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.
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.
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
