One of your birds that didn't make it home from the race has been found? What should you do?
Below are a few questions to ask yourself.
1. How far from home is the bird?(If it's only a few miles from you, the best thing to do is just go get the bird. This way, the finder of the bird knows that pigeon fanciers DO care about their birds. If the bird got THAT close to home, but couldn't make it all the way, there's a good chance it won't ever make it home)
3. How long was it missing before someone found it?(This alone will almost tell you what shape the bird is in.)
4. Did the finder have to "catch" the bird, or did they just pick it up?(If they had a hard time catching the bird, its possible that after a couple of days the bird can be released. If they actually picked the bird up without any problems, the chances of this bird making it home are slim. ESPECIALLY if it's a LONG ways from home)
4. Does the finder of your bird know anything about pigeons?(Finders who know nothing about pigeons will assume (if they just picked it up) that because it's banded, it's a "pet", not realizing that if it could, the bird would have flown away and not been caught so easily.)
Along with the above questions, you have to take in consideration how long the race was, how far the bird flew to get where it has been found and how far it has to fly to get home.
Not everyone can afford to have a bird shipped back home and with the price of gas, you may not be able to afford to drive to get the bird.
However, you should never tell someone to "just let the bird go" just because you can't afford to go get it.
You could always offer to let the people keep the bird. MANY people who find our birds don't know anything about them, but, after a few days, they absolutely fall in love with them. I've seen it happen time and time again. If that's what you decide to do, you need to educate the finders about the pigeon. Make sure they aren't going to stick it in a cage for the rest of it's life AND make sure that they know, if they let it loose, it will TRY to come home and may be lost forever.
If the finder keeping the bird is not an option, the next best thing to do is try to find a fancier in the area where the bird is and ask them to go get it for you. They may be able to give it to a new member in their club or keep it themselves OR maybe work something out with you on getting it back home.
Now, having said all of this, we all should know our birds pretty well and you know when a bird has gotten lost, whether it might be able to make it home or not.
The bottom line is, that bird was sent to a race (or training toss) by YOU. Whether the bird is not physically capable of flying the race you asked it fly, or it's just not the smartest bird in your loft doesn't matter. What matters is YOU are the one who put it out there and it's YOUR responsibility to see that the bird is taken care of.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.
