Great care and much time is spent in the training of the birds at Earth's Angels loft.
Our birds are banded at 10 days old with a permant band that identifies them as Eath's Angels birds as well as a phone number to contact us should you find one of our birds lost or injured.
We take every precaution possible to ensure the birds safe return. Although rare, sometimes a bird is unable to make it home. There are many reasons for this. The bird may be disoriented by low frequency sounds such as engines on airplanes, solar flares causing a disturbance in the earth's magnetic fields, or a young bird on its maiden flight becoming separated form the rest of the flock..
If you find a dove or pigeon here is what you can do for the bird:
If the bird appears to be seriously injured take it to a veterinarian, preferably one that specializes in birds. If you don't see any lifethreatening injuries then follow these suggestions to care for the bird until it's owner can be located:
1. Clean fresh water in a bowl at least 1 1/2" deep (pigeons use their beaks like straws and suck water into their mouth)
2. Feed the pigeon. Any kind of bird seed will do. They will not recognize bread as a
food. Wild bird food or sunflower seeds will do, unpopped popcorn will be ok if you
don't have any bird seed (don't use microwave popcorn as it is coated with oil).
3. Put it in a cage. One about 2'x2' will be plenty big enough. In a pinch a pet carrier or cardboard box with a screen over the top. Place the cage some where quite where the bird can rest.
4. Health risks from pigeons are no more than those from your dog or cat. As with any pet after handling, wash your hands.
5. Pigeons don't bite. Don't be afraid to pick the bird up to place it in a safe place.
Most reputable release services and racers place permanent bands on their birds. There will be a series of letters and numbers to help identify the bird and its owner. You may also see a band such as ours with the release service name and /or phone number. The birds with numbered, permanent bands will be registered with a club or association.
The links below are to the most well known pigeon associations. If the id letters are not from one of the organizations below they can most likely tell you which one the bird is registered with. They will be able to help you locate the birds owner.
