What happens to the homing pigeons that lose their way home? It sounds like the premise to a joke - like the road-crossing chicken but in the air.
The truth is, however, some pigeons cannot find their way back to the loft that released them.
But before you can say "they had one job", it does, for the RSPCA, create a problem. These homing pigeons need re-homing.
That, the charity suggests, is not as easy as it sounds, with officers offering to drive up to 100 miles to find new bird digs. But why is the process tricky, and Staff at RSPCA Stapeley Grange, near Nantwich, Cheshire, have been rehabilitating a number of pigeons, including domestic racers, after they were found suffering from exhaustion.
The centre reports seeing a surge in the amount of pigeons arriving in the last couple of years, which they attribute to a combination of factors.
The first issue is that some birds, staff say, simply do get lost. Racing pigeons can travel long distances and will stop for breaks along their journey when they become tired. That, the centre explains, makes them susceptible to cats and other predators. Some journeys see them unable to retrace their steps, so to speak, and therefore unable to get back home.
Compounding that, though, add staff, is that birds are being deliberately abandoned by owners who can no longer afford to keep them. Why is the charity seeing an increase in the number of pigeons, once kept by fanciers, coming into care?
The centre currently has 18 pigeons in need of re-homing, many of which are thought to have come from the Cheshire and Staffordshire areas, and some from further afield.
But it is not a straightforward process. Some of the pigeons at Stapeley Grange have been in the care of the RSPCA for 10 months.
“They have received excellent care, but now we would love to find them new loving forever homes, as some of them have been with us for quite some time,” said centre manager Lee Stewart.
He said: “It can be difficult finding new owners for birds like this as not many people have the facilities to house them.
“We are willing to transfer longer distances for the right loving forever home - up to 100 miles if we find the right homes.
“We’d urge anyone who is in a position to be able to help us to get in touch.”
New owners will need to have large aviaries and previous experience of caring for domestic pigeons, as well as the necessary time and resources.
Those who are interested in adopting any of the pigeons should contact Stapeley Grange for details.
Pam please tell Donnie these Hansennes do indeed have a lot of class. Large wings like I've never seen like maybe on a duck or owl. They have a lovely prance, and their Roman noses takes the cake. Love it! Keep up the good breeding Donnie.
Dear Don,
Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you. When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos. I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock. Have a good breeding season with your birds.
Received birds this morning here in Missouri. They are safe and both beautiful.
Beautiful female pigeon. Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture. I figured her picture wasn't the best pose. The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together. Thanks again they are gorgeous....
The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens. Thanks alot
Hello. I received the birds today they look great. Thank you very much.
The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her. She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus. Thanks so much!
Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today. Thanks again!
Hi Don, birds are adapting well. I like their presentaion & calmness. Looks like they will fit in with my birds. I see what you mean about the BB. We'll see how he produces. Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.
Regards
Jim
Halo! Just picked up bird from post office. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
