Domestic Pigeons with individually identifiable leg bands
are registered with one of several National Pigeon Organizations. Below are some
email or website contacts to Nationally recognized pigeon organizations.
If there is No band on its leg, it is a wild pigeon and does not belong to any
pigeon fancier or club. If you find an injured pigeon without a band on its leg,
and it cannot be released, contact your local Humane Society.
If you wish
to contact the National Pigeon Association about a lost pigeon please be sure to
include the whole band number on the pigeon that you found. This is important in
locating the owner of the pigeon. The National Pigeon Association cannot locate
an owner without it.
What to do if you find a lost pigeon:
Water
Most lost birds are hungry and thirsty. Water is extremely important for all
pigeons/doves. Since pigeons drink by suction, any water container you provide
should be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) deep. Shallow cups or bowls with some weight
to them work best but any open container, i.e., a dish, an old margarine
container tub, etc., will work. The less stable or secure the container, the
greater the likelihood of spillage. A thirsty bird may drink immediately, and it
may not. Strange surroundings, fear, injury, or other animals in the household
may intimidate or distract the bird from drinking. Dehydration is the biggest
danger to a lost pigeon/dove and just like humans; this condition can make the
bird a bit less than itself. Lost domesticated birds may be so exhausted, they
don?t even realize that water is in front of them, especially since the water
container you are providing is different from the one they have used their
entire life. A good trick to make the bird aware of the water you have presented
is to make a slight splashing sound with your finger. Birds are very familiar
with the sound of water and this is one of the best ways for you to help
identify your gift. If a bird looks really exhausted, Gatorade or other
commercial 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 ferel city or park pigeons will eat bread, french fries,
or other discarded food, domestic pigeons have been raised on a multi cereal
grain diet frequently mixed with specialized pigeon pellets. If domesticated
show pigeons or performing pigeons are presented with bread and milk, they will
not recognize it as a food source. Instead of bread, the most readily available
food source is a commercial blend of wild birdseed mixed with popcorn.
Additionally, raw dried grain such as rice, pearled barley, split pea, or canary
seed, make a good additive to the above mix or may be fed separately based upon
availability. THESE GRAINS SHOULD NOT BE COOKED OR POPPED BUT FED RAW. Water
should be provided since pigeons normally drink immediately after eating.
What Should I Keep It In?
Most any dry container that provides both
security and ventilation will suffice as a temporary home. An old birdcage will
easily house a pigeon for a few days. Probably the most readily available
temporary housing is a cardboard box. An old screen or grate placed over the top
of the box works well in providing protection, airflow, and sufficient lighting
to allow the bird to eat and drink.
Finding the bird's owner.
If
the bird has a plastic or metal band or ring on its leg, the owner can be traced
through one of the national pigeon organizations. If the bird you have saved is
a fancy show pigeon, the owner is probably very near where you originally found
the bird. If the bird is a racing homer, the owner could live hundreds of miles
from you and this step may not be necessary. After twenty-four to forty-eight
hours rest with food and water, most non-injured racing homer pigeons will be
capable of continuing their journey home. Simply release the bird in an area
free of wires or other near by obstacles and it will gratefully fly home.
Please, NEVER attach a note to the birds leg by rubber band or string. This
procedure has resulted in numerous cases of broken legs, gangrene, and
amputation.
HOW TO READ THE PLASTIC OR METAL IDENTIFICATION RING OR LEG
BAND
The letters on the band will tell you the origin of the bird.
(EXAMPLE BAND BELOW)
Say... the band number reads, NPA 7 07 AT 1089
The ( NPA ) means it originated from the National Pigeon Association.
The (7) is the band size.
The (07) is the year the pigeon was born.
The (AT) is the band alphabetical sequence.
The (1089) is a unique
serial number for identifying that individual bird
Here is
the contact information for various organizations that provide pigeon leg bands
NPA = NATIONAL PIGEON ASSOCIATION. Contact NPA Secretary. Please be sure to email us the band number so that we can
locate the original owner for you.
IF = INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION
ORG.www.ifpigeon.com
AU = AMERICAN RACING PIGEON UNION ORGANIZATION
www.pigeon.org
CU = CANADIAN PIGEON UNION
www.canadianracingpigeonunion.com
IPB = INDEPENDENT PIGEON BREEDERS
www.foyspigeonsupplies.com
NBRC = NATIONAL BIRMINGHAM ROLLER CLUB
www.nbrconline.com
NPA Secretary/Treasurer
Tim Heidrich
PO Box 295
Winston, GA 30187
1.404.922.4960
Monday-Friday: 10:00-6:00
Eastern Time
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
2022 NPA Grand National Show
January 20, 21, 22, 2022
Amarillo, Texas