Julie

Hi Rose, I suppose I can't make them roost where I want if I don't shut them in at night, corner of the stable a bit dodgy with one or two of our horses though, so they would have to be choosy and pick a placid one's stable. ;D ;D

Hi Freebird, thank you for that suggestion they do sound like fun. I don't know whether to congratulate you, or commiserate with you on your horse owning state!!! ;D ;D But that is an entirely different subject. What sort of accommodation do any of these non-racing type pigeons need? Do dovecotes do the job or do they need more substantial buildings, like a shed. Julie(1)

I think you're right David, I am a bit hooked, I'm very fond of all birds anyway, I think some white pigeons in the yard - which is not very grand or anything, but a beautiful spot - would be very nice. I will have to look into it. Julie, you are very welcome in my thread, it has added much more interest. I'm so glad you have caught the pigeon, you will be hooked soon ;D. Julie - the old one ;D

Hi Julie, just saw your message. I am probably not the person to ask really as I know nothing. I was lucky, the pigeon who landed on us slept in the rafters of our small stable block; and yes I was worried about foxes, kestrels crows not to mention our dogs getting it. I think from what I can see pigeons are very quick at taking off to evade predators, but equally I know foxes hunt at night so can understand your concerns. He is probably tired, hungry thirsty and frightened. but I found that ours began to trust us and would come down whenever we were nearby and we could almost stroke him; a few more days and we would have been able to catch him. I just gave ours some cereal- oats because that was what we had- and water in a dog bowl. But they like rice, defrosted peas & sweetcorn which you may have. You need to see if you can read the number on the ring and post on this website under a new thread, then hopefully someone will give you an idea where it is from. I'm pretty sure you will get lots of helpful and very friendly advice from these guys. Julie

Thank you DJ. Yes I have had a good read about David's pigeon in the kitchen, what a wonderful story, I have been chatting to him and he was kind enough to send some food for my chap, but as he flew off this morning he hasn't had any of it. I have checked the yard this evening and he still hasn't returned :'(, so I assume he has gone north to his home. I rang the owner again and left a message, you never know they may get back to me, they may be on holiday with someone else looking after their loft but not the phone messages. We were in the yard for several hours this evening doing the neds, and every time a pigeon flew over we were craning our necks to see if it was our bird; we even got the binoculars out to spy on the wood pigeons in the trees, there are lots here. How pathetic is that, we must be hooked! Cheers every body, you are a great crowd and so funny, interesting and caring about your passion ;D; I will keep you posted if my bird returns or any others drop in, they would be very welcome, or if I hear from the owner. I shall also drop in from time to time to see what your all talking about! Julie

Absolutely Chris, I can see from this website that you pigeon fanciers are just as dotty about your birds as we horse fanciers are about our neds! I'm sure there is a good reason why my pigeon's owner hasn't rung. I am about to go and check if pigeon has returned and will phone the guy afterwards. I have no idea how fast the birds can fly? Is it conceivable that it could have made it to S*expletive removed*horpe in a day from near Towcester?

Oh yes I agree, I am sorry that he hasn't got in touch; I shall try again if pigeon is there later, and if he isn't I will call any way to see if he has gone home. It would be good to know he has arrived safely. Julie

No, sadly there has been no reply to the message I left on their voice mail. I have to say like Sally in "Pigeon in my garden" thread, I have become very attached to this bird, he is so friendly and I would be happy for him to stay; But equally I would like him to be back with his owner who is I understand a young Lad. I haven't seen the pigeon this morning, and he was flying around a lot yesterday evening; so possibly he has already set off home to S*expletive removed*horpe. If I see him again this afternoon I will let you all know. Julie.

The pigeon food has arrived, thank you very much, I am sure a certain little bird will be very grateful for something more interesting to eat.

Yes he's having a great time, he's moved in with a fat dapple grey cob, they seem to enjoy one anothers company, and the cob likes the oats he leaves. I would be very grateful for some more suitable food then I will have a better idea about their food. Although I have noticed the discussions about shiny neck feathers, on the forum, and he positively gleams so he must be getting what he needs to some extent. I will PM my address. Thanks David

Latest update on this pigeon: He/She is still with us, I have contacted the owner who lives in or near S*expletive removed*horpe but no reply as yet. The pigeon, who we are now quite fond of, still seems to be happy and healthy, living in the rafters of our stables and coming down to be with us while we mess about with the horses. Needless to say he is being fed on oats ( should be a fast pigeon ) which he seems to relish; but some advice on alternative food would be welcome. Also is there any outwardly visible signs to denote gender, we think it is male for some reason but not sure. Cheers Julie.

It's a pleasure, I have contacted the club secretary, left a message and hopefully something will come of it.

Thanks for the info, I will contact them.

Pigeon moved in with us, green ring GB08 D 48730, also wearing pink ring. Bucks South Northants border. In good health from what we can see. being fed and watered!