What happens to homing pigeons that lose their way back home? It might sound like the setup for a joke, similar to why the chicken crossed the road, but the reality is quite serious. Some pigeons indeed struggle to find their lofts after being released, leading to a unique problem for the RSPCA: these lost birds need new homes.
The process of rehoming lost homing pigeons is more complicated than it may seem. RSPCA officers are willing to travel up to 100 miles to help find suitable new homes for these birds. However, the increasing number of pigeons arriving at care centers, particularly those once kept by racing enthusiasts, is raising concerns.
At RSPCA Stapeley Grange, located near Nantwich, Cheshire, staff have been rehabilitating several pigeons, including domestic racers, which were found suffering from exhaustion. Over the past few years, the center has seen a notable rise in the number of pigeons coming into care, attributed to a mix of factors.
One issue is that some racing pigeons simply get lost during their long-distance journeys. They often need to take breaks along the way, making them vulnerable to predators like cats. In some cases, these birds are unable to retrace their steps, leaving them stranded and far from home.
Compounding the problem, many owners are abandoning their birds due to financial difficulties. Currently, Stapeley Grange is caring for 18 pigeons in need of rehoming, with many believed to have originated from Cheshire, Staffordshire, and even farther away.
Finding new homes for these pigeons is challenging. Some of the birds have been in the RSPCA’s care for up to 10 months. “They’ve received excellent care, but we would love to find them loving forever homes, especially since some have been with us for quite a while,” said center manager Lee Stewart.
He added that finding suitable owners can be difficult, as not everyone has the necessary facilities to care for pigeons. The RSPCA is willing to transport birds long distances for the right home—up to 100 miles if needed.
Potential new owners will need to provide spacious aviaries and have previous experience caring for domestic pigeons, as well as the time and resources to meet their needs. Anyone interested in adopting a pigeon can reach out to Stapeley Grange for more information.