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February 21, 2019
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Rescuing the All Star Doves

Rescuing the All Star Doves

Your support saved these birds’ lives.

In transit- six of the 28 All Star Ringneck doves rescued

On November 28th, Palomacy received word that 28 domestic Ringneck doves (all descended from five) needed rescue as their person, a resident of the All Star Trailer Park, could no longer care for them. They were all living outside, crowded into unsafe cages so it was 911.

This flimsy cage is a death trap, not at all safe for outside use!

The thing is, Palomacy foster homes and aviaries are always full up. The number of birds needing rescue is never-ending and our rescue is small. We don’t have a sanctuary or a shelter facility though we very much need one. With every available foster space filled with the 130 birds already in our care, we didn’t have any place to house a flock of 28 additional birds. The one shelter in the area that accepts birds was maxed out with a recent intake of 20 ducks.

We networked and scrambled to try and find safe places for the doves to land. We got a couple of leads for potential aviaries and our current dove fosters looked to see how they could squeeze in a few more.

On December 2nd, super volunteer Jill (an all star in her own right) loaded up her car with carriers and made the 100 mile (one way) trip to go get the doves. We didn’t know where they were going to go, only that they had to be rescued. While she was making the drive, dove foster volunteers Liese, Faye and Emma were preparing to fit a couple in here and there and I was working on the aviary leads.

Crates loaded, on the way to rescue

We never know what we’ll find when we head out on a rescue. The All Star doves were living in terrible, unsafe and overcrowded conditions. And all except for one little splay-legged dove now named Jade, were in perfect shape. Strong, healthy birds, They are what we call a “survival of the fittest” flock. Birds that were injured, ill or weak died while the strong survived. Some had gotten out now and then and been caught and killed but miraculously the cats, raccoons, raptors and rats hadn’t yet killed them all in their their flimsy cages.

Unprotected from predators, the doves were living on borrowed time.

Jill was welcomed and helped by Genevieve, the kind neighbor who had been feeding the All Star doves and who reached out to find help for them. They worked carefully to catch and transfer each dove from the cages to carriers, under the curious watch of the cat locals.

Genevieve was very happy to see the doves rescued

And then another miracle. One of our aviary leads became a real possibility! Robin, referred to us by a local wildlife rescuer, had a vacant aviary, was home and willing to quickly complete our screening process! By the time Jill had all the doves loaded up, I had a wonderful potential fosterer for her to go meet!

I have no idea what we would have done if not for Robin’s big, wonderful aviary and her immediate willingness to help us help these doves. She and husband Dean welcomed Jill and the All Stars. Together they reviewed Palomacy’s foster policies and assessed the aviary for safety enhancements the doves would need. A couple hours later, 16 incredibly lucky doves, who had never been outside of small cages, we’re stretching their wings and exploring their great big new foster aviary while their 12 friends rode along with Jill heading to the Bay Area to be fostered at her home in Sunol and in our Andy’s aviary in San Jose!

Robin & Dean emergency fostered 16 of the 28 doves

Jill to the rescue!

In the two and a half months since this rescue began, volunteers helped to catch, band, photograph, name and enter all 28 into our adoptable birds database so that they appear on all the pet search sites.

Volunteers Patti, Maryam, Jill, Cynthia & Robin catching, banding & naming doves

Doves banded so we can tell them apart

Dove cheat sheet

So far, nine of the All Stars- Piper, Pumpkin, Bossman, Georgia, Beau, Jasper, Ruby, Willow and Jade- have found their forever home with amazing adopter Angela!

Adopter Angela

Special needs dove Jade made a special friend

 

Kris

Jackpot

Dodger

McGyver

Ambrose

Beatrice

We still have 17 beautiful All Star doves eager to be adopted (in addition to the 20 doves we were already fostering) and though we no longer have the use of (traveling) Robin’s aviary, we’re making do with another smaller aviary (also heroically wrangled by Jill with ongoing assistance from Faye, Liese & Emma!) and a lot of creative dove tetris. Extra special thanks to Andy’s (Rescue) Pet Shop for so kindly hosting double aviaries & double foster dove flocks for us! We have 20 amazing, adoptable doves just waiting to meet you in San Jose.

Liese, Jill & Faye moving doves!

Two dove aviaries for double the fun at Andy’s Pet Shop in San Jose

Special delivery greens courtesy of Liese

Ambrose at Andy’s

Ambrose, Winner & Breeze

We are though, as you can imagine, still even fuller than overfull and so in urgent need of adopters (for both doves and pigeons) in the Northern California area and we know of lots of adoptable birds all over the country so we can help you to help birds wherever you might be. Learn more here.

Please help us to continue this life-saving, rescue gap-closing work! Adopt a lovely bird or two or ten! Foster, volunteer, donate. Share this story and your love for birds. They need our help and we need yours. Thank You!

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January 14, 2019
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Star & Fizz: Survivors You Can Adopt!

Star & Fizz: Survivors You Can Adopt!

Fizz & Star are exceptional. They survived what most “released” domestic pigeons don’t.

Fizz & Star (rescued 12/8 & shown here after 11 days of recovering) beat the odds

Of these 5 “released”/dumped domestic pigeon youngsters at Powell Street BART station 12/8/18, only Fizz & Star are known to have survived

Star and Fizz are two of many domestic pigeons constantly being left at the San Francisco Powell Street BART station as if they could just join up with the free-living pigeons & be okay. Despite the fact that they are domestic. Completely lacking in survival skills. Descended from hundreds of generations of captive-bred pigeons. King pigeon fledgling Star was bred to be meat (squab), pulled out of his parents’ nest at just 28 days old & sold at a live poultry market to someone who thought releasing him to join the city pigeons would save him from getting eaten. It didn’t, at least not entirely. Before being rescued, he was caught by a hawk who started eating him alive, injuring him badly. Star got mega-lotto lucky and survived long enough to get rescued but most don’t.

Star & Fizz- weak, injured, emaciated, barely a month old

Wound on Star’s back 12/10, left by the hawk interrupted while eating him alive

Star’s healing wound at recheck on 12/19

Homing pigeon Fizz, descended from a long line of snow white pigeons, was bred for use in the “dove release” business but dumped/”set free” because of her black tail. The dove release business has no use for the multicolored pigeons that occasionaly hatch, despite their efforts to breed for all white all the time, and so they cull them. Some “hard cull” and kill the unwanted birds. Some “soft cull” and give them away or “release” them (which is usually a death sentence too since they can’t survive on their own and only a very lucky minority will live long enough to be rescued). Fizz was not even four weeks old and emaciated when she too got mega-lotto lucky and was rescued along with Star.

Rescued Is a Small Word for a Long Journey

So these two youngsters, endangered by their exploiters, were (1) caught by animal rights activist Zephan Wood (while destringing the litter-entangled feet of the Powell Street BART station’s wild pigeons) and then (2) transported more than 100 miles roundtrip to Medical Center for Birds by fellow activist Rachel Ziegler where their urgent (3) medical care was (4) paid for by Palomacy’s generous donors before they were transferred, in very frail condition, to Carole Craig for (5) supportive medical foster care and from whose home they now need to be transferred into a longterm placement – (6) foster or forever. If not for Palomacy, the only option for these birds was to be taken to San Francisco’s open door shelter, Animal Care & Control, where Star and Fizz likely would have either died or been euthanized as most shelters are not yet providing avian vet care to injured birds. Shelters depend on rescue to save the birds. Palomacy is the only rescue dedicated to serving domestic pigeons and doves in the area (as well as being unique in the US) but in Northern California alone, there are hundreds of breeders and exploiters endangering many thousands of these birds every year so it is no surprise that we are so outnumbered, that we are always in need of more support, more funding, that we are always beyond full.

Star on the left, Fizz on the right at Medical Center for Birds 12/10

Their foster mum Carole, returning to Ireland in a few days, wrote this about them:

When Fizz and Star first arrived, fragile and bedraggled as they were, they reminded me of a comedy team. Here was this huge beautiful King pigeon, squeaking to beat the band, hiding behind a little white Homer, who was barely half his size. And the tiny Homer, Fizz, emaciated though she was, would step to the front and beat off all comers with her wings.

It was funny and it was beautiful. I fell in love with Fizz because of her (I hope we realize that gender assignments are provisional) courage and because she took such good care of the frightened big baby that was Star.  

He had reason to be frightened. When he was rescued by the wonderful string foot group, he was discovered to have a wound that stretched from the back of his head, down his neck to his wings.  

“Something,” said Palomacy’s Elizabeth Young when she came to meet them, “had been eating him alive.” She was right, there was no flesh over the wound, only something like two square inches of  raw, red, muscle-like tissue.  They were so young, so thin and had been through so much, Elizabeth was not certain they would make it.

However Star, the one we were both most worried about, turned out to be a trooper. He took three different medications twice a day squirted down his throat, and silver sulfadiazine smeared on to his wound without complaint. The only thing he complained about was being separated from his beloved Fizz. Although he was the first to self-feed, when the seeds were put down he would squeak and nuzzle Fizz, trying to get her to open her mouth like a parent. When Fizz hopped to one perch, Star followed. When Fizz beat her wings for exercise, Star did the same. When Fizz began to try to bathe in their drinking water, Star got wet as well. You could see him watching her out of the corner of his eyes before he too submerged his head.

Growing fast, they are both still shy. Fizz will still bat at my hand when it goes into the cage but now I can pick her up and rub her tummy. I think she likes it although as soon as she is set down she walks, rather huffily, back into the cage. Star, who still has to have cream spread on his healing back, is less trustful, but does tolerate ear rubs.

Physically, they are beautiful young birds but I feel that in their friendship, in Fizz’s protectiveness, in Star’s love of Fizz, something even more beautiful shines through.

Foster mum Carole & Fizz

Little Fizz protecting big Star

Bigger & one week older Star (in back) always protected by brave little Fizz (on their way to 12/19 vet recheck)

Protective Fizz in front looks big but is actually much smaller than Star

Dr. Speer & Fizz

Star & Fizz healing & growing up strong

Now you can be the lucky one.

These two beautiful, smart, brave, funny childhood sweetheart birds are ready to start their happily ever after story. They need a long term placement to transfer to as soon as possible. Dramatic Star is 9 weeks old and protective Fizz is about 8 weeks. Star, once fully recovered from his ordeal, will be a big, beautiful all white King pigeon and Fizz the Homer will be sleek and petite with a dramatic black tail to highlight her snow whiteness. We don’t know their genders for sure yet (50/50 chance we’ve guessed correctly) but time will tell. We’ll keep them together unless, as they mature, they want to break up (though they seem pretty likely to stay bonded). Rescued pigeons make amazing pets (our fosters and adopters love their birds!) and they are easy to care for indoors with the family or outside in a predator and rodent-proof aviary. These pigeons can never be released. They are dependent on people for their survival and so the joy of having them is not diminished by guilt. They can’t be free. They can be yours. Learn about caring for pet pigeons here and apply to foster or adopt here. Join our Palomacy Help Group for lots of support and answers to all your questions (pigeons can wear pants?). And you can always email Elizabeth@PigeonRescue.org.

Thank you for reading Star & Fizz’s story. Please support Palomacy’s rescues with a donation- one time or recurring- here.

March 15, 2019 Update

Fizz and Star are both doing great! They are totally healed and growing up. After a whirlwind romance with Glory, Fizz has married gentle feral Beck and they are adoptable as a couple. Don’t worry about Star though as all is well. She (?) is loving doing outreach and making lots of friends- human and avian.

Newlyweds Beck & Fizz

Fizz preens Beck while bachelors Kensey & Marshmallow watch wistfully

Brian & Star at UPC’s 2019 Conscious Eating Conference

No surprise- Star is a rockstar diplomat!

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December 23, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Pearl’s Story

Pearl’s Story

Guest Post by Cynthia Bardouka-Large

My name is Cynthia and I am a volunteer for Palomacy, a small nonprofit project that saves the lives of at-risk domestic pigeons and doves, educates the public, and finds homes for rescued birds 365 days a year. This is the story of a little girl, a little bird, and how our family got involved with this extraordinary organization.

We have a child whose interests tend to be narrow, but deep. At some point in the first grade, she became intrigued with pigeons. She had a knack for earning the trust of feral pigeons; she was adept at catching them and would check them for stringfoot or other injuries. Some became particular friends and would wait for her to rush home from school, drop her backpack, and scamper into the backyard to greet them. She continuously sought connection with these bright, friendly birds.

Ivory McScaredyCat & his special friend Maryam

How she wanted a pet pigeon! She begged for a pigeon every day. We soon learned that there are many breeds of pigeons that can be purchased from fanciers. But I believe in the adopt-don’t-shop ethic and was relieved to find Palomacy’s website. Our girl spent hours looking at all the pictures of beautiful, adoptable birds in need of homes, and her talk was all about aviaries and pigeon pants. Now, to be perfectly honest, I doubted we would ever actually get a pigeon. I had steadfastly withstood the dog campaign of the previous year, after all and I expected this to pass as well. But she kept it up for a year and a half, asking every day: Can we? Please? When??

And then, a week before her birthday, something like a miracle happened. A big white King pigeon crash-landed – ker-plunk! – in our backyard. She swooped it up and rushed inside. The bird had clearly been used for a “wedding dove” release: the names of the bride and groom were written on her wings in bold black marker, and a big heart was drawn on her breast. She was young, hungry, and scared.

Maryam with Pearl the day she arrived

Fortunately, we knew just where to turn for help! Elizabeth Young, the founder of Palomacy, drove out to our house. She gave the bird, now named Pearl, a health check and taught us how to do the same, and while she worked she told us the probable story of Pearl’s life: bred on a squab farm, taken from her parents at four weeks old, trucked to a live poultry market in a crate crammed with other frightened birds, bought by someone who wanted a pretty bird at their wedding, scribbled on, and thrown into the air. Birds like these haven’t a clue about how to survive or find food. When she came to us, Pearl was still a squeaking youngster, and we felt so relieved when Elizabeth pronounced her to be in excellent health, considering how she had been treated.

Fast forward to the present: we now have a fine predator-proof aviary, built with Palomacy’s guidance. Pearl is happily married to Rango, an English Carrier pigeon who was surrendered to Palomacy after a raccoon slaughtered the owner’s other pigeons in an unsafe aviary. Pearl and Rango share their home with two foster King pigeons, Mirabelle and Large Marge. Our delighted child spends time with her little flock every day and finds their antics endlessly entertaining. She continues to do rescue work with feral pigeons, and to represent Palomacy at outreach events.

Pearl & her husbird Rango

A few months ago, I started helping with Palomacy’s Facebook help group, and while fielding requests from all over the world, I’ve realized just how incredibly blessed we are to have Palomacy as a local resource. In many places there is simply no one to help: no shelters that will take pigeons, no wildlife rescues willing to treat them, and often no local veterinarians who specialize in treating birds.

No one else is doing the work Palomacy does.Palomacy’s volunteers have a wealth of knowledge and experience and share their time and resources generously. They coordinate rescues on the ground, help get pigeons from shelters to homes, aid rescuers in finding qualified vet care, and coach rescuers as they learn how to provide secure, loving homes for the birds they have saved.

Pearl & Maryam

But Palomacy can’t do any of it without you! Our work is volunteer-run and donation-funded. Be part of this important work with a donation that will help hundreds of birds – and the people who love them!

It costs Palomacy an average of $342 a day to rescue, provide quality care and rehome 150 birds at a time, while assisting countless others with advice and resources. Palomacy supports 65 dedicated volunteers, provides life-saving avian vet care, educates shelters and the wider public, and responds to requests for assistance every day of the year. With your support, we are doing amazing work. Please make a generous donation today and, if you’re not already a monthly donor, sign up to make a recurring monthly donation at PigeonRescue.org. You can be sure that your support will make a difference. It makes all the difference to each individual bird when you help to save their life.

To close out 2018 and start this new year of rescuing, rehabbing and rehoming, we need to raise nearly $18,000. If 500 of our supporters donate $36 each, we will reach that goal. Or if five people each donate $1000, ten donate $500, and three hundred donate $27, we will. There are lots of ways for us to meet this need and every one of them depends on you. Please, donate generously and help Palomacy to continue our unprecedented work.

Thank you!

Cynthia

Donate online to Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

Support Palomacy as a monthly donor (receive a full color Palomacy wall calendar every year as our thank you)

Send a check made out to “CI – Palomacy” to Palomacy’s new address
P.O. Box 24585, SF, CA 94124

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December 23, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on The Continuing Adventures of Adoptable Foster Pigeons Noodles & Dallas

The Continuing Adventures of Adoptable Foster Pigeons Noodles & Dallas

Note from Elizabeth- This beautiful story of transformation- from wary, unsocialized aviary birds to companionable & curious house mates, shows the amazing adaptability of pigeons & the incredible difference our fosters & adopters make. 

Guest Post by Chava Sonnier

Chava welcomes Noodles

Years of wild bird rescue, working with hawks, owls, bitterns, loons, and which birds are the ones who continually surprise me? Pigeons, of course! When Elizabeth asked if we could foster Noodles and Dallas indoors while Noodles healed from a stubborn respiratory issue, I was initially concerned as to whether they would be uncomfortable with the transition to life as house birds. Noodles and Dallas are mature pigeons who had spent their lives first as poultry (squab) and then once rescued, in Palomacy’s foster aviaries, with minimal human interaction. Their Palomacy bios mentioned that both had always been standoffish around humans and seemed to prefer life as “birds’ birds” in an aviary. (See Noodles & Dallas’ love story here.)

Dallas & Noodles at the Ploughshares aviary

Nevertheless, the transition indoors was necessary for Noodles’ health, so I was prepared to watch them carefully for signs of stress. Elizabeth kindly made the long trek to our house and helped me set them up in a cozy habitat, complete with their usual nest-box, in our downstairs guest bedroom.

Dallas & Noodles exploring their new foster home

On their second day I figured they would simply want to take in their new surroundings, so you can imagine my surprise when I discovered Dallas confidently strolling down the hallway like he owned the place, with Noodles right behind! They examined with great interest every nook and cranny of not just their bedroom, but all the rooms on their level. Only just the next day I came downstairs to find them hanging out casually in the kitchen, both looking at me with the incomparable aplomb of a confident pigeon as if to say “Hello, welcome to our space, may we help you?”

Dallas making himself at (foster) home

The most fun was watching them discover beds, pillows, and fluffy blankets! Soft and fuzzy fabrics certainly aren’t part of a pigeon’s natural habitat, but that doesn’t seem to mean they don’t enjoy them when offered! The first time Dallas and Noodles hopped on the bed in their bedroom, they looked confused at first, picking up and placing down each foot slowly and with care as they adapted to walking on the unusually wobbly surface of a mattress, pillow-top mattress pad and comforter! They quickly adopted the same approach as our other rescued pigeon family members, asserting that it is always best to sit on as many layers of cushion as possible, as demonstrated by Dallas and Noodles both hopping on top of a pillow, on top of a comforter, on top of the bed!

Noodles learning about the finer things

Perhaps the most surprising development was how readily Dallas and Noodles took to wearing pigeon pants! The had never worn pigeon pants before, but Elizabeth encouraged me to let them give it a try experimentally when Noodles was feeling up to the adventure. So, once Noodles’ health had improved, Noodles and Dallas got dressed in pigeon pants for the first time. Not wanting to stress them, I was prepared to take the pants off immediately, but once again I had underestimated pigeon adaptability! Noodles and Dallas each gave themselves a quick shake and a brief preen to get everything situated to their satisfaction, then flutter-hopped right onto the bed to resume their usual afternoon routine of exploring and lounging as though they’d been wearing pants their whole lives!

Dallas & Noodles comfy on pillows & in pants

Dallas, shown here in Bev’s Bird Boutique pigeon pants, quickly adjusted to wearing them!

While I’m on the subject, a note or two about introducing pigeons to pigeon pants… If your pigeon acts uncomfortable when you put pants on them, in my experience the reason is almost always because the type of fabric isn’t comfortable for them or the pants aren’t sized correctly for the individual pigeon. I can’t blame them – if I’m wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting clothes I feel like I want to tear them off too! ;-) If your pigeon is getting their feetsies caught in the sides of the pants and then falling over, the pants are most likely too big for them. If your pigeon acts like they can’t move when they’re wearing pants, or they respond to the pants by either scooting backwards or throwing themselves about, the pants are too tight for them! If you notice your pigeon just preening around the pants or making small adjustments to their pants with their beak, however, that’s completely normal. When they are not wearing pants pigeons preen throughout the day, so it’s natural they might preen their pants too out of habit! I used to think it might seem a little silly to the pigeons having bows and ruffles on the front of their pants, but then I found that they seem to enjoy preening the bows and ruffles or using them as “handles” to shift the pants into the most comfortable spot! :-) Also, make sure to choose a calm opportunity to dress your pigeon family member in pants for their first time – avoid the first dressing session when they are trying to sit on eggs, or when you’re rushed or stressed yourself. Pigeons are sensitive and emotional just like we are, and I find they like to be reassured that they look nice and not silly in this new getup! When I make a big, positive fuss over pigeons when they get dressed in their pants, and assure them they look beautiful and handsome, they definitely stand a little taller and prouder! If you’re fretting and acting worried, they will be too! Dallas even struts now when I gush “Dallas you are so handsome!” as he’s parading in the hallway wearing his pants. Finally, make sure to check the poop pouch every 2 to 3 hours and remove any poop by changing out the little pad or paper towel lining the pouch, and avoid leaving pants on for more than a few hours at a time.

Noodles helping with the mail

Dallas helps with shipping too

Despite having spent limited time in close quarters with humans before, Dallas and Noodles both went out of their way to communicate with, engage with, and learn more about their two new human housemates. I was prepared to offer Dallas and Noodles plenty of privacy in their own space, but from the outset I was quite touched by how they almost immediately began walking up to us, making eye contact with us, stepping across our laps, and accepting chest rubs and neck scritches. I shouldn’t have been surprised, of course, for pigeons are such intellectually and emotionally intelligent birds. Several weeks later, Dallas now has me remarkably well trained! Whenever he wants something, he walks up to me, makes very direct eye contact, then nods in the direction of what he wants – so far I’ve been trained to provide fresh food, fresh water, and clean up poop upon command! Dallas and Noodles are currently sitting diligently on a fake egg, and even though pigeons are usually brave defenders of their nest box when sitting on an egg, if a large nest poop happens to wind up in the nest while Dallas is on egg sitting duty he will look at me and nod very pointedly at the mess until I get the idea, then will remain completely relaxed while allowing me to lift up Dallas, fake egg, and nesting materials all together while sliding a clean towel underneath into the nest. Who would have thought that the bird who had rarely been handled by humans before would in his senior years now be described by my husband as “the most docile and social pigeon?!?” Dallas and Noodles follow us around like two pigeon shadows whenever we are downstairs, strolling nonchalantly along with us on their big, majestic king pigeon feetsies.

Noodles & Dallas

I’m still deeply moved by how these previously shy birds respond so positively to individual attention every day. Dallas and Noodles now join me for coffee and conversation every morning, and make sure to remind me every night when it’s time for their bedtime safflower seed treats!

Happy, lucky birds

So even if you live in an apartment, or don’t necessarily have space for a whole aviary in your back yard, Noodles and Dallas say please remember that all rescued pigeons want is an adoptive or foster home of their very own! They only ask for your love, pigeon seed – and perhaps a fluffy blanket.

Noodles came to help with the holiday baking

Noodles makes herself comfy in the kitchen

Noodles & Dallas photobombing on Christmas morning! (Can you spot Dallas?)

 

Chava is a clinical informatics nurse and population health management consultant who lives in Fairfield, California with her husband Zach, and the birds who rescued them.

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December 15, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on What Can Really Happen To ‘Wedding Doves’ After They Fly Away

What Can Really Happen To ‘Wedding Doves’ After They Fly Away

Reposted from The Dodo

“The reality is very different from the fantasy.”

BY

PUBLISHED ON 12/07/2018

A white homing pigeon recently needed a lot of help to arrive home safely.

'Dove release' survivor pigeon getting rescued
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

He was covered in lice and had worms, and seemed to have few instincts for survival.

It’s believed that Lucky Lue is a “dove release survivor.”

'Dove release' survivor pigeon getting rescued
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

The Fantasy

“Dove release” services exist all across the country. These services are hired out to bring homing pigeons to celebrations or memorials. After being released as a symbol of peace or unity, after the perfectly timed photographs are snapped, the birds are supposed to return to a predetermined spot where the service can collect them. But things don’t always turn out as planned.

Dove release survivor on his way to sanctuary
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

Homing pigeons — not actual doves — are the kind of birds that the American Dove Association (ADA) says are OK for dove release services to use, unlike actual doves.

“The white dove is not the same bird as the white homing pigeon … Ringneck doves do not have the homing instinct and should not be released in any situation,” the ADA wrote. “Any ringneck doves that are released will not be able to fly far and become easy prey for predators, nor will they be able to forage on their own.”

Lucky Lue, even though he’s a homing pigeon, apparently got lost.

Lucky Lue, a ‘dove release’ survivor, stretching his wings when first allowed out of his cage |Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

Lucky Lue is not the only homing pigeon who got lost after being released at a religious celebration or memorial, a wedding or funeral. And not all disoriented “doves” are as lucky as Lucky Lue.

Because of their pure white color, these birds can be easily targeted by predators. Some end up in shelters where they languish for months. Others perish soon after they’re set free.

'Dove release' survivor pigeon getting rescued
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

Thankfully, a kind woman, who happens to be on the board of Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary, a rescue for unwanted pet birds in Lecompton, Kansas, offered to fly with Lucky Lue in an airplane to escort him to his new home.

“Lucky Lue is flying here, first class, in [the] cabin on a plane,” Kail Marie, founder of Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary, told The Dodo earlier this week.

'Dove release' survivor pigeon getting rescued
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

After a long appointment at the vet to test for disease, after a flight and a night in a hotel, and after a drive, this lost homing pigeon finally arrived at his new home.

“He will be another ‘house’ pigeon here with Solomah!” Marie said.

'Dove release' survivor pigeon getting rescued
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

Lucky Lue — and countless other white homing pigeons who come through shelters and rescues across the country — show there are mistakes, even when the right type of bird is thrown up into the air and flies away.

“The reality is very different from the fantasy,” Elizabeth Young, founder and executive director of Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions, wrote.

'Dove release' survivor pigeon getting rescued
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

The Invisible ‘Doves’

Few people know the hazards of “dove release” as well as Elizabeth Young. Palomacy is a home-based foster care network that currently has 161 birds in its care, housed in 25 different homes and backyard aviaries. All of these birds are waiting for forever homes.

“Our rescue is full of ‘dove release’ survivors who got lost, injured, starved or all of the above,” Young told The Dodo. “And they are just the very lucky few. Most who get into trouble die alone, invisible.”

'Wedding dove' who ended up in shelter
Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

When The Dodo contacted Young this week for this story, she was actually in the process of rescuing another dove release survivor from a shelter in California.

Mackenzie, a homing pigeon, has been waiting in a small enclosure in an animal shelter since October, when she was found on the ground in San Jose. Young has been trying to coordinate a house for her to live in while waiting to be adopted.

'Wedding dove' who ended up in shelter
Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

“These domestic (unreleasable!) birds make amazing pets and our adopters love their birds,” Young said.

Young finally found space for Mackenzie in a foster home that already has several other foster pigeons there, and one of them is a dove release survivor like Mackenzie.

“Mackenzie is … in an aviary hanging out with a ‘dove release’ survivor named Nessie who was blinded by being dyed green,” Young said.

'Wedding dove' who ended up in shelter
Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

The stories of these survivors are important but hardly ever told, Young said. And the ideological stances about the rights and wrongs of dove releases appear to be a moving target even within the industry. (Young pointed out that the ADA’s strong stance against releasing actual doves for celebrations is a relatively recent development.)

“The ‘dove release’ business owners lie … [They] will tell you they never lose a bird or ‘in 20 years, only one bird didn’t make it home’ — but that is absolutely untrue,” Young said. “It is a function of the practice — loss is built in.”

'Doves' released at weddings
Shutterstock

Hawks, ravens, seagulls, cats, rats and raccoons are some of the predators these captive-born and raised homing pigeons encounter. “Some aren’t killed outright but are spooked off course and get lost. Some are hit by cars,” Young said.

Even with ideal training, homing pigeons getting lost is inevitable, Young said. “Even perfectly trained domestic pigeons are vulnerable when used to fly tens and sometimes hundreds of miles home from someplace they would never, by choice, be,” she said. “Lost and injured pigeons are inevitable.”

The Reality

There are other problems wrapped up with dove releases. Chiefly, these professional services, who use trainers to guide their pigeons, inspire botched and unprofessional copycat attempts that often end disastrously.

These DIY releases sometimes don’t even use homing pigeons — instead they use ringneck doves or white King pigeons, who have no homing ability at all.

'Wedding dove' who ended up in shelter
Lost king pigeons who were released at a church |Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

Perhaps one of the most infamous of these mistakes was the release of 80 King pigeons at a very public memorial event in 2002.

The organizers of a 9/11 tribute in Jersey City, New Jersey, had tried to hire a professional dove release service but they were all booked up for the first anniversary of the fall of the Twin Towers. So they went to a poultry market in Newark and bought 80 baby squabs, usually used for soup.

“[M]any of the birds plunged into the Hudson River, smacked into plate-glass windows on office buildings and careered into the crowd,” the New York Times reported. “One perched atop the hard hat of a construction worker whose company had helped clear ground zero.”

Lost king pigeon
King pigeon after release at church who was never caught again |Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

Another cringeworthy release happened in 2014, as Pope Francis stood in a Vatican window with two children who were allowed to each release one dove.

“Two white doves released by children standing alongside Pope Francis in Vatican City as a peace gesture have been attacked by other birds,” the BBC reported. “A seagull and a crow swept down on the doves after they were set free … Tens of thousands of people watched as one dove struggled to break free.”

Reuters photographers snapped photos of the dismal “release.”

Pure White

It is impossible to say how many birds die because of the dove release industry. For one thing, there’s no real way to accurately track losses of homing pigeons or the losses of other kinds of birds used in copycat releases.

“How many ‘releases’ happen every day? How many birds are used in each? How many get lost and then make it home a few days later? How many get outright killed that no one ever sees?” Young said. “I have no way of knowing … We are only rescuing the tip of the iceberg.”

'Dove release' roadkill
“Dove release” birds have few survival instincts and can end up getting hit by cars. |Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

If people find lost or injured white pigeons, many are misidentified or seen as vermin.

“We can’t even get shelters to properly identify birds that are brought to them. Domestic pigeons are routinely mistaken for feral, pigeons are misidentified as doves, etc. etc.,” Young said. “Most people who find a pigeon never think to take it to a shelter because most shelters don’t help birds, and of those that do, many typically kill pigeons as ‘pests’ and ‘nuisance animals.’”

The brutal treatment of birds fated to be used for ‘dove release’ sometimes starts as soon as they hatch. “[Breeders] also cull/kill or discard the pigeon babies that hatch with color splashes rather than all white,” Young said.

Rescued pigeons
Two bred white pigeons who went blind when people tried to dye them green |Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

Not every domesticated pigeon found in trouble comes from dove release services. Pigeons are also bred to be used for all kinds of human purposes — and none of them have the skills required to survive in the wild if they manage to get free.

That’s why Young is ideologically opposed to the practice of keeping animals captive just for human entertainment — “I loved SeaWorld as a kid but now, knowing what I do, I am sickened,” she said — and it’s also why she is trying to give happy endings to the birds who can be saved.

Dove release survivor
Mackenzie, a survivor who is up for adoption |Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions

The Lucky Ones

Lucky Lue is settling in at his new home. He has met Solomah, another rescued pigeon at the sanctuary who recently decided to live inside the house. She is allowing him to perch next to her but is currently acting a bit taciturn, “giving him the cold shoulder,” according to Marie.

'Dove release' survivor pigeon meeting new friend at sanctuary
Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary

Mackenzie is settling in at her foster home, too. She and 160 other doves and pigeons are waiting for loving homes. Hopefully, after all she’s been through, she won’t have to wait too long.

“Pigeons are incredibly intelligent, deeply emotional, gentle, loyal and loving,” Young said. “I have rescued more than 900 in the past 11 years and they continue to amaze me … When someone says they don’t like pigeons, I know they’ve never met one.”

The ADA did not reply to The Dodo’s request for comment.

To help dove release survivors, you can make a donation to Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions. You can also inquire about adopting Mackenzie. And you can help save lives by spreading the word about what can really happen to these birds after they fly away.

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November 18, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Jonah’s Story

Jonah’s Story

Guest Post by Chava Sonnier

 

Jonah helping Zach

I am truly in awe of the incredible service and resources Palomacy provides not only in person but also across the miles and across the globe! I have been involved in bird rescue and rehab for many years, and noticed a need within our area for rehab focused on pigeons, and thus have been trying to learn as much as possible about these remarkable birds. You can imagine my joy and relief when a friend added me to the Palomacy rescue Facebook group, where I discovered a wealth of knowledge in a truly caring environment focused on the most important priority, namely, the well being of birds and all living creatures.

I reached out to Palomacy’s Facebook community on behalf of Jonah Pidge because he appeared to have lost the use of both legs. Jonah Pidge was brought to my husband and I late on a Saturday night severely emaciated, crusted with grit and other such city dirt, and so weak that he was laying on his side and couldn’t hold his head up on his own. He had extensive cuts and scrapes along both legs and his underside, which later made sense when we realized he likely had been attempting to drag himself around on the rough city surfaces.

Jonah beginning his recovery

We focused first on simply stabilizing Jonah Pidge, and after a few days of care (tube feeding, antibiotics, baths, cleaning and dressing the wounds) he regained his strength at a remarkable rate and had begun eating on his own, but both legs remained limp and unresponsive. A trip to the avian vet confirmed that he was most likely suffering neurological trauma along with the additional challenge of two old, badly healed and fused fractures in his left leg that caused his left leg to stick out at nearly a right angle from his body.

 

Jonah concentrates on healing

The wonderful members of Palomacy’s Facebook group provided a remarkable outpouring of advice, ideas, encouragement, and brainstorming as we strove to help Jonah Pidge heal. Our newfound Palomacy friends directed us to the helpful examples of similar cases on Palomacy’s website, messaged late night ideas for Jonah’s physical therapy, and even mailed custom garments to help keep Jonah Pidge spotlessly clean and healthy while he was unable to move himself.
Thus we ventured hopefully down the road of several weeks of Jonah Pidge resting in a towel doughnut to keep pressure off of his legs and underside, and twice daily hydrotherapy in the hopes he might regain mobility. Because he was a wild/feral city pigeon before his injury I worried the change to home life would be too hard for him, but pigeons never cease to amaze me with their adaptive poise… Such joy the first day Jonah Pidge felt both strong enough and at home enough in his “nest” to give me a solid Wing Fu slap! Even more amazing was when he started to respond to being gently held and petted with contented coos! I wanted to make sure he had as much mental stimulation and enrichment as possible despite his lack of mobility, and fortunately I work from home so Jonah Pidge and I soon fell into a habit of my either carrying him around the house wherever I went or rolling him with me from room to room as he rode regally in his towel doughnut on a rolling desk chair!

 

Jonah & his stuffy

While my husband and I have had the honor of meeting dozens of pigeons thus far in our rehab journey, after a time they either passed away (birds need hospice care too!) or fortunately more often recovered and were able to be released (in the case of wild pigeons only) or adopted (in the case of domestic pigeons or non-releasable injured wild pigeons). At some point during the course of Jonah’s care we realized he would always be a special needs Pidge, certainly unable to fend for himself properly back in the wild, and thus the first permanent pigeon member of our family had found us. It is truly an honor and privilege to be his human “flock” and watch him flourish, regain weight, regrow his missing feathers, and confidently hop on my hand or into my lap for snuggles. (Jonah Pidge does wear pigeon pants sometimes since he is never caged and has the full run of our pigeon-proofed home, but he gets plenty of pants-free time too.)

 

Happy Jonah

You can clearly see in many of the photos that Jonah’s left leg is at a very abnormal angle… This is one of the reasons Jonah Pidge remained with us instead of being able to be rehabed and released to resume his life as a wild/feral pidge: our avian vet confirmed that his left leg has suffered multiple injuires in his life, including a fracture that she estimates occurred well before the more recent trauma that temporarily paralyzed him and caused a kind person to spot him and bring him to us for rehab, and as an untreated fracture it “healed” and fused improperly, causing his left leg to stick out at a right angle from the side of his body.

I am beyond thrilled to be able to report he’s gained full mobility in both of his legs! His left leg will likely always have some limitations, but the avian vet concluded it doesn’t seem to cause him pain and thus advised against the risks of surgery, so we are continuing to work on his physical therapy and strengthening, and with classic pigeon poise he has adapted remarkably well to a life of fluffy blankets and stuffed animals, snuggles, and having full reign over the house. I am so grateful to Palomacy for offering such helpful insights into Jonah’s care across the miles, and to Jonah Pidge for brightening our lives tremendously!

Jonah, Zach & Ms. Pidge

Jonah outreching for Palomacy at the Solano Stroll

Jonah & Suzy- making friends at the Solano Stroll

 

Chava & Jonah (all healed up) & Zach at Palomacy’s COO-CHELLA!

 

Chava is a clinical informatics nurse and population health management consultant who lives in Fairfield, California with her husband Zach, and the birds who rescued them.

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October 29, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on 2019 Palomacy Calendar Photo Contest!

2019 Palomacy Calendar Photo Contest!

Palomacy’s 2019 calendar photo contest and fundraiser is on! It started Monday October 15th & ends Sunday November 11th.

Your photo entries and votes support Palomacy and count you among an amazingly caring network of people committed to our culture-changing work. Thank you for helping celebrate these incredible, under-appreciated birds every day of the year! We know how special pigeons and doves are and we are showing the world!

Submit your very best photos ($5/entry) as competition is intense! Share for family and friends to vote! ($1/vote). All proceeds will help Palomacy to help more birds. You are literally shaping Palomacy’s future with your support.

Thirteen winning photos (ten top vote-getters and three founder’s choice selections) will be immortalized in the 2019 calendar. Your bird’s photo will be representing for rescued pigeons and doves in homes and busineses all over the world! Winners will also receive two full color 2019 Palomacy calendars and all can order them here while supplies last!

These beautiful rescue stories will inspire you all year.

White "dove release" homing pigeon survivor wearing a raffia necklace she put on

Rescued from the streets, Paloma now lives the glamorous life

Beautiful red rescued pigeon with a feather in his beak

Rescued West of England Tumbler Gem feathers his nest

Profile of a rescued Rock pigeon

Wyatt’s quiet strength & fierce will to live inspires us

Generic 'your bird here' graphic stand in for photo contest entry

Click this image to get started

There are 38 photos entered so far and we know lots more are coming. The sooner you enter, the better your chance to earn votes and show off your beautiful, beloved bird. Click here!

Thumbnails of 24 rescued pigeon & dove calendar contest photo entries

What better way to honor your bird than to make them a pin up star!

And remember- you can order your calendars here.

Post-contest Update

Here they are- all 66 entrants. I wish we could have included every one of them in our calendar!

Pidge, Berkeley CA

Pidge is a very, VERY sensitive, independent cute boy who has made great progress in the two years since his rescue. He has gradually become less anxious, more confident & more expressive. He has achieved cuddlebug status. He’s a lucky-to-be-alive Homing pigeon who survived getting lost & grounded after a ceremonial “dove release” thanks to being rescued by his person. Favorite pastimes include watching his reflection in all different surfaces, campaigning for peanuts & starchy people food & melting hearts all over the place with his “big anime eyes” (as described by an Instagram fan).

Pidge O’Carr, Sara, North Hills CA

Pidge is a rescue from the nearby area and we’ve been lucky to call her ours for 3 years plus!

Arcas, Cynthia, Berkeley CA

Arcas is a fiercely affectionate king/racing pigeon whose parents were both rescued from their respective industries. She was raised by Maia (her pigeon mom) and Laurie (her person), and eventually came to Berkeley to live with me. I’ve never met a bird who loves quite as hard as Arcas, and I am thankful for her (slightly painful) kisses and her chocolate chip feathers every single day.

Hajime, Sarah, Houston TX

This is Hajime Gretel Guillory. We got her from an online breeder, but she came very flighty and scared of everything including her own shadow. Now she is scared of everything but us and her own shadow. She is our pancake and loves to sun herself as I don’t think she got to sun in where she grew up. She also loves millet and refuses to share with her younger brother. She is quite talkative after she has gotten breakfast in the morning and allows me cuddles sparingly. She is my darling.

Arcas, Cynthia, Berkeley CA

Arcas is a fiercely affectionate king/racing pigeon whose parents were both rescued from their respective industries. She was raised by Maia (her pigeon mom) and Laurie (her person), and eventually came to Berkeley to live with me. I’ve never met a bird who loves quite as hard as Arcas, and I am thankful for her (slightly painful) kisses and her chocolate chip feathers every single day.

Pidge O’Carr, Sara, North Hills CA

Pidge is a rescue and she loves to snuggle with her mommy and daddy <3

Squirt, Jett, Reno NV

I rescued Squirt as a hatchling during a major thunderstorm in July of 2012. My friend’s pigeon coop had flooded and a lot of the newly hatched birds had already drown in their nesting bowls. I took Squirt home and spent those critical moments with him saving his little life. Instead of going back to the coop he stayed with me and has been my best friend ever since. I’ve had Squirt for 6 years and am looking forward to many more with my favorite bird in the whole world!

Holly, Bev, Umhlanga Rocks KZN South Africa 

Holly is a rescue from a White dove release business. After realizing the difficulties that these beautiful white pigeons have I approached the breeder and asked him for a baby. (I figurered if I could help only one I could do my very little bit) She was given to me as a very little one whom I raised. We are totally attached to one another. Holly is also my model for my Flyper bird diaper business and she has quite a following now both nationally and internationally. We do pigeon awareness together and educate people about awesome pigeon love.

Sadie & Pickle! Jill, Sunol CA

Sadie is a 10 year old unreleasable feral pigeon with wonky leggies, married to young stud king pigeon Pickle! There is a ! after his name because he is a lot of bird!!! They are soooooo in love.

Simon, Faye, Sunnyvale CA

Simon is a very dignified senior citizen homing pigeon who somehow survived the “dove release” business long enough to reach the age of 12. Despite his wisdom & years of experience, he got lost & was almost starved to death when he self-rescued to a homeowner in Watsonville. They couldn’t keep him but new a bird person who knew Palomacy & after about two months on our waiting list, we were able to bring him into our foster care. He is a lovely gentleman & I think this photo really shows the need these birds feel for our help.

Paisley, Angela, Havre de Grace MD

Paisley was welcomed into our flock Sept 3rd, 2017. This sweetheart was initially brought home at the ripe age of 4 months and thought to be female – boy were we wrong! Pollito and Paisley love to torment each other. Paisley enjoys flying to mommy and shaking wingies, helping her with makeup application. Bathing in his water dish is a favorite pastime as well!

Glory, Elizabeth, San Francisco CA

Sunbathing beauty Glory, all grown up now, arrived to Palomacy in June 2018 as a disabled, fallen nestling with no place else to go. She needed surgery to correct her splayed leg & still wears a corrective shoe sometimes on her ‘good foot’ to help support it & we are watching her bad (& unfixable) club foot to keep it working well but none of that gets in Glory’s way. She is a smart, willful & mercurial little sprite that spreads magic wherever she goes.

Giovanni Pepperoni (Jeeves), Stormi, Portland OR

Jeeves was found as a 14 day old fledgling with severe calcium deficiency, deformed leg, and a host of other health issues. Thanks to the amazing support from the people of Palomacy, especially Charis in Portland, we got him healthy and strong. Now this beautiful and confident bird is a treasured part of our family.

Buddy, Erika, Etobicoke, Ontario Canada

Here is Buddy being a handsome guy and showing us his beautiful eye.

Bolin, Alyssa, Milwaukee WI

Bolin is a rescued pigeon from a farm that was selling him for dog hunting. He was very scared at first and did not do well with people. With time and love, he quickly became the sweetest pigeon and is endeared by many.

Teddy, Veronica, Salisbury MA

Teddy was at a rescue for a while. He needed a home ASAP. He was very amorous with the ladies therefore causing a bit of commotion. He is a very loving dove and has a good sense of humor. He laughs all the time-especially when he’s being “naughty”. We have had Teddy now for six years. He gets along with our cockatiels and female pigeon, but not so much with our dominate male pigeon. So they have to take turns for outside cage time. As you can see, he is making sure I use the cleaner to clean his cage.

Nebula, Rebecca, Rock Island IL

Nebula was a racing pigeon that lost her way but found refuge with my family after a phone call from a friend lookin for help. She has brought us great joy and a new found appreciation for the bird. Since rescuing her in July, she has met the love of her life, Galaxy (another lost racer). They have married and are currently caring for their first eggs (replaced with fakes). Our son chose the names for them based on their star-like markings on their head and “cosmic” iridescent feathers.

Griffin, Jennifer, Blackwood NJ

Griffin was just a baby when she was thrown from her nest when a new roof was being put on. It was impossible to put her back so I rehabilitated her till she was old enough to be set free but she somehow ended up imprinting on me. So instead of giving her up to a rescue so now lives happily with her flock family, with a dog 2 children, my husband & myself. She is my precious love!

Boba & Cooper, Jennifer, Oakland CA

Super sweet married couple Boba & Cooper, shown in their foster Jeniffer’s loving arms, are very lucky-to-be-alive survivors of pigeon racing. Boba was grounded with an injury & taken to a non-bird-serving shelter meaning rescue was her only chance. Cooper, after being used for racing (& not winning) was sold off as “surplus” to be used for training hunting dogs (a fate worse than death). He was purchased & released but domestic & with wing & tail feathers completely cut off, he only survived because he was rescued. We’re so glad these beautiful lovebirds are safe & happy now!

Kerry King, Sariah, Las Vegas NV

I was found sitting on a hot Las Vegas sidewalk outside of my rescuer’s place of work. I had fallen from the nest and was just a young squeaker. She took me home, cared for me and loved me. Even took me to the veterinarian for surgery when I had a mysterious wound pop up on my chest. I could tell my rescuer was scared for me. I’m right as rain now and living the good life. Spoiled rotten.

Holly, Bev, Umhlanga Rocks KZN South Africa 

Holly was bred for white dove release. I got her when she was a little one and I raised her. Holly goes absolutely EVERYWHERE with me and together we are doing a lot of pigeon awareness ( nobody can walk past me after seeing me with a pigeon , dressed in a Flyper , perched on my shoulder, so that is a big conversation starter). Holly is our Flyper model too and has quite a big national and international following so I guess she is definitely doing her bit for the pigeon world. Lovable beyond words my Holly bird!

Nessie, Jill, Sunol CA

Nessie was one of three homing pigeons that were blinded in an attempt to dye them green – we don’t know why. She lives her big life in an aviary with 27 other birds. She knows where everything is. If I move things around, she figures things out. She goes toward the action, not away from it as you would expect a blinded pigeon would. She’s living the single life (for now). Special needs birds make wonderful pets!

Toby, Joanne, West Palm Beach FL

Toby was a racing pigeon who decided he needed a new life that was a little slower paced. Why he chose our house, we’ll never know. We’re happy to have him. He stole our hearts and makes us laugh every day!

Hawaiian Sunset, Karen, Lanesville IN

My husband and I were in Kona Hawaii enjoying a spectacular sunset when 3 Zebra Doves landed directly in front of us. For 20 mins they sat quietly, not taking their eyes off of the beautiful site in front of them. As soon as the sun disappeared, so did they! It was such a surreal moment shared with God’s special creatures!

Bubby, Brandon, Troutdale OR

Bubby was a teeny little squeaker rescued by Terrie Heilmen Stoffel and brought to the pet expo with the birds of Avian underdogs . We arrived with the intent of only adopting one friend for our Heihei but instead very quickly fell in love with this sweet little squeak. She rode home on my shoulder and has been our sassy little trouble maker ever since. We feel like this photo continues to capture her personality 100%!

Marty & Cricket, Jenny, Walnut Creek CA

Cricket is a gentle giant and Marty is little but fierce! They really are the embodiment of love; constantly preening and snuggling, never wanting to leave the others side.

Luigi, Sue, Patchogue NY

Luigi is a self-rescued Roller Pigeon. He has spent the last 3 years with me since we met in my driveway when he was 2 years old. His favorite pastimes include stomping & grunting. He loves to be sprayed down for his every-other-day baths, he enjoys spending time on his fake egg (he takes this VERY seriously) and he will do whatever he can to make sure he is fed on time each day. Luigi insists that all human feet enter his room with socks on…the thicker the wool the better.

Becky, Sabina, Sunnyvale CA

Pecky Becky is a rescued feral pigeon who was found grounded and weak with a broken wing and both feet injured, infected and entangled together in string. He’s recovered now and adoptable from Palomacy.

Punchy (Punch Punch), Angela, Havre de Grace MD

Punchy was adopted from a lovely family in Maryland that had a new lifestyle change they felt wasn’t going to fit her well. After spending three wonderful years with her initial family, she came to our flock Dec 30th, 2017 (we still keep in touch). This sweetie absolutely loves water and joins during human bathtime. Punch Punch thoroughly enjoys flying and keeping out of reach as well, despite being bonded to her mother.

Clyde, Abbey, Fredericksburg VA

Clyde is a self-rescue pigeon! He blew in after a storm, and after about a week of hanging around the house, we took him in out of fear that he would be eaten by a hawk. We don’t have wild pigeons in our neighborhood, so we think that he might have been a wedding release bird who wasn’t able to find his way back. Now he is safe, and happy with a friend.

Carlita, Melne, San Francisco Bay Area

Dainty Carlita was found at the San Francisco animal shelter, where her unusual looks gained her the nickname “ET.” In fact, she was a Budapest Short-faced Tumbler, a fancy breed with tiny beaks, huge eyes, bumpy head and tip-toed walk. After being rescued by Palomacy, she went on a pHarmony date with rescued my feral male pigeon Bowie. In under a minute, they met, fell in love, got engaged, and married. Sadly, after 4 years of wedded bliss, Carlita passed away in September. She is terribly missed, but will always be remembered for her quirky beauty, and sweet personality.

Heihei & His Tree, Kayla, Troutdale OR

Heihei was a feral Pigeon that crashed into my window December of last year and knocked himself out. I was sure he had passed till he hopped up &stumbled under my car. I rushed out,was able to pick him right up &he came to our home to be cleaned ,fed,and given water. My vet was sure he had ingested something poisonous and had a concussion that kept him from flying/walking steadily.Since then he has fully recovered &become a little couch potato that loves to watch movies,cuddle,steal Qtips,get beak rubs& his wife Lois. He is an irreplaceable member of our family.

Pearl & Peep, Seema, San Francisco CA

Pearl was rescued with her first husband, Bixby, both in ill health. Bixby unfortunately passed and Pearl later chose Peep out of all of the eligible pigeons at Palomacy. They now enjoy their days flying around in their stylish flightsuits and listening to nature sounds & relaxing music for birds.

Pollito, Angela, Havre de Grace MD

Pollito was adopted May 12, 2016. From the moment he joined the family, he has contributed nothing but happiness and laughter. He even has his own Instagram! Pollito spends his free time hunting for nesting material for his fake eggs, watching Netflix with mommy and assisting with her hair each morning.

Stargazer Smith, Bridgette, Ellenboro NC

Stargazer is a Rescue from Chicago Pigeon Pets, she was picked up on the streets of Chicago with a head trauma injury And was taken to a Wildlife Rehab for treatment and Stability. Once she was stable she was turned over to Chicago pigeons and fostered and loved her until I adopted her. Stargazer still has left leg weakness and balance coordination issues, and a severe head tilt. after 2 days here and adjusting she just blossomed and is now walking more upright, winger sizing, and flirting with the boys. Star has taught me resilience, endurance, thankfulness, love, hope.

Wallace, Donna, Lyons CO

Wallace was found by employees at a water treatment plant in 2018. She was landing on people’s heads and trying to get into the building there. They brought her to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it was determined she must have been a dumped pet. Donna Nespoli, who worked there, adopted her. She has been an active part of the family since then. She gets along with her people and dogs very well. Her antics keeps everyone entertained.

Bugby, L’ynssa, Atwater CA

Bugby incurred an injury that caused part of his beak to become necrotic and fall off. He can now eat on his own dispite his malformation and everything he has had to overcome.

Winter, Elizabeth, San Francisco CA

In 2013, Winter was found in a creek (with an egret!) by hikers who, luckily for him, recognized that this domestic pigeon needed help. They lovingly cared for him for 5 years until life changes & expensive vet bills meant they had to give him up. Together, Palomacy & the Medical Center for Birds have given Winter another chance at life & he is loving it. He’s a cancer survivor who needed two surgeries to remove the life-threatening sarcoma tumors. Now, all this hansdsome, charming manbird needs is a ladybird & a home. His adopter will be so lucky.

Glory, Elizabeth, San Francisco CA

Feral Rock pigeon Glory (shown here at ~ 3 weeks old) fell out of her nest & was found stranded on an Oakland sidewalk by a kind passerby. She had one splayed leg that extended uselessly out behind her & a club foot on the other & would never be releasable. She couldn’t stand up but was sure feisty, wary of our intentions (unusual as baby pigeons are often very trusting). We made friends, won her confidence & raised money for the surgery required to break & rotate her leg into proper position. It worked! Glory says, Thank you!

Bowie LePigeon, Melne, San Francisco Bay Area

Bowie has a few choice words for Bert’s Pigeon Patrol. In 2013, baby Bowie was found and brought to Medical Center for Birds, where the staff lovingly raised him. Usually, pigeons brought there are raised and released back to the wild, but his bowed legs, which inspired his name, raised doubt about his ability to survive on the mean streets. On a visit, I mentioned my interest in a pet pigeon, and they arranged an introduction to Bowie. We’ve been together since!

Ali’s Evolution, Bonnie, Livingston MT

One crazy windy day, baby Ali was blown into the tiny courtyard behind our studio and brought into the gallery by our shop cats, who had never seen a bird before and thought he was the most fabulous toy. Thanks to your Palomacy website and facebook page, we got the advice we needed to help this sweet little fighter survive his injuries, and now he is a beloved member of our family. If only everyone knew how adorable a rescued pigeon can be, PetSmart would go out of business!

Pidge, Berkeley CA

Pidge is a very, VERY sensitive, independent cute boy who has made great progress in the two years since his rescue. He has gradually become less anxious, more confident & more expressive. He has achieved cuddlebug status. He’s a lucky-to-be-alive Homing pigeon who survived getting lost & grounded after a ceremonial “dove release” thanks to being rescued by his person. Favorite pastimes include watching his reflection in all different kinds of surfaces, campaigning for peanuts & starchy people food & melting hearts all over the place with his “big anime eyes” (as described by an Instagram fan).

Bobber, Kelsey, Lansing MI

Bobber is a rescue pigeon I met on the job, as a home-based therapist, who I later learned rescues others. Many of the children I work with grow up in foster care, often confused and ashamed about their family narratives. “Bobber was hurt as a baby bird and his birth parents didn’t know how to keep him safe”, is a story the children know all too well. Bobber’s journey is particularly inspiring to these children, who need a hero to remind them of the resilience they already possess. Bobber reminds us all we are worthy of love, safety, and permanence.

Gigie, Anne, Rennes France

I rescued Gigie when she was just a young baby who have fallen from her nest…. A few days after her rescue she developed severe PMV and it took 9 awful months for her remission. But during all this she stayed a joyful and a full of life little sweetie. She is my sunshine and I can’t imagine my life without her at my side!

Panda & Seymour, Anna, Fairfax CA

Panda is a rescue from Palomacy. Seymour was a feral rescue from when I lived in Michigan and was my first foray into the world of pigeons. Panda is twice Seymour’s size (640 grams to 312 grams) but that isn’t a barrier to their love and he is a great pigeon papa to their fake plastic eggs. I tried capturing one of their canoodling moments, but wasn’t able to get a good, non-fuzzy photo. I am forever grateful to Palomacy that they found each other!

Miu, Cynthia, Berkeley CA

Miu is a rescued and adopted homing pigeon who likes traveling and snuggling, and she loves peanuts more than anything in the world. She’d probably choose them over me… but I love her anyway.

Irv, San Francisco CA

“Greetings. My name is Irv and I am the President of the SF Federated Union of Feral Pigeons. Glad to meet you. I feel that it’s my duty to enter myself in this Contest to ensure that Feral Pigeons have adequate representation in 2019. As you can see, we Ferals contribute to Palomacy’s mission by doing public relations work daily on the streets of our cities. Using our Natural Charms, we strive to raise public awareness about the Excellent Qualities of All Pigeons. A Vote for Irv is a Vote for Universal Pigeon Love! Thank you.”

Snowy Marshmallow Pidgey 1, Jennifer, Los Angeles CA

Snowy Marshmallow was on our roof when we came back from Easter 2016. I said it was a beautiful bird and I put my arm out and asked him to come… he did! Then my daughter opened the sliding glass door and he walked right into our house! I didn’t know anything about pet pigeons then, though I had brought a few to a rescue before. I put an ad out, saying I found this lost bird. When I found out that racers don’t usually want their birds back, I knew he would stay with us forever :)

Milo, Julia, Alameda CA

Milo is a very special bird who has brought tremendous joy to her family. She was originally brought in as a fledgling to a shelter and on a very spontaneous day, her human came to see her, hoping that she could find a new companion to make those quiet days a little less quiet. Through the kindness of Palomacy, she was able to take Milo in and could not be happier with how things worked out. Milo is a very curious bird who loves being in the company of people. Since being adopted she has become a Palomacy ambassador, attending many outreach events. She loves spreading the word about how wonderful pigeons can be.

Coo, Karen, Brick NJ

My mom was known as The Bird Lady of Bergen County for her rescue work. As she aged, there was just her beloved Coo, a ring-necked dove she got as a baby . She moved into assisted living with Coo. Later, my 89 year old mom returned home on hospice. Coo’s cage was right by her bedside and brought her much joy and comfort. I had promised my mom that I would take Coo into my home after she passed and give him love and the best care possible. Coo is approximately 24 and going strong. He is a blessing!

Buddy & Baby, Erika, Etobicoke, Ontario Canada

Baby (Blue Check) is the start of my rehab and rescue life. Found as barely a 5 -7 day old little one on the pavement in the cooler end of August. She means the world to me. Buddy shown here on the left was rescued as a baby with his sister. Buddy and sister Sweety were not in great shape when we took them in. They were not wanted because they were not true white babies! Well they are very much wanted here. He is a very large boy who loves to flirt with Baby as seen here.

Fleetwood, Stephanie, Fairfield CA

Fleetwood is a very lucky to be alive Persian High Flyer Pigeon who was found grounded with his entire top beak ripped off by a predator. Palomacy took him in and helped him heal, and hand fed him for 2 1/2 years before he was finally adopted! Fleetwood is a very happy boy, great eater, extremely loving husbird, and all around amazing pigeon rescue advocate!

Jonah & Ms. Pidge, Chava, Fairfield CA

Pigeons are our heroes! Jonah and Ms. Pidge are both rescued, non-releasable Chicago city pigeons. Jonah was found dragging himself down an alleyway by his beak because both his legs were paralyzed. Thanks to hydrotherapy and advice from the Palomacy team, Jonah is able to stand again! Ms. Pidge self-rescued by walking into a record shop with a fractured wing. Jonah and Ms. Pidge inspire us every day with their courage! They enjoy attending Palomacy outreach events, being feathered executives accompanying their mom on work travel, and greeting their dad when he comes home from his Air Force duties!

Photos Included in the 2019 Calendar 

#13 Pidge, Berkeley CA

Pidge is a very, VERY sensitive, independent cute boy who has made great progress in the two years since his rescue. He has gradually become less anxious, more confident & more expressive. He has achieved cuddlebug status. He’s a lucky-to-be-alive Homing pigeon who survived getting lost & grounded after a ceremonial “dove release” thanks to being rescued by his person. Favorite pastimes include watching his reflection in all different surfaces, campaigning for peanuts & starchy people food & melting hearts all over the place with his “big anime eyes” (as described by an Instagram fan).

#12 Emmy Swope & Doug Love, Liese, Sunnyvale CA

When I picked up Doug Love at the Peninsula Humane Society medical center, I knew he was special. He had a cute head tilt, a twinkle in his eye, and a bum foot, which meant he would be recovering at my house rather than going directly to the foster aviary where I volunteer. While I did try to transition him to the aviary on one occasion, I just couldn’t leave him. Thanks to Faye’s excellent dHarmony, Doug met Emmy Swope, newly single, got hitched, got adopted, and live large. Every night, they sleep together in their pink litter pan nest.

#11 Pearl & Rango with Autumn Leaves, Cynthia, Sacramento CA

Pearl is a King pigeon, and a survivor of a “wedding dove” release. She has been with us for a little over a year. Rango is an English Carrier Pigeon, rescued along with eight others from an unsafe aviary. Pearl and Rango were married in the summer of 2018. They both have BIG personalities, and they are so in love!

#10 Baby, Erika, Etobicoke, Ontario Canada

My Baby as a happy fed baby! Baby was found at a very young age of 5 days old and was nursed back to health.
She loves to nest with a fresh box a q-tips that mommy forgets to close and she loves living inside a warm house. She has taught me so much. You can read her story and see more photos of her on the Palomacy help group.

#9 Quiggles, Meg, Stillwater OK

Quiggles hatched two years ago in a dark little pet shop. A kind lady took pity on this sweet little dove and saved him after seeing his poor living conditions. Unable to be his lady long-term, she took him to live at Olive’s Place, a sanctuary for doves & pigeons. Here Quiggles began to thrive with a motley flock, loving care, and good food. Finally, with wife Quinn, he chose a human to keep forever and a place to call Home.

#8 Jingle, Jill, Sunol CA

Jingle was a brave dove found on the street in San Jose, brought to Andy’s Pet Store by a good Samaritan and fostered for a short while with the Andy’s foster dove flock. He developed torticollis and came to live with me for support. I fell in love and adopted him. I had fiercely hoped he would recover but his condition became worse over the course of a few months. During his time with me he never let his illness get the best of him. He was a happy boy, lived a big life and inspires me still.

#7 Wyatt, Ashley, Tulsa OK

Wyatt is a feisty, grouchy, love-able pigeon with an iron will. A wing injury left him flightless and unable to return to the wild. Living in an aviary, he suddenly lost mobility and was near death, requiring diligent care and hand-feeding. Slowly Wyatt rallied and showed an unflinching determination to live. He regained the ability to self-feed, and after 5 months began walking again. He has taught everyone never to underestimate a pigeon! Wyatt lives at Olive’s Place sanctuary, and models for paintings in the Canvas Dove art studio. He will always have a special place in the flock.

#6 Paloma, Kym, Los Angeles CA

Paloma was found in the streets of Los Angeles. Her background is a mystery but she now lives a glamorous life with her bunny and chihuahua sisters in Hollywood. Her favorite hobby is making necklaces for herself out of organic material she finds around the apartment. This is the fifth design in her original line.

#5 Gem, Shae, Fairfax CA

Oh, Gem! He’s had some ups and downs. Six years ago, he was standing in a vacant lot when I drove by and saw that something was very wrong. His wing was punctured and fractured, probably by a hawk. We nursed him and built him a home where he married his beloved Haiku, who passed away last year. He has since happily married again. You can see he likes to bring gifts to the ones he loves!

#4 Nina, Maria, Sabadell, Spain

Nina is a collared dove who was rescued from an animal shelter. She has lived with us since 23rd May 2010. Before that, she used to be a “class pet” in a kindergarten and was afraid of people, especially children. She is an active, lively dove who enjoys playing with her plush toys. Nina is also an academic dove: she supervises my work from her nest on my desk and you will find her name in my PhD dissertation acknowledgements. We are best friends and she follows me everywhere.

#3 Francesco, Lori, East Hampton CT

Francesco rescued his mommy in June of 2017 when he showed up in a friend’s backyard and refused to leave. He instantly stole his mommy’s heart, and now they do everything together. Francesco even watches over his mommy while she sleeps at night. His adorable, pigeon silouhette hovering over his mommy’s head is a most comforting sight when a bad dream wakes her in the middle of the night! In addition to his mom, Francesco loves his special pillow, his cuddly, stuffed bee, his window, and Mary Chapin Carpenter’s 2016 album. Francesco – what a gift he is!

#2 Big Bird, Neilia, Mineola NY

Big Bird joined our family in 2013. My vet contacted me about a friendly domestic pigeon he had nursed back to health. She had been brought in by a Good Samaritan after being shot with a BB gun at close range. She had been a racing pigeon. Big Bird immediately bonded with me, and became my shadow. From the moment I let her out of her cage each day, she would follow me all over the house. Her favorite activity was cuddling in my lap each evening. She passed away peacefully in September, and we miss her dearly each day.

#1 Tall Baby, Gwenn, Monroe NY

This is TB, short for Tall Baby, at 4 weeks old, standing tall for the first time in his new hobble. This proud pijie is just one example of how far and wide Palomacy reaches to help pigeons in need. TB was found in NJ by a kind soul who searched for help and found Palomacy, just as I did a year ago. Sadly, at 4 months, TB flew to the Rainbow Bridge. A piece of me went with him that day, but my Tall Baby will always live in my heart forever

 

Thank you to everyone who participated- and especially our 66 calendar contest entrants- for helping Palomacy raise $5222 to help pigeons and doves and the people who love them every day of the year. 

You can order your big, gorgeous, inspiring Palomacy wall calendar here.

 

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October 25, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on What To Do If You Can’t Keep Your Bird(s)

What To Do If You Can’t Keep Your Bird(s)

Rehoming Birds

 by Elizabeth Young with Cynthia Zhou, Ashley Dietrich & Rose Jensen

Perhaps your life circumstances have changed or maybe you’ve rescued a bird that needs a permanent home. Unplanned things happen sometimes, and unforeseen circumstances can lead to difficult decisions. One of the most challenging is the decision to give up a vulnerable bird when we can’t care for them ourselves. This article explains the do’s and don’ts of rehoming a pigeon or dove.

Since birds can’t rehome themselves, we have to take care of it for them. They are depending on us. And, because bird rescues are so overfull (Palomacy runs a continuous waiting list), that often means they are depending on you.

Do NOT “Release” (Especially without Expert Assistance)

Never set the bird loose in the wild – it’s a death sentence for a domestic or imprinted bird. They lack the survival skills needed to find food and shelter and to avoid danger. Doves and pigeons who are inhumanely “released” outside suffer starvation, exposure, predator attacks and have a lifespan of days.

Click to learn more about “released” King pigeons like this one

If you have a bird that you think should be set free, please get the input of rescue experts first. Please do not release your bird into the wild. We sadly see the tragic results all too often of misguided “releases”.  It is a bad idea in so many ways! If you have a pet bird (or captive flock), they are, even if not tame, most likely still imprinted and dependent on people. Pets such as Ringneck doves, Diamond doves, and domestic pigeons (Kings, Homers, Fantails, Rollers, Tumblers, even Racers, etc.) aren’t able to survive on their own. People often believe it’s symbolic to release doves (or white pigeons) to give them freedom, but in truth, it’s a death sentence for a domestic bird.

Domestic birds don’t survive being “released”

Domestic birds have neither the genes nor the developmental experience to survive in the wild. And if you rescued and raised up a young wild pigeon or dove in your home, he has imprinted on people and may never be releasable. (When we are contacted about a feral pigeon landing on a person’s head or trying to get into their car, we know that bird was raised up in a home and then released or lost. They are imprinted on humans, starving, desperate and very lucky if they get rescued.) When wild pigeons and doves are raised up by people, they need time with other birds of their kind in a safe, transitional environment to determine if they can “wild up” and survive as free birds. Some never will. Please do your homework because the world is full of people who will tell you all kinds of things. Over the years, we have crossed paths with animal shelters that “released” big white King pigeons thinking they would be fine (wrong, that is a death sentence), vets who don’t know the difference between a domestic and wild pigeon or dove (surprising but sadly common), the pigeon racers who say, ‘just feed him and he’ll rest up and come home’ and various self-professed experts who assert all kinds of untrue things. Help your bird by learning the facts. (Palomacy’s moderated Help Group is a great place to get expert assistance.)

Assess the Situation

The first question to ask yourself is: Why do I have to rehome my bird? We are often contacted by people who think they can’t give a good home to a bird they have rescued or that they should rehome their bird when in fact they don’t really have to. If you are brand new to birds, we can help you (see The Story of Super Dovee and Pigeon Self Rescues Through the Cat Door and How a Little Pigeon Built a Big Aviary). If you feel your bird is lonesome or bored, there may be ways to mitigate that. (If desired, we can help you adopt a companion for your single bird. We call it pHarmony.) Sometimes people imagine that their bird would have a happier life elsewhere when their current life is actually pretty wonderful. Before displacing your bird, please connect with experts for help assessing the situation. There may be solutions or alternatives that can help you and your bird stay together. Because there are so many birds already in need of homes, yours may truly be the best home for your bird. If you’re moving, pigeons and doves are awesome little travelers and will happily move with you. Are your birds having babies and the flock has outgrown their home? We can help with that (hatch prevention). Are there behavior issues- biting, aggression, cooing or some such that is causing problems? There may be ways to manage that. Breathing issues that might be bird related? We can help advise which tests you need and how to reduce feather dander. Too much poop? Learn about bird pants.

Before you make up your mind about rehoming, consult with us about why you feel you need to. We are happy to advise and support you to find the solution that is best for all involved. Joining and posting to our Palomacy Help Group is the best, fastest way to get assistance as we have a whole team of very kind Palomacy experts moderating, coaching and referring (whether in the group or privately via message or phone).

Finding a Rescue or Sanctuary

If you truly must rehome your bird, you might be able to locate a pigeon and dove-friendly rescue or sanctuary. They are not always easy to find and even when you do find one, it may take some follow up to connect with them. Rescuers are BUSY. We get more Emails, messages and calls than we can keep up with so don’t take the lack of or a delayed response personally. Do politely persist. You can ask avian vets and wildlife rehabbers in your area for referrals, do Internet searches for ‘bird rescue’, ‘bird sanctuary’, ‘animal sanctuary’, ‘farm sanctuary’, ‘pigeon rescue’, etc. and you can also ask for referrals from our Palomacy Help Group. This map shows only those we currently know about (there are more out there so don’t take the absence of one on this map to mean there are none in your area) and being on this map does not certify a safe placement. Once you connect with someone, you have to evaluate them! Please do not just turn over your bird without knowing what will happen to him and the conditions in which he’ll be kept. You must evaluate a placement yourself before handing over your bird. As a rescuer, I am not insulted when someone wants to know about our care but rather the opposite. I am thrilled that the surrenderer cares enough to inquire! If the rescue isn’t comfortable answering questions and providing info, take that as a serious red flag. Rescuers and sanctuaries are always at risk of having too many birds to properly care for, of tipping over into hoarding. There are some truly horrific fates, fates worse than euthanasia, that can befall birds. Make sure that your bird isn’t going to languish neglected in an overcrowded coop or a too small cage, be mauled and killed by predators in an unsafe enclosure or be endangered through sale to ‘feather merchants’.

Finding an Adopter

I have been placing rescued pigeons and doves with adopters for eleven years now and I can say with authority that while it is not easy to find a great home for a bird (or flock), it is defintely doable! (See 53 Pet Doves Need Help and Rescuers Helping Rescuers and links to more inspiring adoption stories are posted at the end of this article.) There are amazingly wonderful adopters with fantastic homes to offer and the challenge is to find them.

It takes time and effort to find them but they are out there! (Please note, it is incredibly easy to give pigeons and doves away because people use “surplus” birds in all kinds of terrible ways including but not limited to training hunting dogs, feeding snakes and raptors, for live target practice, inhumane ceremonies, etc. so don’t confuse giving your bird away with finding him a good home.)

Representing for Your Birds

To find a great adopter or rescue, whether for one bird or a whole flock, you need to provide and share information. When I get an Email saying, “Can you take my dove?”, I can’t even begin to answer until I have more info. Where are you located? What type of ‘dove’ is he? What’s the situation? Photos are really important because what you are calling a dove may actually be a pigeon and if so, I need to know that (we can’t put pigeons in with doves). Or your bird might be a wild rather than domestic bird or ? Good photos will help to answer a lot of questions including identifying the species of bird and providing some info about condition. And you will absolutely need photos to promote your bird to potential adopters. You don’t need expert photos but pictures that clearly show the bird (and not just cage bars) are a big help. And of course, the cuter the photo, the more interest it will generate.

These two photos show the same birds. Which one would catch your eye? This one?

Or this one?

Also include the bird’s name, gender, age, length of time in your care, type of home he’s had, his personality, backstory, etc. All of that will help you to help your bird. If your bird has health or behavioral issues, include that information. It’s important for finding the right home. Sometimes those special-needs birds are easier to place than the others. We have found great homes for blind pigeons (Charlie), pigeons that can’t walk (Violet), doves with neurological issues (Bell), birds with beak injuries (Fleetwood & Prince), flightless birds and many more (including a 22 year old pigeon who is now 26 and more than a few senior citizen doves).  Create “Adopt Me” type flyers and online posts and share everywhere (and keep sharing)! You have to reach a large audience to find great adopters for birds. Social media is your friend! Facebook is full of bird lovers, bird rescuers, and pigeon and dove groups including ours- Palomacy Help Group. Join and post and network. Lots and lots of bird lovers on Instagram too. Post on craigslist and Nextdoor and share with your friends and family. Don’t assume that no one will be interested. You’d be surprised. And don’t think that because rescues are always full up that it’s impossible to find adopters. There are lots of adopters out there and we successfully place hundreds of birds every year. We rescuers are just vastly outnumbered by all the people breeding, endangering and losing these birds.

Screening a Potential Adopter or Rescue

It can take time to find a great home and the life of the bird depends on your diligence and making good decisions. Be patient and expect the process to take awhile.

Here is a summary of Palomacy’s expecations for our adopters:

-Appropriately sized, safe and uncrowded cage or aviary 
-Daily fresh food, clean water, poop clean up and check for eggs
-Supervised, safe out-of-cage time (if not living in an aviary) daily
-No free flight/uncaged outside time
-Companionship- lots of your time or another bird’s (not home alone all day)
-Avian vet care if sick or injured
-Compassionate, healthy care that provides for the bird’s nutritional, physical and emotional well-being
-No breeding, birth control if bird has a mate (real eggs replaced with fake)
-A forever home (through sickness & health, moving, etc.) with a pet-care plan in case something happens to you
-No rehoming, selling, sporting or business use
-Offer to return if unable to keep the bird. (This is not desired and we can’t promise we’ll take the bird- we expect this to be a forever home.)

If rehoming your bird, make sure that your bird will be taken care of, no matter where they go. (Not sure what is truly required for care? Learn more.) If they’re going to a shelter, make sure the shelter will care for your bird and try to find an adopter rather than just automatically euthanize which happens at some facilities. If they’re going to a friend, acquaintance or adopter, make sure they know how to properly care for pigeons or doves. I try to get to know people. I ask people to tell me about their pets. You can learn a lot about what future pets’ care will be like from the care present and past pets are receiving. I ask for photos of any birds they have (and their cages) as well as a photo of where the adopted bird would live. When placing birds, I don’t need adopters to be experts but I do need them to care and to be continuously learning. Here are some questions that need to be answered before rehoming:

Where will the bird live and what type of enclosure will they be in? Birds housed outside MUST be protected in predator and rodent-proof aviaries. Housing them in an unsafe enclosure is setting them up for a really bad death. Predators such as rats will go in through quarter-size gaps (like chicken wire) and kill even healthy adult pigeons or doves. Raccoons, cats and raptors have surprisingly long limbs and can catch hold of birds through too-big gaps and literally rip them apart through the bars. Raccoons and coyotes are strong and can break into cages and aviaries that are not specifically designed to be predator-proof. Chicken wire is never safe. All it does is keep the birds in. It is useless for keeping predators out (raccoons can bite right through chicken wire). Unfortunately many companies sell cheap coops and aviaries that are not predator-proof (should be illegal!) and bird and small animal cages built for use indoors are not at all predator-proof outdoors (learn more here).

These weakly built coops need serious reinforcement to be made safe

Large dog crates are great indoor cages but death-traps outside (too wide bar spacing- rats walk in, hawks, cats, raccoons reach in)

When predators can get/reach in, the enclosure is a death trap

There is no substitute for a safe enclosure. It doesn’t matter if people have guard dogs, high walls or insist they don’t have predators in their area. And it doesn’t matter if they’ve had their unsafe enclosure for X many years and never had a problem. Dodging a bullet yesterday is no promise you will dodge one tomorrow.

Raccoon climbs 23 story building (click for story)

It’s not hard or expensive to create a predator and rodent-proof aviary. The enclosure needs to be completely sealed on all six sides with .5″ or .25″ hardware cloth. The hardware cloth floor needs to connect to the hardware cloth walls which connects to the hardware cloth ceiling and then pavers or boards can be put down to cover the hardware cloth for flooring and plywood or fiberglass can be added as a partial roof and siding to provide shelter, shade and privacy. Raccoon-proof the door latches and always secure them and the enclosure is predator and rodent-proof because the entire space is sealed by the hardware cloth. Rodents and predators will chew through wood and tunnel through dirt and rocks to eat the helpless birds unless there is the inpenetrable barrier of hardware cloth to keep them out.

This aviary is a safe, happy home for adopted pigeons

Birds housed indoors need a big cage that will protect them from whatever pets are in the home as well as safe out-of-cage time daily for exercise, socializing and entertainment. See our care recommendations here.

Palomacy recommends a double-flight cage indoors

When are you home and how long will the bird be alone? Will the bird have other birds for company or be kept alone? Pigeons and doves are not solitary birds and need an appropriate, compatible BFF, whether avian or human. A single bird should never be kept outside (too lonesome and stressful) and should always live indoors so as not to be completely isolated. (Pigeons and doves can live next door to chickens but should not be housed in with them as even one conflict will be catastrophic for the smaller bird.)

Can you provide proper lighting? Pigeons and doves require safe exposure to sunlight unfiltered by glass or avian-safe full spectrum lighting to be healthy. (We recommend FeatherBrite bulbs and you can learn the details of avian vision and lighting here.)

Are you aware of the dangers free-flying pet birds face? Please emphasize the importance of this point. Domestic birds aren’t safe flying wild skies (one of the reasons so many get hurt and lost and need rescue) and should not fly loose, even in the yard. Pet birds need to be secured in a carrier or with leashed pants or a harness and within an arm’s length when outdoors. (And clipped wings only prevent birds from flying while indoors. Clipped-wing birds can and do get airborne and lost outside all of the time!) Even when they’re in a cage, unless is it outside-safe, they should never be left alone. Hawks and raccoons and cats can grab and severely injure a bird right through the bars of an unsafe cage.

Do you breed and/or know how to prevent hatching? This is really important for a lot of reasons but most importantly, if someone is allowing baby birds to hatch, they are either going to be overcrowding their birds and/or selling/giving birds away, both of which put the birds at very high risk for all kinds of terrible things. Also, with so very, very many unreleasable birds literally dying for lack of homes, there is just no ethical way to bring more into the world. It’s a question of integrity and compassion.

Rose’s Recommendations

If you’ve been chosen by a bird as their rescuer, or if you need to rehome a bird (while we never like to see birds rehomed, sometimes it can’t be avoided), there are some basics you need to know when looking for a home. I like to ask the questions listed on Palomacy’s adoption application.  It is thorough and has been being used long enough to have been proven (see application here). The high points for me are:

Who is caring for this bird/birds? I  want to see that an adult is responsible for caring for the bird, or at the very least partnered and overseeing a young person.  There is no such thing as a starter bird, and while there are many great young people out there, they need supervision.

Is the intended space safe and adequately sized for the birds who will be living in it? This applies to indoors and outdoors.  Palomacy has all kinds of great guidelines for both on their website (outside enclosures & indoor cages)

Are there other pets in the home? Really important for several reasons, first to determine if special accommodations need to be made to their cage, and knowing what safety precautions need to be made. Other pets are not an automatic disqualifier, in fact many great adopters have cats, dogs and other pets. Do they know to keep birds separated from other pets?  Cats, dogs, rats, ferrets, snakes, parrots, etc. can do serious harm to a pigeon or dove in a split second. Pigeons can also hurt doves due to the size difference and should not be housed together. (See Cats, Dogs, Birds, Oh My!)

Is the home smoke free? If the birds are inside, no smoking in the house is ok. Even if they are in separate areas or on separate floors, the air circulates through the same system. If outdoors, no smoking near the aviary. Bird lungs should never be subject to smoke or other fumes. Adopters should be aware of the dangers of using chemicals, aerosols, fragrances, and nonstick cookware around birds. Their respiratory systems are sensitive, and many “pet-safe” products are not safe for birds. (See Top Ten Household Dangers to Pet Birds and Bird Proof Your Home, though they recommend clipping wings and we don’t. Please note: Clipped wings only prevent birds from flying while indoors. Clipped-wing birds can and do get airborne and lost outside all of the time!)

Under what circumstances would they surrender the bird?  This has helped me to identify some not so great adopters. When they say things like aggressiveness, or illness, that is a clue to me that they may not be as dedicated to working through issues with a bird, vs finding ways to help them.

Does the potential adopter/rescue have an avian vet, and are they willing and able to provide medical care if needed?

Is the adopter or rescue willing to allow a home visit (or send photos of bird’s living area) prior to adoption and provide updates? This will help you make sure they’re being taken care of.

Have they ever surrendered a pet, and if so, why? (See above.)

Are they planning on being a companion to a single bird/how many hours a day will they be spending with them? This is super important as no pigeon or dove should be left alone most of the day. They need companionship.

Are they committed to providing bird birth control?  This is not negotiable.

No rehoming, selling, or any commercial use of the bird is ok.

Once you find a good home for your companion, try to check in from time to time to see how they’re doing. It’s always wonderful to have updates about a bird you’ve shared your life with, and this will allow you to make sure they’re being taken care of.

Did you read all the way through this and, already distraught about the prospect, are now feeling totally overwhelmed? Dry your tears and come join our Palomacy Help Group. Together we help birds get home.

Some happy rescue and adoption stories to inspire you

Worth Every Penny (And Freddie Too)

Violet to Go

A New Home for a Homer

Good Neighbors

My Hero Jingle

Six Pigeons & a MinnieWinnie

From Pet Fair to Adoption

What Kind of Bird is This?

Fergus the Feral

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October 15, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on How We Built a Better Cage with Tips from this Site

How We Built a Better Cage with Tips from this Site

Guest Post by Nina Edmondson

I’m a foreigner living in rural Bali, where birds are often kept in very small cages as decoration – it’s part of the culture, considered normal and nothing I can change on a grand scale – no rescue centers exist here either.

While doing some gardening one day, I went over to find a knife in the handyman’s area of the garden and discovered he was keeping a dove in this tiny cage. It was obviously a wild adult which had been caught by him.

Cage of Doom

Without thinking too much, I opened the door and let it out, watching as it fluttered happily to pastures new – or so I’d thought.

On his return from work, the handyman was upset, and wandered around the garden in the dark with a flash-light searching for his bird.

“What have I done!” I thought, wracked by pangs of guilt.

The next day it returned. He caught it, happily placing it back inside the ‘Cage of Doom’.

Wanting to find a compromise, I decided to butt in again, this time educating myself on dove preferences and buy materials. (Thanks Elizabeth for the great cage building tips!) 

This is the product of our labour.

Full Frontal Dove Mansion

It now has a piece of wire closing the main door latch. I managed to persuade him to include a little ‘dove door’ so it could fly around outside and come back.

The dove seems happy, the handyman is proud of his work and my conscience a little lighter – regarding the bird and its owner!

Dimensions: Length 150cm x Width 90cm x Height under roof tip 100cm.

The floor is split bamboo so the dove doesn’t have to stand on bare wire (apparently not good for its feet). The roof is corrugated metal – but under vegetation so it won’t be too hot in the tropical sun.

All modern conveniences

It has a nest, a bathtub with pondweed, a mirror, a shelf, food/water in ceramic pots, and a few perches made from driftwood I found on the beach. It’s fed on unhusked rice and leafy veg from the garden.

We’ ve learned that he’s a male Sundra Collared dove. The males make very different sounds to the females. I called him Bulu – which means feather in Indonesian – though the handyman thinks I’m a bit nuts – no animals are given names here!

I wonder if he’ll use the nest . . .

10/19/18 UPDATE! Dove Love!

Bulu & Bunga

Elizabeth was right when she said he’d probably attract a mate now that he has a nice home to offer. It happened sooner than I imagined.

Turns out my English neighbour loves pigeons and doves, so she chose a name. Meet Bunga, which means ‘Flower’ in Indonesian. She’s the one in the foreground.

They’ve been rearranging the nest, kissing and constantly calling to each other. Dove love!

Nina enjoys living and working from a garden in rural Bali. She’s a nature lover, artist and self-development coach. 

http://www.ninaedmondson.com

Books by Nina

For adults: 50 Things To Know For Your Mindfulness & Meditation Journey

For kids: What’s Your Favourite Thing?

 

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October 1, 2018
by Elizabeth
Comments Off on Palomacy Party 2018: COO-CHELLA!!!!!

Palomacy Party 2018: COO-CHELLA!!!!!

We COO-CHELLA’d our tail feathers off! (Aria Jalali photo)

Wow! Wow wow wow! Our COO-CHELLA party Saturday 9/22 was awesome! We had so many amazing people and birds all gathered together in a big love fest! (Here’s our party playlist, courtesy of Ellie Paterson!) We were maxed out with more than 120 guests and together we all had great fun, learned a lot, made new friends, showed our #PigeonPride, and raised $4120 to help birds! Everything was donated! Everything! SF SPCA donated the space, our special guests donated their time and travel, our volunteers and supporters donated all the delicious food and beverages and the awesome decorations and treasure and prizes! I don’t even know how to express how incredibly grateful Palomacy is to you all. THANK YOU!

Come in! (Decorations created by Christiana Reed, Lara Speece photo)

So many people contributed so much to make COO-CHELLA special & no one more than amazing, heroic Christiana! (Ryan Reed photo)

Sophia & Nathan welcome you to COO-CHELLA (Lara Speece photo)

Welcome to party time! (Aria Jalali photo)

Our program by Suzy Cincone

Special Guest Commander Holly & First Officer Feathers (Thomas McLellan photo)

Commander Holly, Foggy & Ashley (Aria Jalali photo)

Jessica & Commander Holly & First Officer Feathers! (Photo courtesty of Jessica Waite)

Special guest fine art photographer Andrew Garn

Andrew Garn signing his books (Nina Roberts photo)

Andrew’s presentation was awesome! Rave reviews, including from international viewers!

COO-CHELLA rockstars Andrew Garn & Christiana Reed with Cadence (Ryan Reed photo)

Pigeon joy! (Aria Jalali photo)

Our amazing hosts- SF SPCA Humane Ed team: Lara with Winter, Maggie & Kat

Photo booth fun with Super Cheryl & Oyster (Elizabeth Young photo)

Sam & Emma & Penny

Ash, Cricket & Jenny (Lara Speece photo)

Jill & Maryam nom nom nom! (Aria Jalali photo)

We feasted! Thank you, Ellie & team! (Ryan Reed photo)

Ellie again led our amazing food team & the food was awesome!

“My friends were surprised that vegan food could be so good!” Uhhh, yeah!

L-R: Anton, Carole, Winter, Bob, Luis, Barna! Cheers! (Ryan Reed photo)

Barna brewed & served his home-crafted Pepe’s Weissbeir & Josette & Luis donated & served all the wine, sodas & water

THANK COO!!! (Ryan Reed photo)

Palomacy heartily thanks our amazing food and beverage volunteers and donors: Ellie Paterson, Clare Malone Prichard and Bob Prichard, Barna Mink, Josette Maury and Luis Maury-Cruz, Ranjini Subramaniam, Jill McMurchy, Chava Sonnier, Cheryl Dickinson, Ash VanNess, Steve Anderson, Chris Okon, Mariah Simoni-Wong, Margie Gear, Peggy Hartlein, Cinnaholic, Rainbow Grocery SF, Trader Joe’s SF, Gus’s Community Market and Target Albany!

Shae was busy all night staffing our merchandise table & raising funds for the birds

FleaCircusDesigns.com donated 60 adorable must-have pins plus an additional $2K (from the Poe Egglesworth campaign!)

Artist & Palomacy volunteer Ashley Dietrich donated a framed portrait of Violet

Four of five original watercolor paintings Artist Elizabeth Gold of @TheNativePigeon donated to support Palomacy

Thank you so very much to all of our incredibly generous donors and volunteers: Andrew Garn, Commander Holly, Flea Circus Designs, Ashley Dietrich, Meg Germundson, Lagunitas Brewing Company, A. Fulmer Pigeon Pants, Pet Food Express, The Native Pigeon, CuriOdyssey, Exploratorium, Oakland Zoo, Andrew Finkel, Pandemonium Aviaries, California Academy of Sciences, Cheryl Dickinson, Dr. Jackie Gai, Cynthia Zhou, Christiana Reed, Bob Loew, Emma Thomas, Ellie Paterson, Josette Maury, Saska Kanalve, Aria Jalali, Sarah Meyer Design, Suzy Cincone, Ryan Reed, Mickaboo, Maggie Amiano, Lara Speece, Kay Huang and the San Francisco SPCA!

Saska created special crafts just for the kids!

Saska’s DIY & world’s cutest bird puppets!

The artist as a young Riley

Super Cheryl providing expert bird advice (Aria Jalali photo)

Ashley & Foggy (Aria Jalali photo)

Party birb Internet star @Gregthedove (Lara Speece photo)

Jen & Eric & foster pigeons Boba & Cooper (Aria Jalali photo)

Nina & Foggy (Aria Jalali photo)

COO-CHELLIN’ (Aria Jalali photo)

Ms. Pidge & Lara (Photo courtesy of Lara Speece)

Zach & Chava brought Jonah & Ms. Pidge (Ryan Reed photo)

(Ryan Reed photo)

Riley & Saska (Shae Irving photo)

Gracie Cricket making friends (Aria Jalali photo)

Ranjini & José (Lara Speece photo)

Maryam & her Rango (Ryan Reed photo)

Birds relaxing

Sushi, straight out of the shelter, stopped at COO-CHELLA on her freedom ride

Arcas in her pod

There were three pigeons rescued (all by different attendees) on the way to COO-CHELLA

Maryam comforts the squeaker Cynthia & Jamie rescued on the way (Cynthia Bardouka-Large photo)

Rescuers Elizabeth, Lindsay & Holly (Holly selfie)

Cynthia & Arcas & Jamie & Miu (Aria Jalali photo)

Arcas & Miu (Aria Jalali photo)

Cleaning up & somehow, Christiana is still standing & still smiling. Truly an earth angel.

Andrew & Christiana- goodbye for now

Amazing Ellie of the Flowers, still smiling after so much work!

We did it! Here’s a little party video I posted live to Facebook that night and here’s another of the start of Andrew Garn’s amazing slideshow (neither does them justice). I truly can’t convey to you how fun and wonderful and special it was to all come together in celebration of the birds and people of Palomacy! To all who came, thank you for sharing this amazing event with us! For those of you who couldn’t be there, we missed you! Your support makes an important difference for Palomacy no matter where you are! And we’ve already picked the date for next year’s party- 10/19/19. Mark your calendars!

Peace out! (and great big huge thanks to artist Sarah Meyer for all of her generous support)

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