Lost & Found Birds

Not really sure how to take care of the pigeon or dove you found?

PEOPLE THAT FIND PIGEONS NEED TO KNOW !
(1) A small bowl ( coffee cup size ) of water will suffice.
(2) The Pigeon will eat any type of bird seed or corn.
(3) A (temporary) 2'sqaure wire cage will work fine.
(4) Don't be afraid to handle the found pigeon.
(5) The Worst you can do is ruffle feathers.
(6) By the way, Pigeons don't bite.

Not Really sure how to read the band on the pigeon you found?

HOW TO READ A BAND
The letters on the band will tell you the origin of the bird.

( EXAMPLE BAND BELOW )
Say... the band number reads, IF-1234-CAF-99

The ( IF ) means it originated from the International Federation Org.
The ( 1234 ) is a unique serial number for identifying that bird.
The ( CAF ) is the Club identification Code within the Org.
The ( 99 ) is simply the year the pigeon was born.

If there is No band, it is a wild pigeon and no club member owns it.
If you find an injured unbanded pigeon, contact your Humane Society.

The banded pigeons could have originated from several organizations.
Below are some pigeon organization contacts that hopefully will help you.
 

IF = INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION ORG. - www.ifpigeon.com

AU = AMERICAN RACING PIGEON UNION ORGANIZATION - www.pigeon.org 

NPA = NATIONAL PIGEON ASSOCIATION - www.npausa.com

CU or CRPU = CANADIAN PIGEON UNION - http://www.execulink.com/~crpu

IPB = INDEPENDENT PIGEON BREEDERS - foyspigeon@juno.com 
Foys Pigeon Supply (877) 355-7727. 

NBRC = NATIONAL BIRMINGHAM CLUB - cpbw56@hotmail.com 

Not Really sure how to take care of the pigeon you found ?

What to do if you find a lost pigeon.

Water
Most lost birds are hungry and thirsty. Water is necessary before all else. Since pigeons drink bysuction, any water container should be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) deep. An open container, i.e., adish, an old margarine container tub, etc., is best. While a thirsty bird may drink immediately, italso may not. A bird which has gone without water for a while is sometimes a bit less than itself. It may be so exhausted, it doesn't even realize that water is in front of it, especially if the water container you use is different from what it is familiar with. A trick I've often used is to trickle a few drops of water from on high into the container to make a splashing sound. When they hear that, most birds will invariably head to drink. If a bird looks really exhausted, Gatorade or other proprietary sports drink may be added to the water. A teaspoon or two per cup (250 ml) of water will help replenish electrolytes.

Food
Pigeons are grain eaters. While park pigeons will eat bread, most domestic birds have been raised on a multi-grain mixture and have never seen a slice of it. In fact, they would likely ignore it as possible food. Instead of bread, you might try feeding them something else from around the house. Popcorn (maize), rice, split peas, barley, buckwheat (kasha), canary seed, etc., are all good first options to feed a lost bird with. THESE GRAINS SHOULD NOT BE COOKED OR POPPED BUT FED RAW. Water should also be provided since pigeons normally drink immediately after eating.

What Should I Keep It In?
Any container that a dog or cat can't get into will be fine. An old bird cage will hold the pigeon for a day or so with no problem, as will a cardboard box - a screen on top of such a box is better than simply closing the flaps since there will then be enough light for the bird to see to eat and drink.

Finding the bird's owner.
If the bird has a band on its leg, the owner can sometimes be traced through one of the national pigeon organizations. However, this is often not even necessary. After twenty-four to forty-eight hours rest with food and water, most homing pigeons are more than capable of finding their way home on their own. Simply release the bird in an area free of wires or other obstacles and it will usually head home immediately. NEVER try to attach a note to the owner by rubber banding it to the bird's leg. This merely cuts off the leg's blood circulation and often leads to gangrene and amputation of the limb. If you do want to attach a small note, tie it carefully to the middle two tail feathers.