Untangling Kindness: How Tom Rescues Pigeons From Stringfoot
Photo source: Tom
City Pigeons are innocent stray domestic birds. We often see local people offer pigeons bread or seeds, and that’s beautiful. In Manchester, Tom feeds pigeons in parks and streets and also helps those suffering from stringfoot.
Stringfoot is a common injury among feral pigeons, and some kindhearted people step in to destring them.
What Is Stringfoot?
Pigeons make their nests with pieces of sticks and branches, and in cities they often use bits of thread, string, or even human hair.
When a thread is tied around a pigeon’s toes, it can become so tight that it causes pain, infection, or even the loss of toes or a foot. It is so painful that the bird may refuse to put weight on that foot while walking or begin to limp.
Destringing in action, photo source: Stringfoot Pigeon Help
Tom’s Rescue Process
Tom spots pigeons with stringfoot among the group. He feeds them some seeds and slowly gets closer. Then he carefully catches the one with stringfoot.
He covers the pigeon’s head with a piece of cloth and gently begins removing the hair or strings using tweezers or a tool called a thread ripper.
If the strands have cut the foot, Tom washes it with saline water and applies antiseptic if the cut is deep.
Untangling a Pigeon
In this video that Tom shared on TikTok, the pigeon has its toes tied in cotton threads and a stick from the nest, and the bird walks with difficulty. Tom catches the bird and patiently removes all the threads, checking for any signs of damage. When he releases the bird, it walks normally again, and that feels good.
Why It Matters
City pigeons face many problems, including starvation, lack of safe places for nesting and sleeping, and stringfoot. Once they get caught in string, they cannot remove it themselves. They often suffer in pain and may lose toes or feet. That’s why some kindhearted humans help remove the string for them.
These days, many cities have their own stringfoot groups, and Tom is just one example of a caring person raising awareness. It’s helpful to check on the local flock regularly and give a hand if you can. In Tom’s TikTok videos, he shows how to rescue pigeons with stringfoot, and it usually takes only about 10 minutes.
The Impact of Simple Care
Seeing a pigeon walk freely again after a rescue is a small victory, but it matters. Tom’s work reminds us that even small acts of care can make a big difference. Checking on the pigeons in our neighborhoods and helping when we can is a simple way to show kindness and make the city a little gentler for all creatures.
If you are interested in helping feral urban pigeons, you can find detailed stringfoot tutorials here.
About The Author
Sahar Fallah
I'm Sahar, a storyteller who values non-generic stories about life, experiences, self-care,
and awareness. Words have a powerful impact, and I’m here to use them to spread
kindness and share stories worth hearing.
I’m proud to be part of DivsFeed, a platform that celebrates real humanity and highlights
stories that might otherwise go unheard.
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