Pigeon Flew Away With Mate

[FlyBoeingAircraft]

Howdy! I have a small flock of pigeons that regularly flies around the area, and are trained, knowing how to come back home. This is my first time raising pigeons, so I don't know too much. The other day, when they were flying, they spotted a hawk, they all flew away, safely, two of them returned a few hours later, but the other ones have since disappeared for a few days now, it was raining quite a bit two days after they flew away, if that matters, but anyways, any advice on what I could do? I do know it's unlikely for them to come back, but my kids are weeping about them, and I need a solution, I myself care about them too, so, give me your suggestions. Thanks, y'all!

 

[tacothechicken]

Not a lot you can do unfortunately other than maybe leave some food and water out so if they return they can rest up, I've had young Birds take 3 days to get back from what should be a 5 hr training flight due to hawks so I feel your pain <

 

[FlyBoeingAircraft]

Do you think posting some ads on Craigslist and Nextdoor would help, possibly? One friend recommended notifying the local animal shelter, and I have seen some doves and pigeons there, do you think it's worth time?

 

[Ribh]

So sorry. I know nothing about pigeons so can offer no suggestions.

 

[FlyBoeingAircraft]

So sorry. I know nothing about pigeons so can offer no suggestions.

That's fine! Pigeons definitely are an exotic pet, wouldn't expect everyone to know a lot about them. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

 

[cavemanrich]

If your pigeons were not of the homing variety, then a hawk chase easily sent them flying out of their known area. Easily lost at that scenario.
Advice to children,,,,,, Well that is a tough one. I think a gentle explanation that they found a new home may work. (depending on age)
Not sure how you are setup to breed more pigeons. You can possibly purchase some young squabs never flown and homeset them to your loft.
Ask anything else you are not aware of. There are many pigeon fanciers here that can help you with answers.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Hokum Coco]

One friend recommended notifying the local animal shelter,

Anything you employ to gain exposure of your loss may help. We have a site run locally for lost pets. I have used that to my benefit however the birds I recovered in most cases were not mine and only banded with zip ties or the like. I was unable to return them to their rightful owner.

Yes I got one of my birds back using that animal shelter route. The computer and social media may be another method you could employ. You will have an even better chance of retrieval if your birds are banded with your name and phone number on said band. That is my experience.
If their homing instinct is strong they will either make it home or die trying. I had one bird fly home 790 miles after being held prisoner for 9 months. Jackson he was a feral I raised by hand as a squab. I would rate him as the best homer I ever owned RIP. I have had other surprises with birds that I have written off as well that particular one is most memorable. I must confess about Jackson I sold that bird 22 times people just gave up on retrieving him. He spent his final days in my loft.

 

[jak2002003]

Sorry to hear about your birds.

How many did you have and how many are missing?

Have you had them a long time? Were they bred at your loft?

If there were new birds and not born at your place I suspect they have tried to fly back to their old owners.

Its normal for them to scatter after a hawk attack, but not normal for them to stay away for so long.

If they were young birds with no nests or eggs, then they have little incentive to return home. They might be enjoying their freedom for a bit. I had that happen before, but never with adult breeding birds as they are so attacked to their nest box.

Hopefully, if they are young birds, they will eventually get hungry and return to you. I have had some disappear for over 2 weeks before then came back when they just decided to fly off with the local feral flock to explore.

Wish you luck!

PS, if you allow the remaining birds to fly around the coop for training they can attract the stray birds back themselves.

 

[FlyBoeingAircraft]

Anything you employ to gain exposure of your loss may help. We have a site run locally for lost pets. I have used that to my benefit however the birds I recovered in most cases were not mine and only banded with zip ties or the like. I was unable to return them to their rightful owner.

Yes I got one of my birds back using that animal shelter route. The computer and social media may be another method you could employ. You will have an even better chance of retrieval if your birds are banded with your name and phone number on said band. That is my experience.
If their homing instinct is strong they will either make it home or die trying. I had one bird fly home 790 miles after being held prisoner for 9 months. Jackson he was a feral I raised by hand as a squab. I would rate him as the best homer I ever owned RIP. I have had other surprises with birds that I have written off as well that particular one is most memorable. I must confess about Jackson I sold that bird 22 times people just gave up on retrieving him. He spent his final days in my loft.

View attachment 1651462

Thanks for the help! I will go with that route then, looking forward to (hopefully) being reunited with them. Your answer is much appreciated!

 

[FlyBoeingAircraft]

Sorry to hear about your birds.

How many did you have and how many are missing?

Have you had them a long time? Were they bred at your loft?

If there were new birds and not born at your place I suspect they have tried to fly back to their old owners.

Its normal for them to scatter after a hawk attack, but not normal for them to stay away for so long.

If they were young birds with no nests or eggs, then they have little incentive to return home. They might be enjoying their freedom for a bit. I had that happen before, but never with adult breeding birds as they are so attacked to their nest box.

Hopefully, if they are young birds, they will eventually get hungry and return to you. I have had some disappear for over 2 weeks before then came back when they just decided to fly off with the local feral flock to explore.

Wish you luck!

PS, if you allow the remaining birds to fly around the coop for training they can attract the stray birds back themselves.

Hello! I have 4 pigeons, 2 of them are missing, although they haven't bred yet. One of them has been at my loft for a while now, and even flew away once, and ended up coming back, hiding behind my garbage bins. However, its mate, which flew away with them is younger, and it has only been his second time flying in my loft. I'll try to contact the old owners, thank you for the help! Much appreciated!