globalgirl Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 Hi guys Well its taken me about an hour just to register. Dont really use computers that much. My lovey grandad died just before christmas and I have taken on his last 4 pigeons. He used to breed them for racing but these last 4 are quite old, about 17years. I'm just a bit worried about them as they dont seem to be eating that much. Only about 2oz a day between them although they all seem quite well fed. There is a big black one that doesn't seem to let 'chicken legs' (he has the longest legs i've ever seen on a pigeon!!) eat. Should i be worried? Also is the long trough feeders better than the round grey plastic ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Am geting quite attached to my new feathered friends!!
Guest TAMMY_1 Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 Hi guys Well its taken me about an hour just to register. Dont really use computers that much. My lovey grandad died just before christmas and I have taken on his last 4 pigeons. He used to breed them for racing but these last 4 are quite old, about 17years. I'm just a bit worried about them as they dont seem to be eating that much. Only about 2oz a day between them although they all seem quite well fed. There is a big black one that doesn't seem to let 'chicken legs' (he has the longest legs i've ever seen on a pigeon!!) eat. Should i be worried? Also is the long trough feeders better than the round grey plastic ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Am geting quite attached to my new feathered friends!! Very nice to se you taking an intrest in the birds , they have been well cared for to reach 17 years of age, i use the long trough feeders as it gives the birds more room to feed from, 2 ounces between them is not a lot, do you give more and they dont eat it or is that all you give them ?, glad you like the birds and sorry to hear about your grandad .
Guest gladdo Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 well done mate ...i wonder if they are still filling their eggs if so you will have 8 in no time !!!! he he well done mate all the same thats superb by the way ....
Adam Gray Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 Try some mixed canary or rape after they have eaten there fill. With only four could you not hand feed them. That is a ripe old age !
Guest Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 It's great you are looking after them,maybe you will become interested enough to carry on in your own right?.I would try some conditioning/small seed mixtures.Are they used to peanuts? [not salted!!],these [once used to]help put weight on,always make sure they have grit and minerals too and make any diet changes gradually to avoid upset stomaches,good luck with them
Adam Gray Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 Whoops - when I said hand feed them I meant feed them by hand (from your hand) !
carlsberg Posted January 23, 2008 Report Posted January 23, 2008 if you need some new birds just ask members on pb , they are always ready to help new starters
globalgirl Posted January 24, 2008 Author Report Posted January 24, 2008 Thanks alot for your prompt responses. I'm putting down lots more food than 2oz but they are not eating any more. I guess it would make a difference that they are not very active cos they dont fly out daily. They are too old. They were on Bucktons quality racing pigeon food, high protein economy but did not seem to like this (their old feed was discontinued by the supplier as it was too expensive to make - but I do not know what was in it) I am now feeding them on a mixture of supreme poultry feed and split miaze but this is not that popular either!!! Any ideas of websites or where i can buy better food from. Also their claws seem quite long as they are not fl;ying much should I be worried about this. Do I need to take em for a manicure & pedicure!!!! 8) Unfortunately I do not think it would be advisiable for me to have any more birds as I am a trolly dollly long haul and my mum looks after them when I am away. they do seem to like it when im about so i dont think it would be fair to have any more gutted as i do like em!!! I would
little sam Posted January 24, 2008 Report Posted January 24, 2008 GLAOBAL GIRL DONT JUST CHANGE THE FEED FROM ONE CORN TO THE OTHER IN ONE GO YOU HAVE TO DO IT 5% AT A TIME IF NOT YOU WILL MAKE THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM STRESS AND THEY CULD FRET KEEP TO ONE CORN WITH A VERIETY IN IT THEY WILL EAT IT WEN THERE HUNGRY AND WILL ONLY EAT WHAT THEY NEED
Guest shadow Posted January 24, 2008 Report Posted January 24, 2008 try them on some redband conditioning seed most pigeons will go for it
Lennut Tar Posted January 24, 2008 Report Posted January 24, 2008 Thanks alot for your prompt responses. I'm putting down lots more food than 2oz but they are not eating any more. I guess it would make a difference that they are not very active cos they dont fly out daily. They are too old. They were on Bucktons quality racing pigeon food, high protein economy but did not seem to like this (their old feed was discontinued by the supplier as it was too expensive to make - but I do not know what was in it) I am now feeding them on a mixture of supreme poultry feed and split miaze but this is not that popular either!!! Any ideas of websites or where i can buy better food from. Also their claws seem quite long as they are not fl;ying much should I be worried about this. Do I need to take em for a manicure & pedicure!!!! 8) Unfortunately I do not think it would be advisiable for me to have any more birds as I am a trolly dollly long haul and my mum looks after them when I am away. they do seem to like it when im about so i dont think it would be fair to have any more gutted as i do like em!!! I would Yes !!!!!! You can quite easily cut there nails, just use a normal pair of nail clippers that you use on your own nails etc. Depending on how long they are, you may have to do it in stages (because of there old age as mentioned ) because you do not want to cut them to the stage that they bleed. Some even then file them smooth after cutting them etc. I never bother to do that in my position, I've found that they will even out, just by walking around the loft on the concrete floor. PS. 17 years!!!!!!!!! Grandad, must have looked after them pretty dam good :)I imagine ;D ;D ;D Enjoy.
Guest Posted January 24, 2008 Report Posted January 24, 2008 try them on some redband conditioning seed most pigeons will go for it I think that would be a good idea too ,you can often buy it in small bags too so if they don't like it you wouldn't have wasted much,if they are still struggeling with their appetites then you could try dotting about a bit of peppermint oil around the loft for the birds to just generally inhale as it is an appetite stimulent
globalgirl Posted January 25, 2008 Author Report Posted January 25, 2008 Just got in from non-boozy nite out (designated driver ) still someones gotta do it. Thank you so much for all your help everyone. Will take all advice on board & let you know how i get on. Am bit aprhensive about handling them - have never done it. They are getting used to me, been stroking them a little but they are so nervous. Dont want to frighten the little fellas. I know birds can be quite nervy. Do you think I should wait until they are more settled around me (I've been feeding them and cleaning them out for a couple of years but my grandad obviously handled them) before i attempt to trim claws, will their claws become a problem after a while? Off to bed now nite all
globalgirl Posted January 25, 2008 Author Report Posted January 25, 2008 Oh dear Chicken Legs seems to have all the feathers pecked away from the back of his neck. I've only noticed as he leans in to eat his food. Think the Big Blackie is pickin on him. Should I be worried or do they fight quite alot?
DUBLINFLYER Posted January 25, 2008 Report Posted January 25, 2008 its sumthing 2 watch!!!! another cock cud b tryin 2 claim his box just watch whos da culprit. but they do fight now an again witout a doubt :-/ : :-/
globalgirl Posted January 25, 2008 Author Report Posted January 25, 2008 What is happening!!! I'm turning into the pigeon lady of Surrey!!!! I was driving under a bridge in surbiton and I saw a bird sitting in the middle of the road. I know most people just expect them to fly away but somethin didnt seem quite rite so I stopped (much to the exasperation of the drivers behind me ;D) It was a baby pigeon who was trying to get to the side of the raod and trying to fly but not managing it. He got to the side but I couldnt just stop so I pulled in a bit further up and went back. I know your not supposed to move young birds so I just watched to see if his parents were about but when a dog went for him it got too much so i picked him up, still not sure what I was gonna do with him. He was so scared bless him and just a little baby but it was such a busy road with so many animals about. I needed somthing to put him in. I looked around and saw a kentucky so I went in holdin the baby pigeon and said "can I have a bargain bucket please" the guy behind the counter said "do you want breast chicken" i said "no thanks just the box!!!!" We have a wildlife rescue place near me so I took him there and they are gonna hand feed him as he is so young. I'm gonna check on it progress bless him. I bet my grandad is havin a good old chuckle about this
coey Posted January 25, 2008 Report Posted January 25, 2008 it has most probably fell out of it,s nest. pigeons nest under bridges.
Guest TAMMY_1 Posted January 25, 2008 Report Posted January 25, 2008 What is happening!!! I'm turning into the pigeon lady of Surrey!!!! I was driving under a bridge in surbiton and I saw a bird sitting in the middle of the road. I know most people just expect them to fly away but somethin didnt seem quite rite so I stopped (much to the exasperation of the drivers behind me ;D) It was a baby pigeon who was trying to get to the side of the raod and trying to fly but not managing it. He got to the side but I couldnt just stop so I pulled in a bit further up and went back. I know your not supposed to move young birds so I just watched to see if his parents were about but when a dog went for him it got too much so i picked him up, still not sure what I was gonna do with him. He was so scared bless him and just a little baby but it was such a busy road with so many animals about. I needed somthing to put him in. I looked around and saw a kentucky so I went in holdin the baby pigeon and said "can I have a bargain bucket please" the guy behind the counter said "do you want breast chicken" i said "no thanks just the box!!!!" We have a wildlife rescue place near me so I took him there and they are gonna hand feed him as he is so young. I'm gonna check on it progress bless him. I bet my grandad is havin a good old chuckle about this Well what you did was very kind and it shows you really do care about birds, taking him there to be reared was a great thing to do and you should be proud of yourself for doing that and it will be nice for you to be able to check up on the birds progress as it grows, I do know somebody who reared a chick from just after being born till it was a fully grown pigeon, hand fed all the time , it was an awful lot of work , but was worth it in the end , so you should be happy with what you did.
Lennut Tar Posted January 25, 2008 Report Posted January 25, 2008 Just got in from non-boozy nite out (designated driver ) still someones gotta do it. Thank you so much for all your help everyone. Will take all advice on board & let you know how i get on. Am bit aprhensive about handling them - have never done it. They are getting used to me, been stroking them a little but they are so nervous. Dont want to frighten the little fellas. I know birds can be quite nervy. Do you think I should wait until they are more settled around me (I've been feeding them and cleaning them out for a couple of years but my grandad obviously handled them) before i attempt to trim claws, will their claws become a problem after a while? Off to bed now nite all In simple laymans terms, "Not really" It would take quite a few years in your position etc in my view, before the claws/toes become a major problem. In a normal situation A pigeon uses it's toes to grip & hold onto its tail for flying & to scratch around the ground, the way I see it. If I may suggest to you, if they are longer than 1/2 an inch. Be a "Brave Girl" ;D ;D ;D & just cut them. Now !!!!!!! Nice story "Re Baby pigeon" I have no doubt whatsoever, Grandad would be very pleased & proud, in what he helped to produce. One could say. Enjoy
W.D. Posted January 26, 2008 Report Posted January 26, 2008 Think your Grandad's got a great big smile and maybe even dropping a hint for you Globalgirl???!!! Take it the birds are still in their old loft and the food is in front of them all the time?If so dont worry too much they are probably getting all they need.Might be useful to give them some pigeon grit and minerals if you haven't already? Re the toes,It is uncomfortable for them as they get older,thats why you never see old ladies in high heels???!!!Could you ask 1 of grandads old pals to have a look at them maybe?It's not a job for the faint hearted esp if you cut it too short and blood starts pouring out,even though it looks worse than it really is.Failing that there's always the vet ,my auntie used to take her budgie every year to get his done,same time as she got her feet done, just before xmas so she could go dancing! I'm worried about Chicken Legs as it sounds like he's getting bullied and maybe just too old to fight back?You might have to spend some time and just watch them esp just after you have fed them.Does the bully let him or the others get a chance to eat or does he chase them away?If the birds have boxes to sit in maybe try putting some feed in their box so they get time to eat?This might also explain why they are not eating as much?A bird usually eats about 1oz per day,but if its cold like it is at the moment they will eat more.Does Grandads' loft have more than 1 section if so you might have to separate them so they can have peace from each other?A bit like Heather Mills and Paul McCartney???!!! Re the feeding, you could always try 1 or 2 peanuts if you dont know what your Grandad gave them,they will know what they are as they love them when they get the taste,or some hemp or some small seed mix like trill for budgies which has hemp in it as they love this also.Its a bit like chocolate for birdies! Anyway God Bless you and hope you can get as much pleasure and as many warm memories of your grandad as you can while tending to them.
globalgirl Posted February 28, 2008 Author Report Posted February 28, 2008 Hi guys I haven't been able to get on for a while. I've been busy renting out one of my rooms. Busy busy busy. I've has to separate big blackie from the rest of the pigeons but now i'm worried that it might not be fair leaving him by himself. Do pigeons need company?? Wish I had more time to find out more about them but trying to sort out 2 houses coupled with a full time flying job is tough. I've moved the other 3 into a new shed. Should I try to introduce blackie once the others have established themselves. Do you think it will stop him bullying the chicken legs and one eye if they were in the new shed first?
Guest cloudview Posted February 28, 2008 Report Posted February 28, 2008 split shed in half ,or should i say put a partition in , and put blackie in 1 half with his mate , if you know which one it is,
pjc Posted February 29, 2008 Report Posted February 29, 2008 Glabal girl, sound like you are doing a great job. Be careful with changeing food as has been said, how often are they being fed? Where in the country are you? Is there another fancier localy, maybe one of your grandads fellow members that can pop around and give you any advice? Are the birds in the loft your grandad had or have you got the somewhere else now? Phil
globalgirl Posted February 29, 2008 Author Report Posted February 29, 2008 I live in West Ewell Surrey. My dear old grandad didn't really have any pigeon friends left when he went. We have bought a new shed and put it up at my mums house as she is there all the time and it seems fairer but because blackie was bullying the others we left him where he is. I really thought we were gonna lose old one eye when they were all in the same shed but she seems to have picked up a bit now. I feel really guilty about blackie being on his own tho. It just doesn't seem fair. Shall I take the mini blackie back to be with him? Will he get lonely. I'm still adding a bit of conditgioning seed to his feed like I was advised to do but only a very small amount. Wish I knew more or rather had the time to learn. Just hope I'm doing the right thing by them.
globalgirl Posted February 29, 2008 Author Report Posted February 29, 2008 Oh yes I feed them and change their water every day xx
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