If you find a stray racing pigeon in your garden or home, the following information may be of some help to you.

•       The pigeon will probably be tired and the first thing that is required is to provide FOOD and WATER. Pigeon or chicken corn is the best but in the short-term birdseed, groats or dried rice will help on the road to recovery. Put a little sugar in the water to help build the pigeon’s strength.

•       Make a note of the ring number on the pigeon’s leg. This is a metal/plastic ring, a typical ring number is GB 01 A 12345. Ignore any other rubber ring. This is just placed there for the race.

•       If you are able to pick the pigeon up, open the wing, you should see stamped on one of the
feathers the name of the club the pigeon was competing in, along with the telephone number of the club secretary.

•       Armed with the above information contact the club secretary, give him the ring number of the pigeon, along with your name and address, he will contact the owner, who in turn will make contact with you to make arrangements for the pigeon’s return. Please bear in mind that the bird can only be repatriated to its owner if you have caught the bird.

•       If you only have the ring number then contact the Royal Pigeon Racing Association on 01452 713529. There is an answer phone service outside of office hours. It is important to tell them that you are not a pigeon fancier and that you have a pigeon which you would like to get back to the owner as soon as possible. Give the pigeon’s ring number, your address and telephone number. The Association will either notify the owner or put you in touch with the owner.

•       You will find some useful information on www.rpra.org and can send details of the stray bird from a link on the website or e-mail direct to strays@rpra.org

The local Police or Vet may be able to advise you of a pigeon fancier in your area who may be able to assist.

Thank you for your interest.
THE ROYAL PIGEON RACING ASSOCIATION
The Reddings, Cheltenham, Glos. GL51 6RN