I suddenly and unexpectedly find myself the owner of a pigeon. I figured I'd post here and ask those more experienced than myself for their knowledge and wisdom.
First, let me tell you a story. It's important to bear in mind that my budget is...tight. About two weeks ago, I go out to do a bit of light gardening only to find a pigeon sitting on the back stoop. Well...not sitting so much as flopping around and bleeding. Turns out one of the neighborhood kids got overzealous with a BB gun. The poor bird caught one in the wrist of his right wing. I managed to extract the BB and patch him up and as it stands, he's doing well. A friend's father (a retired vet) was visiting from out of town over the week end. I got him to take a look at the bird. He says I did a good job on the wing, but the tendon damage is simply too great and he (at least, I think the pigeon is a he) will never fly again. I was completely unprepared to take on a pigeon...but there it is. I named him Quetzalcoatl (Qetzo for short) and have embraced my responsibility to keep him alive and well.
For the moment he's holding up in a chicken coop that will be free of chickens for a few more weeks (my housemates picking up the young chicks tomorrow). In the mean time I shall build him a 30''X30''X40'' cage just as soon as I can get my hands on the materials. Now, my understanding is that a pigeon needs a warm body on those cold winter nights as well as socialization. I'd like to keep Qetzo un-frozen and sane.
Anyone have any suggestions on the how?
Also, if it comes down to it, what is the best way to go about finding another pigeon for cheap? I don't need fancy, just alive and healthy.
First, let me tell you a story. It's important to bear in mind that my budget is...tight. About two weeks ago, I go out to do a bit of light gardening only to find a pigeon sitting on the back stoop. Well...not sitting so much as flopping around and bleeding. Turns out one of the neighborhood kids got overzealous with a BB gun. The poor bird caught one in the wrist of his right wing. I managed to extract the BB and patch him up and as it stands, he's doing well. A friend's father (a retired vet) was visiting from out of town over the week end. I got him to take a look at the bird. He says I did a good job on the wing, but the tendon damage is simply too great and he (at least, I think the pigeon is a he) will never fly again. I was completely unprepared to take on a pigeon...but there it is. I named him Quetzalcoatl (Qetzo for short) and have embraced my responsibility to keep him alive and well.
For the moment he's holding up in a chicken coop that will be free of chickens for a few more weeks (my housemates picking up the young chicks tomorrow). In the mean time I shall build him a 30''X30''X40'' cage just as soon as I can get my hands on the materials. Now, my understanding is that a pigeon needs a warm body on those cold winter nights as well as socialization. I'd like to keep Qetzo un-frozen and sane.
Anyone have any suggestions on the how?
Also, if it comes down to it, what is the best way to go about finding another pigeon for cheap? I don't need fancy, just alive and healthy.
