What to do if you find an injured racing pigeon
If the pigeon does not have a ring on its leg, it is more likely a wild or feral pigeon
THE pigeon racing season is in full swing and you could come across a tired or injured racing pigeon at your residence.
Riverpark Pigeon Racing Club supplied this handy information.
In the first instance, you will need to check that the pigeon has a coloured number ring on its leg, example GPU (Gauteng Pigeon Union) ZA15 (year of issue) 99999.
If the pigeon does not have a ring on its leg, it is more likely a wild or feral pigeon rather than a racing pigeon. There will be an electronic ring on the pigeon’s other leg which will have a sticker on it with the telephone number of the Ring Steward of the union or federation to which the pigeon owner belongs.
This is a compulsory ruling by the NSPCA, so that the pigeon can be reported to the owner via the relevant organisation.
Most lost birds are hungry and thirsty. Water is necessary before all else. Ensure water is available in a deep dish. If you wish to do so, please provide food: bird seed, whole mealies or uncooked rice or lentils are all suitable. Do not feed racing pigeons bread!
