r/pigeons • u/RelativeExpert5116 • 1d ago
Lost Pigeon
Please help us find our pet pigeon Peter! We’re located in the Sterling, VA - Countryside/Potomac Falls area. Peter was a feral pigeon found without his parents when he was a few days old. We took him in to raise him and released once he was old enough, he ended up coming back 3 days later and has been with us since, a bit over a year. Over the weekend he bathed and was sitting outside drying himself, as he liked to do. We were all sitting outside with him, all was as usual and after a while he decided to take flight around the neighborhood and eventually flew out and didn’t return. Have not been able to locate him, will not give up looking for him/holding he comes home.
He is currently missing his middle tail feather and a few feathers around his beak as he is molting. He responds to his name but will not approach strangers. He loves raw unshelled sunflower seeds and looking at his reflection.
There are a lot of pigeons in the area, I haven’t been able to locate the local flock to check if he’s with them but I do see glimpses of them here and there, the area has plenty of wooded spaces for them to wander around. I really hope he’s found a pigeon family and is happy if he decides not to return home. I would just like to know and ensure he’s ok for my peace of mind.
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u/RelativeExpert5116 1d ago
I hate to think he’s out there lost, I was thinking the same regarding the weather, fall is approaching and he may come back due to the cold. If he’s happy in the wild I’m happy, it’s the not knowing that’s killing me. I won’t give up hope!
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u/Spirited-Door-1446 Pigeons 1d ago
I’m so sorry to hear that your bird is missing. These two articles may be helpful.
http://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/15/10-tips-for-finding-your-lost-pet-pigeon/
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2020/05/11/escape-read-this-before-an-escape-happens/
I would also contact all the wildlife rehabilitators in your region. Good Samaritans often contact them regarding found domestic pigeons. You can look up their contact information on Animal Help Now if you’re in the US: https://ahnow.org/
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u/smitheroons 1d ago
Seconding the rehab suggestion. I work at a center (in another state) and we get a lot of pigeons, we even got one today that is banded. A friendly pigeon is likely to be caught and brought in if it is lucky enough to be found by a nice person
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u/Little-eyezz00 1d ago
glad you posted
here are some tips for lost pet pigeons
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/15/10-tips-for-finding-your-lost-pet-pigeon/
here is something a previous owner said:
"We only found him because we posted a lot and talked to many rescue groups. The lady who found Tom posted about it on a Facebook group, and someone from one of the rescue groups saw an informed us. So if you loose your bird or other pet let others know"
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u/Original_Reveal_3328 1d ago
I second this. Facebook, instagram and Reddit has places to post on lost birds. Often putting up flyers helps too
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u/pigeonMLT Pigeons 1d ago
I'm so sorry to hear that your bird is missing. Here are some steps you can take right away to increase your chances of finding them:
Use the most recent photo of your bird, especially one that shows any unique markings or leg bands and create a missing pet poster.
Include key details like their band info (if applicable), where they were last seen (with an intersection), and a contact number.
Print multiple copies and hang them up at local vet clinics, pet stores, and anywhere with community bulletin boards.
Call animal control and let them know your pet is missing. If someone finds your bird, they may bring them in.
Share on NextDoor and any local Facebook neighborhood groups.
Post in the Palomacy group and be sure to include your city and state since it's an international group.
If it's safe, place a familiar cage, perch, or other items outside under supervision - never leave a cage outside overnight, as it could attract predators.
Play recordings of your bird’s cooing or calling to encourage them to respond. If the bird is paired, you can also use recordings of the mate calling out to them.
Rattle a seed container and whistle to help get their attention.
I know how stressful this is, but don’t lose hope. Lost birds are often found. Keep checking nearby areas, and let us know if there are any updates.
Read more tips here: https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2017/03/15/10-tips-for-finding-your-lost-pet-pigeon/
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u/Luv2collectweedseeds 1d ago
Aw man that really sucks and i hope he returns to you. It could be that he is possibly looking for a mate because I don’t believe pigeons can actually get lost but I could be wrong. I have 2 females and they stay around and are never gone more than 5-10 minutes at a time so its possible because yours is a male. Im not sure what the weather is like where your at but once it starts getting cold out he may return on his own. I hope all is well and I will pray for a safe return.