Baby pigeon tongue

[momofseven]

(“He” could also be a “she” )
We rescued a pigeon who’s mother was caught by a cat on a friends farm.
He’d literally just hatched from the egg, weighing in at 9 grams
He’s doing good, 9 days old now, and 34 grams, so still tiny, but pretty fierce. The first week I fed him with a syringe, but not with a tube. I tried letting him feed “exact” through bottle with a silicone glove finger attached, but he swallowed way too much air.
Since yesterday I’ve been using a tube.
I noticed that his tongue looks off. I was brought up raising doves and pigeons, so I know it’s supposed to have a pointy tongue. He’s sticking his tongue out on the photos.
I don’t know whether I damaged it with feeding.... I don’t think he ever had a normal tongue to be honest.

My question is, I’ll keep him alive while hand feeding him, but what about after?
Will Eggbert be able to feed himself ever? Anyone dealt with this?

 

[Hokum Coco]

My question is, I’ll keep him alive while hand feeding him, but what about after?
Will Eggbert be able to feed himself ever? Anyone dealt with this?

This is the first I have heard about such a situation. I do not know what the future has in store for Eggbert. Wish I could be of some help. I will follow this post to see it's outcome.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Does it hang out constantly? It should heal on its iwn, just be careful during feedings. Good job saving him! His future looks pretty good I think.

 

[Qwerty3159]

No experience with baby pigeons but when I was young I raised a grackle that had some sort of injury/deformity where its upper and lower beak didn't line up right and its tongue stuck out slightly and the bird learned to feed itself just fine.
I've seen feral pigeons with some pretty extreme handicaps make do in the wild, so I think your guy should do fine.

 

[momofseven]

Does it hang out constantly? It should heal on its iwn, just be careful during feedings. Good job saving him! His future looks pretty good I think.

It never hangs out. He’s just sticking it out because I’m opening his mouth.
The bottom part is it’s beak, the thing touching my finger is it’s tongue. With the split in it.
It looks like it’s folded double almost?
Im hoping you’re right about the future

 

[momofseven]

Just edited above post.

 

[CCUK]

I'd just keep going as you are. It seems that you are doing a good job. It may sort itself out as it grows. If it doesn't, hopefully it may figure a way of eating with it.

 

[momofseven]

Thanks all, I’ll keep you posted. It was SO tiny at first, we never expected it to live for as long as it did.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Thanks all, I’ll keep you posted. It was SO tiny at first, we never expected it to live for as long as it did.

Please do! Does It have a name?

 

[momofseven]

Eggbert