How do we care for carrier pigeons?

Question

A carrier pigeon has found its way to our house because its owner, a older neighbor, passed away earlier this summer. It has been here all summer eating the bird seed I put out for my other birds and drinking the water I have sitting around and keep fresh for them. I found the spot where it must sleep, and stay, but it will not make it over the winter in that spot. What should I be feeding it? What "housing" should I get for it to keep it from getting too cold during the winter or should I just let it alone to care for itself. It does have a band on it's leg. Can I ever get it familiar with me to do anything with it. I have never thought or done anything with them before. I did not know the guy who owned it, or any of his famliy. the house is now vacant.

Answer 1

Thanks for taking care of the bird.  What city/state or province are you in?  If you go to the A.U. website http://www.pigeon.org or to the I.F. one http://www.ifpigeon.com (or the C.U. one http://www.canadianracingpigeonunion.com...  if you're in Canada) you may be directed to a local racing club near you and one of the club members may be able to come over and trap the bird so it can get back into a loft.  

If you want to keep the bird there, then the best thing to do is to add some larger seed to what I'm sure is more a wild bird mix.  Pigeons need a bit more protein than is in those.  If he's still outside when it gets cold, then you should add more corn (maize) up to 30% or more isn't bad in sub zero weather.

As for housing, basically anything that cuts the wind from at least three sides, preferably four, and is dry -- pigeons can't take wet.

Addendum: It's possible that the bird may become much more friendly especially if you move slowly around it and treat it with some "candy" seed like safflower.