🕊️ Establishing a Non-Profit Organization – for rescue and treatment, construction of an aviary for permanently disabled birds, mutual support and cooperation with other bird rescue groups.
BELOW YOU WILL FIND:
Story – How I Met the Pigeons, Goals and Purpose of the Non-Profit “Holubí Duše”, A Brief Story of Building My Aviary + Construction Gallery, First Aid for an Injured or Sick Pigeon or Dove – for Beginners
🕊️ The Story: How I Met the Pigeons
Pigeons came into my life during a time when I was going through five years of severe hardship – including the breakup of a 7-year relationship, the death of my father, financial loss caused by a dishonest business partner, and the involuntary end of a non-profit project I had been building.
I found my first injured baby pigeon. From that moment on, I started feeding them regularly, and dozens have passed through my hands since. Most of them I helped return to the wild – and for some, with tears in my eyes, I was only a guide to the other side.
THEY SAVED MY LIFE:
They became angels sent by life to save me and open the depths of soul-knowledge I never knew existed. Through giving and receiving love, they helped me survive many dark moments when I had no reason to stay. They kept me from falling into destructive addictions.
In the past year, I’ve had no funds for expensive treatments or surgeries. They are safe with me, but they wouldn’t survive outside. Their full recovery is also what this project is about!
I have an aviary for them here – see the photos. Here they are safe and surrounded by love for now.
Goals and Mission of the Non-Profit Organization “Holubí Duše” (Pigeon Souls):
Covering veterinary treatment and recovery of injured birds found by people, as well as helping to coordinate community aid via social media. Sharing their stories. We will never refuse help that is within our means – not only to pigeons, but also to jackdaws, doves, and ravens.
Construction of an outdoor aviary for permanently disabled birds
Launch and coordination of the project: cooperation on expanding the network of Public Pigeon Lofts
I was involved in the founding of the first such association, and I intend to build on that experience here, working with existing groups and people who are open to this cause.
🕊️ Basic Information about Pigeons
Pigeons – symbols of hope, peace, love, and loyalty – have helped humanity for millennia:
📮 as messengers
🍞 as a source of food
🕊 as loyal companions
We have made them dependent on us, and that’s why they suffer more than other urban bird species living among us.
🔬 A German court even banned defamation of pigeons in pest control advertisements – because it has been scientifically proven that they do not spread diseases.
That’s why we follow up on the project of Public Pigeon Lofts – already tried and tested in Germany and Switzerland – which enables humane population control by replacing eggs with sterile ones.
Less mess, less suffering, more joy in the cities.
From the perspective of public budgets, this is not significantly more expensive than current practices like shooting and gassing carried out by cities. It will, however, require continued education and collaboration with local authorities.
Brief Story of the Aviary
In the spring of 2020, while feeding the birds, I met a lady – a kindred spirit – who suggested I call about an apartment I had been waiting to open up for almost 2 years. And suddenly – the place became available, and everything kicked off at once – repainting the old flat, finding a tenant and handing it over, moving things in several rounds from two locations, teaching friends a wedding dance – and all the while planning and building the indoor aviary.
Everything had a firm deadline – I barely had time to tie my shoelaces.
I am and will always be deeply grateful to my true Friend Mirek Bartoš for his help.
He was the chief engineer and builder. He dedicated almost three weeks of his time.
He had incredible patience with all my spontaneous upgrades and improvements during construction. 😉
I would also like to thank the landlord, who not only supported me in all of this – but has always been kind and understanding. I truly appreciate it.
He’s a wonderful person!
Gallery - aviary construction
First Aid for an Injured or Sick Pigeon or Dove – For Beginners
1. Contact us or another pigeon rescue organization – post a photo and description of the injured bird in a pigeon rescue group on Facebook and include info if you’re unable to help yourself.
We do not recommend contacting the Prague City Rescue Station – pigeons are not protected animals, and due to budget limitations, they receive little to no care.
Instead, contact: Municipal Pigeon Lofts, “Pigeons in Need”, or us directly.
2. Ideally, try to secure the pigeon and place it in a box until a rescuer or vet can take over.
3. Don’t be afraid to catch the pigeon with your hands – they cannot transmit any diseases to humans. Basic hygiene and handwashing are sufficient.
Place the pigeon in an open box with a small bowl of water and some oats or sunflower seeds, and keep it in a quiet place in your home until help arrives.
4. If you decide to try healing the bird yourself, contact one of the ornithologists listed below:
Thank you so much for any help you provide to these often forgotten little beings. 🙂
