Lost homing pigeon

[VoodooCroll]

I've got a lost homing pigeon in my study. Literally. I contacted the owner who is several hundred miles away and didn't seem overly bothered about getting it back. Just said to give it food and water and it should recover and fly home.

I have a cat so can't exactly park it in the garden and hope for the best. It can fly a bit, but straight into things then hits the ground.

Any advice on how to care for it? Do I keep it in the cat carrier (indoors or outside?) or an open box so it can leave when it wants (note previous cat risk)?

keep it in the cat carrier and let it go in the morning so he'll have plenty of daylight to get home in.

If it doesn't fly off you may find you have a pet. As the owner isn't bothered there is a chance he will be culled if he does get back, a very strong chance, as they are no use if they fail.

There are pigeon rescues throughout the UK (if that is where you are) and elsewhere. Google will give you lists of them, and on Facebook if you need help. Let me know if you need any advice.

Sorry, have just seen that he is in trouble. You need to find a rescue, not a vet as they usually kill them.

He will need a bowl of water a couple of inches deep, not too big as he will try to bathe in it, they suck water up to drink, hence the 2". Feed some peas, thawed, lentils. Not bread.

And this might help www.pigeonrescue.co.uk/

Can't keep it as a pet! (I've just been out and bought it food though!). In West Yorkshire but that link isn't working.

The link works for me, will have a look and see what I can find for you.

(Was joking about keeping it as a pet, they are very cute but need a fair bit of cleaning, also need a mate or they get attached to you).

From the rescue page on the site above:
If you have a bird in need of help please avoid calling the national charity that has royal patronage, their inspectors will very rarely take pigeons handed into their care to a rescue centre or wildlife hospital , the vast majority are immediately killed by neck dislocation.

The link below will take you to a website that will help you identify rescue centres that will accept pigeons but please be aware that many that describe themselves as "pigeon friendly" will use euthanasia as the first option for pigeons that are injured and might not be releasable and for pigeons that suffer from paramyxovirus , whereas others make provision for quarantine and for providing or finding a permanent aviary home for unreleasable birds. Please check this policy before handing a bird over.

You could probably get help here if you are on FB, would need to join the group first. I am in the group if you need me to post for you but it might get complicated, however I will help if you send me a message. www.facebook.com/groups/PigeonProtection/

Have sent you a PM, am about to update with another one.

Bird Rescue and Rehab.
Bellhouse Road
S50RF Sheffield

www.facebook.com/Dazbebbs/?hc_location=ufi