a very good sense of smell, sight, hearing, and are as intelligent as dolphins and other animals that we all consider smart. Just thought I'd make that clear.
Like some people may claim, bleach or tabasco sause will probably not work even though they do have a good sense of smell. Of course they wouldn't particularly enjoy it, if they are determined to make your balcony their home, they won't care.
One of the most common things people try first is the fake owl or fake hawk/falcon. If you live in the city (which I'm guessing you do), falcons will most likely work better. Just place it on your balcony in a different place every two or three days. The best thing you could do is fix it to where the fake bird will spin in the wind. If it just sits still in the same spot every day, the pigeons will quickly get used to it and figure out there is no harm.
Another thing you'll always want to do is make sure any bird seed or leftovers are left near the balcony. Pigeons 'attack' people in the city because the balconies and ledges of the buildings are the closest thing to their natural habitat on the rocky cliffs in Europe. Since the city is full of food, this along with good nesting sites makes the city a haven for pigeons. And what happens when there's too many of an animal in one place? It's hard to find food. That's why a pigeon will flock a kid with a hotdog - they're hungry. If you have food around, the pigeons won't have any reason to leave because everything they need is provided at your house. This goes with water too. If you have pots or anything that collected water after rain or whatnot, the pigeons may come to get a drink and decide to stay. Dumping out un-needed water prevents mosquitos as well :]
The last suggestion is looking around on the internet. If you type in 'pigeon control' in your search bar, many online stores will pop up with things like 'pigeon spikes' and other inventions we've made to prevent the birds from roosting on areas you don't want them too.
Certain cities and housing developments have different rules on shooting. Some cities don't allow you to shoot within city limits unless it's hunting season, others don't allow it at all. Shooting should be one of your last resorts in controlling pigeons. The poor things never did anything to hurt anybody, they just wanted a home and a family, and yet we shoot them for doing what we do when we move out. When we go off on our own, we cut down animal habitat, like woods, just so we can build a nice big house to have our family in. The animals don't shoot us for it so why should we shoot them!
Poisoning is the very, very last thing you should ever think about. It's possibly the most inhumane thing you can do to a poor bird. I've seen what some poisons can do to pigeons. You'll be walking down the street one day and hear a faint grunt from the alley. You walk down it and see a pigeon jerking violently on it's back, obviously in a lot of pain and suffering. Poisons are not guarenteed to have quick results, and trust me when I say that seeing a pigeon dying from poison is not what you want to see. If you have any feelings for animals what-so-ever, it would break your heart D:
Not to mention there's no guarentee that other birds will get a hold of the poison instead, so you never know what exactly you're 'controlling' with poison. What if a pigeon ate a poison coated corn piece and then flew off only to be killed and eaten by a endangered falcon? And the pigeon had not digested the poison yet? Wouldn't that mean that you not only got rid of the pigeon but you also managed to poison a falcon as well?
You'll soon figure out that certain little tricks you think up will work while others may not. The best thing is to just take your time to see if it works before jumping to the next thing. Hopefully you'll get the results you want :]
Good luck!
- Becky
EDIT: Red pepper and vinegar are two things people use to keep pigeons HEALTHY. Red pepper kills parasites and is used in many bird seed mixes. Vinegar is like a protective linning for the birds insides. I use crushed red pepper in the feed and vinegar in the water for my birds to keep them in prime shape. Did I also mention that vinegar has been said to sort of put birds in the mood to lay eggs and have young? Considering all of these things, I don't think it would help to keep the pigeons away but only make the existing ones healthy and ready to make more pigeons."
Lambam asked: "We have a homing pigeon in our yard, and I wanted to track it from where it's from."
A1: Justin R replied: "LoJack that flying bastard"
A2: starbug1 replied: "Start here:
This site will show you how to decipher the markings on the band. You can then contact the organization who issued the band and they can contact the owner or put you in touch with them.
Good luck"
This site will show you how to decipher the markings on the band. You can then contact the organization who issued the band and they can contact the owner or put you in touch with them.
Good luck"
dr_harleenquinzel asked: "I recently rescued a pigeon that was being attacked by two angry ravens. I plan to release it back into the wild, but I am wondering how long it will take for the poor thing to grow it's plucked clean wing feathers back?"
A1: Patricia M replied: "You're sitting at a computer. look it up!!!!"
A2: alica riveras replied: "just give it some time thell grow back"
A3: [x]...Becca Ehm...[x] replied: "They unfortunately will not re-grow until the birds next molt which could be next week, next month or even a few months away, just give it time they will grow back. The little guy is very lucky to have such a caring mom, your a wonderful lady to help him when he most needed it, It's good to know that there are some kind souls who care..."
C! asked: "I recently found out that the bird I have always called a pigeon is actually a "rock dove." Now, I am confused. Is there a defining difference that I can look for?"
A1: The One replied: "Pigeon is larger bird"
A2: namakota replied: "a dove is a cousin to a pigeon, that once flew the coop..."
President NutGobblah asked: "I found a sick baby pigeon a week ago, and I started taking care of him. Now he's grown a lot but he's not fully ready to go outside and fly away. But whn I do let him go, I just want to know if it was a female or male. How do I tell them apart?"
A1: Becky m replied: "this may sound gross but my mom has a [parrot and the vet said to check like this....feel where its you know what would be and if it feels like 2 hard tiny balls it is a boy."
A2: bugzaper replied: "check if he has a weener thinngy"
A3: Sandra♥ replied: "My dad had pigeon at one time and the only way we could tell was the males were bigger than the females. When you release him I`m thinking he will stay pretty close to your home.
Maybe try making him some sort of pen outside for a week or so before releasing him and he may come back to the pen or a near by tree to roost everynight...Until it finds a mate...then they may both come back everynight....
Good luck
I think its sweet that you have saved this bird"
Maybe try making him some sort of pen outside for a week or so before releasing him and he may come back to the pen or a near by tree to roost everynight...Until it finds a mate...then they may both come back everynight....
Good luck
I think its sweet that you have saved this bird"
A4: correrafan replied: "The only way to tell is by their behavior, and they don't act sexual until they mature at about 5 to 7 months old. Good luck."
A5: pigeonguy replied: "1. Even when the baby is full grown, he may not want to fly away. Hand raised pigeons tend to become VERY tame and I actually had to go save a few that people have released because they often fly to the first person they see and want to come back inside. You might want to consider keeping it as a pet.
As to sex, that's a bit harder to tell on young birds, especially the wild ones. Hens have a somewhat more delicate look to the fact and head than do cock birds. A baby pigeon that tend to try to attack your hand a bit more in the nest is often a cock, while the hens tend to be a bit less agressive (though that ain't always true either).
Cock birds often tend to show a slight bit of iridesence on both sides of the neck, even in the nest, while hens seldom do.
As another person has said, pigeons tend to be much more easily sexed by behavior, and that behavior often doesn't really start strongly until it's about 4 months old. There are ways of telling before that, but it takes some experience and having been around the birds for 45 years, I can tell you that even the most experienced breeders are sometimes wrong with youngsters.
(This stupid censor can't tell the difference between a "nasty" word and one used in a context where it's been used for centuries -- simply put "male" into every place you see ****)"
As to sex, that's a bit harder to tell on young birds, especially the wild ones. Hens have a somewhat more delicate look to the fact and head than do cock birds. A baby pigeon that tend to try to attack your hand a bit more in the nest is often a cock, while the hens tend to be a bit less agressive (though that ain't always true either).
Cock birds often tend to show a slight bit of iridesence on both sides of the neck, even in the nest, while hens seldom do.
As another person has said, pigeons tend to be much more easily sexed by behavior, and that behavior often doesn't really start strongly until it's about 4 months old. There are ways of telling before that, but it takes some experience and having been around the birds for 45 years, I can tell you that even the most experienced breeders are sometimes wrong with youngsters.
(This stupid censor can't tell the difference between a "nasty" word and one used in a context where it's been used for centuries -- simply put "male" into every place you see ****)"
Gary G asked: "The pigeon was part of a flock which ate regularly at my feeders. I thought it might be injured as when I first saw it, it was on the ground between the back of my garage & hot-tub (3 ft X 8 ft space). It has since flown up to the ledge. Tonight I was able to walk right up to it & touch it."
A1: ladycockatiel replied: "Maybe it is a tamed homing pigeon who stopped to rest before heading home again. I'd keep it myself LOL! I love pigeons.But I only have 2 male diamond doves."
A2: dee k replied: "If this pigeon was a regular visitor & is unable to make it back to base,then there is a problem,something preventing it from taking off,if it feels safe on the ledge leave it alone for a while as long as it can get down to feed & back again to rest.If there is no obvious injury time might help to nurse it back to it's old self.Hope so ."
A3: im smart and cool replied: "it probably thinks its safe and away from danger on the ledge"
Tuggy asked: "I really need to know ya'll. I hate that damn pigeon. I heard them tasmanian devils be racist toward them evil pigeons."
A1: Alice baby replied: "no just wash it out dont be a jerk or they will crap on you again. I would know it happend to me last year I brought me alot of good luck."
A2: ~KRiSsY~ replied: "Well, you could just buy a gun and shoot it. Guns are a lot easier to take care of then pets!"
A3: BossLaydee replied: "WTF??
omg im speechless
thats soo dumb..
the ONLY thing ive herd about bird crap was that it was lucky (well obvi i dun beleeve dat cuz yur walking around with crap on yur head)
but tasmanian devils??
yu cant even buy tht!
where did you hear this stupidness??"
omg im speechless
thats soo dumb..
the ONLY thing ive herd about bird crap was that it was lucky (well obvi i dun beleeve dat cuz yur walking around with crap on yur head)
but tasmanian devils??
yu cant even buy tht!
where did you hear this stupidness??"
A4: cotton-headed ninny-muggins replied: "If a pigeon crapped on your head thats supposed to be good luck. Not such good luck if it gives you the plague though. Pigeons are the rats of the sky. So yes... buy a Tasmanian devil and avenge!"
A5: laceyiFly replied: "Sorry but there's really no answer to that logic. Also, no offense, but I busted out laughing as soon as I read this."
pokewade asked: "i have a pet pigeon and recently she has been laying eggs. we only have the one pigeon but we managed to get a fertilized egg for her to sit on. she has been doing this but we have noticed that she will leave it for a hour or so will it hatch?
many thanks in advance
pokewade"
many thanks in advance
pokewade"
A1: Sal*UK replied: "About 17 days."
A2: Sam K replied: "about 17 days"
A3: Mom&Dad replied: "Typically, it takes anywhere from 15-18 days to hatch. Each pigeon is different. Did your pigeon mate? Sometimes, female pigeons will lay eggs, just out of habbit, even if they did not mate. These eggs would be infertile, and will not hatch. Hopefully, you have fertile eggs!
If you are worried that she isn't taking care of her eggs (some first time bird mommies arent very good parents, lol), then maybe you should try and incubate them! If you need help with this, let me know! Good luck!"
If you are worried that she isn't taking care of her eggs (some first time bird mommies arent very good parents, lol), then maybe you should try and incubate them! If you need help with this, let me know! Good luck!"
RITA asked: "I have been in the pool almost every day for the past month -not knowing there was a dead pigeon in there in the skimmer basket . When my pool service didn't show up for a month , I cancelled them ; and could not figure out why the pool was getting green .The pigeon is in lots of pieces and I wonder if anyone ever dealt with this sort of thing?How do you disinfect something like this ; and how do you ever go back into the water ?The health department told me not to call my doctor unless I get sick .I am thinking back to a few weeks ago I started seeing small white fluffy feathery things in the water twice ....How much chlorine is needed to kill all traces of this ?"
A1: Angelbaby replied: "Just get the bird out and clean the pool"
A2: bob r replied: "Get a large pot..fill it with pool water..add some carrots and celery...cook on the stove for 1 hr....and you wont need to cook dinner....oh...wait..Im on my way over...to cook you dinner"
A3: mark replied: "if it is in the skimmer pull out the basket and dispose of the leftover bird then just shock the pool."
A4: B_O_C_K_S_C_A_R replied: "I understand your concern, but really it's about as simple as the first person stated.
After you've removed what's left in the basket, shock it, chlorinate it with a healthy dose (that doesn't mean 2 or 3 times the norm), and give it a good brushing. One your water is blue again you're probably pretty safe.
Water is the universal solvent. Delusion is the solution, and you've got plenty of water there getting cleaned every time your filter kicks on, once it looks clean, it probably is."
After you've removed what's left in the basket, shock it, chlorinate it with a healthy dose (that doesn't mean 2 or 3 times the norm), and give it a good brushing. One your water is blue again you're probably pretty safe.
Water is the universal solvent. Delusion is the solution, and you've got plenty of water there getting cleaned every time your filter kicks on, once it looks clean, it probably is."
A5: I'manalienfrog replied: "This is actually a common problem with pools, but you usually find a dead squirrel when opening up your pool in the springtime. Just remove the dead pigeon and shock your pool with liquid chlorine that you can get at any pool store. This will give you a high chlorine count that will dissapate quickly and kill any bacteria and algae in the water. After you shock the pool you will need to establish a chlorine count between 1 and 3 parts per million (PPM) to keep the pool sanitized. Any pool store can tell you the proper amounts and type of chlorine to use for your size pool."
A6: home improvement at its best replied: "By reading your other ?? your best bet is to find anouther pool service to take care of your pool. It should be tested regularly and the right amount of chemicals added. If your not experianced you can do more harm than good"
A7: windancerhil replied: "You can use a wire coathanger to remove the skimmer basket. Or a pair of rubber gloves. Get the thing out and put it in the trash. Shock the pool and all the gunk from the bird will be killed. I've taken everything out of pools: skunks, dogs, cats, cows, snakes and even cars! A pigeon is nothing."
Ji asked: "I rescued a pigeon from a stupid cat and taking care of it. Its wings are not fully grown (may be half). I wonder when the wings will grow so that it can fly ?
I have this feeling that it doesnt want to go away because I am feeding all sorts of grains"
I have this feeling that it doesnt want to go away because I am feeding all sorts of grains"
A1: Rebecca replied: "take it to the vet or a animal rescure place, they will work with the bird and get it ready to go back into the wild. if you plan on keeping it, then take it to the vet. pigeons are very smelly when they poop. i had doves who are descendants of pigeons and they smelled, no matter how many times aday i cleaned their cage."
A2: margecutter replied: "If you rescued it from a cat, I hope that you took it to a vet or a wildlife rehabilitator. Cat saliva contains bacteria that can be fatal to birds. The pigeon needs a course of antibiotics (not the broad-spectrum kind you can get at the pet store, either), or it could very will die.
The wing feathers will grow, and the bird will be flying (if it survives) when it is about a month old."
The wing feathers will grow, and the bird will be flying (if it survives) when it is about a month old."
leletanner asked: "I want to buy a 100+ year old building, but it has been empty for more than 10 years and it has a lot of pigeon poop on the top 3 floors."
A1: benz300coupe replied: "Hire a sandblaster and buy a hawk. Sandblasting cost will depend on accessibility and surface area."
A2: jd replied: "a shit load"
bouncer bobtail asked: "On my French windows this morning is the perfect pattern of a pigeon in flight, right down to the wingtips.
Bird strikes happen from time to time, but they have never left such a clear pattern before. What was special about this one?"
Bird strikes happen from time to time, but they have never left such a clear pattern before. What was special about this one?"
A1: Sal*UK replied: "I've had them too - kitchen window - and found the dead bird outside!"
A2: tinow replied: "it mighta been dirty or wet. or someones out in the middle of the night drawing around a pigeon just to make you think."
A3: Grabbing Hands replied: "They are covered in a natural powder which keeps the feathers in a healthy condition and also waterproofs them."
A4: asseenfromoutside replied: "Its the dust from their feathers. Next time take a photo and transfer it to a piece of card. Makes a fair picture to hang."