Injured feral pigeon - need help!

[sophtoph]

Hi,

I'm not at all experienced in rescuing animals and am not very familiar with birds, so I'm hoping someone can help me with an injured feral pigeon. I apologise in advance if this post is misplaced, I realise a pigeon is not a chicken but I really need some guidance.

He/she cannot stand, but otherwise seems in good health. There are no obvious injuries I can see, it doesn't feel emaciated and is defecating fairly frequently with quite normal looking bird mess (white/dark green). I'm not sure if the issue is with one or both legs; it seems to stick one leg straight out and won't put the other foot down. I have had a feel around for swelling or any indication or internal injuries but I don't really know what I'm looking for. Its wings seem to be functioning normally, as it keeps escaping from the enclosure I've built for him in my shed. But when it lands it just tips forward onto its chest and face.

I'm unsure how to proceed or what is wrong with the poor fellow. He definitely needs a wash, as he keeps falling over into his own mess. Would a warm, damp cloth be best to just lightly sponge the mess off its feathers? Also it's been at least 24 hours with no water, so I'm aware I need to get some fluids in it before dehydration sets in. It seems uninterested in a small water bowl I have placed out, but I have a small syringe tube feeder (I work in an aquarium) so wondered if I should attempt to feed it some water?

Any guidance would be much appreciated. I'm in North Devon, UK, by the way.

Thank you,

Sophie (and pigeon)

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Hello!
You want to repost in the pigeon forum. There are lots of wonderful pigeon experts there that Im sure would be able to help.
Best of luck!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/pigeons-and-doves.52/

 

[sophtoph]

Hello!
You want to repost in the pigeon forum. There are lots of wonderful pigeon experts there that Im sure would be able to help.
Best of luck!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/pigeons-and-doves.52/

Thank you so much, I will do!

 

[twendt]

My parents are magicians and my mother still raises Doves ( close to a pigeon). My job was to care for the doves as a kid. How did you find the pigeon? Is it really cold where you live? Can the bird wrap it's feet around your finger? If you tip it upside down in your palm that relaxes the bird and you can get a better look at it's legs. There's definitely something wrong with both legs, unfortunately. I would look for a pigeon forum as another member suggested. It sounds like something a vet might have to look at (someone who specializes in birds). Hoping for the best!

 

[sophtoph]

My parents are magicians and my mother still raises Doves ( close to a pigeon). My job was to care for the doves as a kid. How did you find the pigeon? Is it really cold where you live? Can the bird wrap it's feet around your finger? If you tip it upside down in your palm that relaxes the bird and you can get a better look at it's legs. There's definitely something wrong with both legs, unfortunately. I would look for a pigeon forum as another member suggested. It sounds like something a vet might have to look at (someone who specializes in birds). Hoping for the best!

I live in a seaside town in the UK, it has actually been unseasonably warm recently. I read somewhere that pigeons that live around fisherman can often become tangled in fishing line, thus cutting off the circulation to their feet. I wonder if this is what happened... Seems an odd coincidence that I live in a fishing town and the poor thing cannot stand. There was nothing wrapped around his feet when I got him though. A colleague found him yesterday morning, but I wasn't at work. Knowing I'm the "Pigeon Lady" (I've only ever rescued one other pigeon!) he waited until I got to work today and handed it over. We checked on him just now and my husband remarked that his legs feel rather cold. Next time I go and check on him I will try and tip him upside down and get a better look at his legs and feet. Thank you for your help, I have also reposted this in the pigeon/dove section so hopefully someone else will have some additional insight. Thanks again!

 

[twendt]

I'm in Wisconsin, been bitter cold still. I thought maybe it's feet got frostbite. I see you are in the UK. It's very possible a fisherman cut him out, he flew away but couldn't stand. Poor bird. The upside down trick works great, it almost puts them to sleep. Best wishes! Tammy