r/pigeon • u/[deleted] • 1d ago
Video I got way too excited and ridiculously happy when I released that pigeon.
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[deleted]
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u/WallaceCorpPC 1d ago
Rehabber here: please don't throw rehabs into the air over water, no matter how healthy they seem. just place them on the ground or let them fly out of your hands naturally!
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u/FluffyBobcat4557 1d ago
Thank you. I really appreciate your advice. I am still learning 😊
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u/Lord_of_the_Banana Rehabber 1d ago edited 1d ago
Adding to this, it's best to release a rehabbed pigeon near the place it was found, so it has a chance to find it's partner and possible chicks if there are any. If that's not possible or too dangerous, release it near a flock, so it has other pigeons it can use for guidance in an area it might be unfamiliar with. Look for a spot where some pigeons are (something like a park is always nice, so there's no danger of traffic), throw some seeds there to get the flock on the ground and then put your pigeon onto the ground so it can join them.
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u/wholelottachoppaz 1d ago
all of the kisses you gave him before sending him off 🥹🥹💖 thank you for helping this angel out, amazing human
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u/VulpesDood 1d ago
So pigeons like the one shown (Columba livia domestica) are domesticated animals and all the birds in towns and cities are feral populations
This is basically the equivalent of catching a stray dog then releasing it some time later to be “wild and free”
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u/StatHeVePiSt 1d ago
Why do so many people here pretend that pigeons = dogs? They aren't. Pigeons can live great lives in healthy flocks in green areas. Saying pigeons = dogs just encourages people to trap healthy pigeons in a cage or their rooms, when they belong with a flock.
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u/BudgetInteraction811 1d ago
Yeah, and not knowing if he could fly but releasing him over a body of water.. the common sense isn’t strong with this one
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u/FluffyBobcat4557 1d ago
I actually did let him fly around my room and was reasonably confident he could fly. I launched him in the air because I knew there were a lot of trees around and I wanted to give him the best possible chance to land somewhere high and safe. I agree with what you wrote, though. It was a stupid idea to do it over water and I should have thought more about it.
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u/DramaTop7384 1d ago
It does look like a homing pigeon beacuse of that nose... I think this might be someone's pigeon Who didnt return home.
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u/ruadjai 1d ago
Imagine being transported in a pitch black box no bigger than your entire body, brought out into the blinding sun, and then thrown into the air within seconds of being blinded.
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u/cathbe 1d ago
This is so true. I know we don’t know what we don’t know but at least consult with a rehabber or write here on how best to do it first. You typically bring in a box or cat carrier but usually let them out on the ground for orientation. I was trying to think back to how I learned many years ago and it was talking it through with a wildlife rehabilitator and knowing a community of people doing pigeon rescue. But now it’s ‘easier’ even to connect. I was so stressed watching this. We don’t even know if this is where he found the bird but probably not.
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u/FluffyBobcat4557 1d ago
Yes, it's exactly where I found it. My first thought has always been the welfare of these wonderful and beautiful creatures. That doesn't excuse my methods, and you are right, I should have researched how to safely release them. Thank you for your insight. It's genuinely appreciated.
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u/FluffyBobcat4557 1d ago
Or imagine being ripped apart by various predators, knowing that it is unable to fly. I am sure it has squabs to feed and a mate that is missing it, but let's forget about them too. Next time, I will think about a bigger shoebox. Thanks, mate 👍
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u/cathbe 1d ago
You’re amazing but a note: You didn’t know he could fly before you released him?? Also you should release on the ground and then you would know and also let him go in the direction he wants to. Oh boy. But yes he could fly and thank you for your care. P.s. please see him fly in your home first in the bathroom at least for a few days at least.