gilder

hi john - what i'm worried about was the zero response from the owner when i ask for advice - even if he'd shown a little interest i would not be so concerned about release & his possible return home. it would be great if he would return to me - i wouldn't mind building a small outdoor facility for his needs obviously if he can fly i can't keep him in confinement so i guess it's really down to chance regarding the outcome of my present dilemma. he's eating & drinking fine, preening & has started to coo. however as mentioned the limp is quite bad although he does scratch his head with that leg. i ask our vet to look at him but he wasn't interested & i know of no real pigeon guy's in my area thanks for your advice.

hi showman - i'm in Newtownabbey.

thanks for your replies - i did contact the owner who said he would collect but on subsequent conversation with others i was informed that the bird would "probably" be euthanized. i did email the owner stating the extent of the bird's injuries & asking for advice etc but received no reply - i also texted. as i mentioned, if i have to keep him then fine however if someone could please answer the question of release or not i would be really grateful. that is, if i do release him what are the chances of him either returning to me, the owner or just getting lost & dying of starvation or predator attack - appreciating it's a question requiring an answer based on speculation. also if i can't release him then what outdoor facilities (and other) would be required to give him a reasonable existence? the little guy's a real fighter so i wouldn't want to give up on him. i live in co. antrim, n.ireland. thanks again.

hi guys i know nothing about pigeons & require some serious advice. about 5 wks ago i found an injured racer (it has rings) on my wild bird garden feeding table. it had a bad neck wound & also a severe limp to such an extent that it mostly stood on one leg. the neck wound has healed & the limp although still pronounced is slightly less significant than before. i keep it in a guinea pig cage indoors (about 3'x2'x2') with a smaller housing box placed inside. i can feel the power in his wings when i lift him so i think he can fly ok although i have no way of confirming that due to the small space in which he is presently confined. i've been told that as a domesticated bird he can never be released - is that so?? to be honest i don't want a pigeon as a pet (i rescue huskies) but if that's the deal then fair enough. he is very aggressive & becoming more so as the days progess - is that normal? any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.