String Action – Rescuing Pigeons with Entangled Feet

Every day, pigeons become entangled in strings, threads, fishing lines, and human hair left behind by people. What may seem like a minor problem can lead to chronic pain, severe foot deformities, and even the loss of toes.

For more than two years, String Action, organised by Chatka Gołębia Foundation, has been helping birds affected by this issue while also educating local communities. Mushika Foundation is now joining the initiative and will co-organise the next three events. The first joint action will take place on 13 June 2026 in Kraków.

Together, we want to show that helping urban birds does not require specialist equipment or large organisations. Often, all it takes is awareness, knowledge, and a willingness to act.

The Origins of String Action

String Action was created by Dariusz Grochal. The first event took place in Kraków’s Main Market Square in February 2024.

At the time, a small group of people gathered to help pigeons whose feet had become tangled in strings. As the organiser recalls:

“Back then, we had almost nothing except the desire to help – a bag of grain, a few cardboard boxes, and a pair of scissors for removing strings. We did not even know what we would do with sick or injured pigeons from the Market Square.”

The initiative quickly proved successful. Volunteers associated with the group “Pigeons – Help, Care, Adoption” rose to the challenge, ensuring that no bird in need was left without assistance.

“I am very pleased with how much the health condition of pigeons in Kraków’s Market Square has improved compared to a few years ago. Back then, there could be dozens of sick pigeons in a single day, not to mention the number of birds with tangled feet. Today, during our String Action events, veterinary assistance is usually needed for only a dozen or so birds. That is a huge difference,” says Iga Fant, President of Chatka Gołębia Foundation.

What Is String Action?

The initiative takes its name from a problem that affects pigeons in virtually every urban flock.

While searching for food on the ground, pigeons often become entangled in pieces of string, thread, hair, fishing line, or other discarded materials. A pigeon cannot remove such debris on its own. Over time, the material tightens around the foot, causing constant pain and serious health complications.

The constriction restricts blood flow, leading to deformities, tissue death, and sometimes the loss of toes.

During String Action events, volunteers search for pigeons with tangled feet, safely capture them, and provide assistance.

Join the Action

If you would like to help urban pigeons, you can join the next String Action event organised by Chatka Gołębia Foundation and Mushika Foundation.

Participation does not require previous experience or specialist knowledge.

Volunteers work together to identify pigeons entangled in strings, fishing lines, and other waste materials and assist with their safe capture. Every bird is assessed by specialists from Chatka Gołębia Foundation. If the problem can be resolved on site, the pigeon is released immediately after treatment. Birds requiring further care are transported to a veterinary clinic.

Participants are provided with pigeon feed, disposable gloves, and hygiene supplies free of charge.

Pigeons requiring treatment after the event receive professional veterinary care, while the costs of treatment and rehabilitation are covered by Mushika Foundation.

For more information about upcoming events, please contact us at info@mushika.pl.

Helping Every Day

Anyone can help pigeons, even outside organised events.

Simply observing a local flock on a regular basis can make a difference. Consistent and responsible feeding helps birds become accustomed to human presence, making it easier to approach an individual that requires assistance.

However, proper feeding is important. Pigeons are granivorous birds and should be fed grains and seeds. Bread should never be offered to them.

If a string is loosely wrapped around a bird’s foot, it may sometimes be carefully removed using small scissors, such as nail scissors. However, if the material has become embedded in the skin or has been present for a long period, removal should not be attempted without professional assistance.

Such cases require veterinary care and may involve surgery, medication, wound treatment, or, in severe situations, amputation of dead tissue.

It is therefore worth identifying local veterinary clinics that treat wild birds. If assistance is needed, Pigeon House Foundation can also help direct people to the nearest facility experienced in caring for pigeons.

Why Is Untangling Pigeons So Important?

Removing a piece of string may seem like a small act, but for a pigeon it can mean relief from chronic pain and a dramatic improvement in quality of life.

Birds can often adapt even after losing a toe, but living with a tightening string means ongoing suffering and progressive deterioration of health.

Every pigeon helped through String Action experiences a significant improvement in welfare.

The initiative also demonstrates that even small actions taken by local residents can have a profound impact on the lives of the animals that share our cities.