Pidgee, the lost pidgeon that has been hanging around central Levin.
Pidgee, the lost pidgeon that has been hanging around central Levin.
A lost homing pigeon living rough on the streets of Levin was to be reunited with its owner last night.
"Pidgee" turned up in a backstreet alleyway in Levin last Friday, his attractive blue-grey plumage attracting the attention of staff at neighbouring businesses on their way to and from work.
The lost bird had been hiding out in a shelter near Levin Paper Plus since. Staff there had made sure the bird had water and crumbs to eat, but were initially loathe to try to catch it.
Attempts had been made to find the owner and a post on social media with photographs had been viewed extensively, however it was difficult to get close enough to decipher the numbers and letters on a green tag around his right foot.
Pidge, the lost pidgeon that has been hanging around central Levin.
Meanwhile, Pigeon Racing New Zealand had a page on its website detailing exactly what to do with a found pigeon.
"Most lost birds are hungry and thirsty. Water is necessary before all else. Since pigeons drink by suction, any water container should be at least 2.5 cm deep," the website said.
"The container should be heavy enough not to be knocked over. A half preserving jar is most suitable for this purpose although a dish, an old margarine tub, etc. can be used. A bird which has gone without water for a while is sometimes a bit less than itself.
"It may be so exhausted, it doesn't even realise that water is in front of it, especially if the water container you use is different from what it is familiar with. A trick is to trickle a few drops of water from on high into the container to make a splashing sound."
"When they hear that, most birds will invariably head to drink."
"Pigeons are grain eaters. While park pigeons will eat bread, most domestic birds have been raised on a multi-grain mixture and have never seen a slice of it. In fact, they would likely ignore it as possible food."
"Instead of bread, you might try feeding them something else from around the house. Popcorn [maize], rice, split peas, barley, cage bird seed, etc., are all good first options to feed a lost bird with."
"If you have some soup mix available, this is a good substitute as this contains most of the grains that pigeons generally eat. THESE GRAINS SHOULD NOT BE COOKED OR POPPED BUT FED RAW."
"Water should also be provided since pigeons normally drink immediately after eating."
What should I keep it in?
"Any container that a dog or cat can't get into will be fine. An old bird cage will hold the pigeon for a day or so with no problem, as will a cardboard box. A screen on top of such a box is better than simply closing the flaps since there will then be enough light for the bird to see to eat and drink plus provide plenty of ventilation."
"Once caught, the usually tired and hungry pigeon should be kept in a secure place away from cats etc."
Finding the bird's owner
Please report lost pigeons by sending the details to admin.manager@prnz.org.nz.
"When reporting the found pigeon it is important to give all the details from the life ring of the bird. There will be a Club Code, Year, and Number, these are all needed to enable the owner to be traced and contacted."
"NEVER try to attach a note to the owner by rubber banding it to the bird's leg. This cuts off the leg's blood circulation and often leads to gangrene and amputation of the limb."
Please include the following in your email:
Your Name Your Phone Number Your Street Address including Town/City Pigeon Ring Details (see above - please advise Club Code, Year and Number on ring) Details of condition of bird
