Stray Doves
We get a lot of calls from people who have had Doves/Pigeons turn up in their gardens; there are 3 things you can do...
1) If there is a ring on the birds leg, write down the identification number and call the Welsh Homing Union on 01443 441010, or the Royal Pigeon Racing Association 01452 713529. They will identify the owner of the bird who will then contact you with instructions on how it can be returned home.
2) Call us, and we will be sure to give the bird a good home providing you live within reasonable driving distance. If not we will try find someone who will foster the bird.
3) *Feed it and keep it! If you feed the bird for more than a couple of days, you will more than likely have a new member to your family! If you decide on this option however, try find a mate for it as these birds like company and get lonely on their own. Either go to your nearest garden centre to purchase a fantail dove, or get in touch with any of the numbers above and they will tell you where you can find a local breeder to get a mate for your new pet.
* if this is not a wild bird, it is more than likely not used to eating meat, so the best food would be uncooked rice, corn, peas, lentils or bread (in very small pieces) always accompanied by clean drinking water. Once a month you can put fresh garlic in their water (just soak whole cloves in a large container and use to top up) and alternate this with a few drops of cider vinegar and let them stay on it for a week. This will help keep them healthy inside and out.