- Mar 14, 2009
- 18
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Hi folks. I am usually here to read up on my chicken gossip, but an unfortunate event has led me to venture into new forum territory.
I have a few friends that work on a construction crew and they are doing a job rebuilding the roof of an older barn. The client had also asked them to please remove any pigeon nests that they might come across, as the pigeons are becoming a nuisance and trashing his boat and a classic car he has stored in his barn.
They are kind souls
On Saturday they came to me with a single young pigeon, knowing that I love animals and have hand raised several before, although it was quite a few years ago. Sadly, they said that the sibling of this pigeon had spooked from the nest and fallen between a double wall and they were unable to retrieve it.
The first pigeon is in excellent shape and took to me immediately as it's surrogate mother. He's quite happy to sit on my lap, has a voracious appetite, and will chase me across the house if I try to leave him alone for even a second. I have no worries on this pigeon, it seems to have adjusted extremely well to life with me.
Yesterday the construction crew returned to the job site and were pained to hear flapping inside the double wall all day. After work was finished they asked the barn owner and used their own time to dig two holes beneath the double wall. Using various tools they were able to herd the other young pigeon out one of the holes and dropped it off to me last night.
Frankly, I'm surprised that the bird is alive at all. It's been unseasonably warm the last few days, and the temperatures must have been scalding between the barn walls. It seems to be completely unharmed, although a bit ruffled and dirty. It's rather alert, and does not seem to be in any immediate danger.
The only problem is that it does not seem to be excepting me as readily as did it's sibling. I force fed it some water last night, as it must be dehydrated. I tried some food and did manage to get it to eat a little, although it did not enjoy it. I left it alone figuring that perhaps after it wasn't so stressed I would have better luck.
Today seems no different. I am force feeding it, where as it's sibling is quite excited about every meal.
I estimate them to be between 3 and 4 weeks old...they do have all their feathers, but still have pin feathers beneath their wings, around their beaks, and some wisps of downy fuzz still hanging on to their heads and necks.
I am feeding them some dog food, soaked until completely soft in warm water (which has raised pigeons to maturity for me before with no problems). I also have wild bird seed and fresh water available to them both at all times, as they should be interested in it soon. I have them caged separately right now, hoping that Pigeon#2 will rely on me more if it's not clinging to it's nest mate
Is the second pigeon traumatized? Is there anything I can do to help it make the adjustment?
I might be jumping the gun, as it has only been 24 hours since Pigeon #2 arrived. Maybe time will do the trick, but considering the circumstances and how quickly young birds can go downhill I am concerned for it.
I do plan on building a loft for them and keeping them as pets. My boyfriend is quite attached to the first pigeon, and I have read that hand raised pigeons are not good very candidates for releasing back into the wild.
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed as my chick order arrived today and I am now mother to 2 pigeons, 10 day old chicks, 2 large dogs, 10 adult chickens and 1 horse. All the while working 2 full time jobs. I had to turn the guys down today when they called and said they had found 2 more baby pigeons, as I am out of cages, out of room, out of energy, and out of my mind
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance
I have a few friends that work on a construction crew and they are doing a job rebuilding the roof of an older barn. The client had also asked them to please remove any pigeon nests that they might come across, as the pigeons are becoming a nuisance and trashing his boat and a classic car he has stored in his barn.
They are kind souls
On Saturday they came to me with a single young pigeon, knowing that I love animals and have hand raised several before, although it was quite a few years ago. Sadly, they said that the sibling of this pigeon had spooked from the nest and fallen between a double wall and they were unable to retrieve it.The first pigeon is in excellent shape and took to me immediately as it's surrogate mother. He's quite happy to sit on my lap, has a voracious appetite, and will chase me across the house if I try to leave him alone for even a second. I have no worries on this pigeon, it seems to have adjusted extremely well to life with me.
Yesterday the construction crew returned to the job site and were pained to hear flapping inside the double wall all day. After work was finished they asked the barn owner and used their own time to dig two holes beneath the double wall. Using various tools they were able to herd the other young pigeon out one of the holes and dropped it off to me last night.
Frankly, I'm surprised that the bird is alive at all. It's been unseasonably warm the last few days, and the temperatures must have been scalding between the barn walls. It seems to be completely unharmed, although a bit ruffled and dirty. It's rather alert, and does not seem to be in any immediate danger.
The only problem is that it does not seem to be excepting me as readily as did it's sibling. I force fed it some water last night, as it must be dehydrated. I tried some food and did manage to get it to eat a little, although it did not enjoy it. I left it alone figuring that perhaps after it wasn't so stressed I would have better luck.
Today seems no different. I am force feeding it, where as it's sibling is quite excited about every meal.
I estimate them to be between 3 and 4 weeks old...they do have all their feathers, but still have pin feathers beneath their wings, around their beaks, and some wisps of downy fuzz still hanging on to their heads and necks.
I am feeding them some dog food, soaked until completely soft in warm water (which has raised pigeons to maturity for me before with no problems). I also have wild bird seed and fresh water available to them both at all times, as they should be interested in it soon. I have them caged separately right now, hoping that Pigeon#2 will rely on me more if it's not clinging to it's nest mate
Is the second pigeon traumatized? Is there anything I can do to help it make the adjustment?
I might be jumping the gun, as it has only been 24 hours since Pigeon #2 arrived. Maybe time will do the trick, but considering the circumstances and how quickly young birds can go downhill I am concerned for it.
I do plan on building a loft for them and keeping them as pets. My boyfriend is quite attached to the first pigeon, and I have read that hand raised pigeons are not good very candidates for releasing back into the wild.
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed as my chick order arrived today and I am now mother to 2 pigeons, 10 day old chicks, 2 large dogs, 10 adult chickens and 1 horse. All the while working 2 full time jobs. I had to turn the guys down today when they called and said they had found 2 more baby pigeons, as I am out of cages, out of room, out of energy, and out of my mind
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance
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Good idea, thank you....Yay! Arts and crafts
