Members of the public may find this article useful if they have a stray pigeon in their garden. The information quoted has been taken from the Royal Pigeon Pacing Association website.
Racing pigeons sometimes come down to the ground for a rest while racing or training. They can be identified by numbered rings on their legs.
Initial care for the pigeon.
If you wish to provide food and water for the bird, please use bird seed or crushed corn flakes, and some water in a deep dish. Please DO NOT GIVE BREAD to a racing pigeon.
Once the racing pigeon has been fed and watered, a bit like a ‘pit-stop’, it usually continues its journey home. Please remove the source of any food after a maximum of 48 hours or when it starts to fly, after which it can find its own food and water. A racing pigeon may continue to stay in the same location for 7-10 days roosting on roofs or in trees. The pigeon will not complete the last part of its homeward journey if food is readily available via bird tables and feeders – so it’s best to clear the decks!
After two days (or if the pigeon is injured or showing signs of distress) it may be necessary to contain the bird in a cardboard box or small animal container to protect it from other predators. This will prevent any further injury to the bird and prevent it flying away.
HOW TO FIND THE OWNER’S CONTACT DETAILS.
Capture the bird by approaching slowly and throwing a large towel over it, and gently pick it up. (Racing pigeons are used to being handled, and the bird may let you pick it up with little fuss.)
Check to see if the pigeon has a ring number on its leg, e.g. GB19T12345. If there are no leg rings it’s probably a wild or feral pigeon.
It is important to note ALL of the ring numbers and digits. Each ring is unique and gives certain information; GB denotes that it is an RPRA ring, 19 denotes the year of breeding (2019) and the T12345 identifies the specific individual bird for that year.
Look for the owner’s contact details – gently open each wing and look for an ink stamp on the topside of the wing, or on a telephone number on a separate leg ring. Place the racing pigeon into a suitable container, box or carrier. Please contact the owner who will make arrangements with you regarding the bird and getting it back home.
REPORTING THE BIRD AS A STRAY.
If there is no wing stamp or telephone ring, you can report the stray to the RPRA online at http://www.rpra.org or by calling 01452 713529. If you give an email address you will receive an automated e-mail reply giving the owner’s contact details.
Bradwell Pigeon 