Injured feral pigeon - need help!

[biophiliac]

Well my focus has been on water up until now, but I need some food suggestions. It's late here so the pet store is closed now until tomorrow. I have some multigrain bread and various cereals, but I've been reluctant to offer him anything entirely unsuitable through lack of knowledge. I will try the peas... This might sound silly, but I'm not that used to handling birds and I don't want to hurt him so what's the easiest way to get him to open his mouth?

I don't know if I can describe the feeding - I put the bird on my lap and hold in place with my right arm, using my right hand to hold the head and open the beak...then pop the pea in with my left hand. You would be more at ease having someone restrain the bird while you concentrate on feeding. You can grasp the tip of the upper beak and lift, then slide your thumb and forefinger to the sides of the mouth to prevent closing.

Hopefully all this will be un-necessary now that the problem has been identified... @CCUK
Anyway, if he will eat on his own you may not have to do this. Can you find some wild bird seed mix to try him on? They usually like to drink immediately after eating. I agree with @CCUK suggestions! The injury was probably hindering him from getting food and water, poor guy.

 

[biophiliac]

@sophtoph Are you in the UK?

 

[sophtoph]

@sophtoph Are you in the UK?

I am, yes. North Devon.

 

[sophtoph]

Do you have any wild bird seed?

Not right now, but I will get some tomorrow.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I think hemophilia has covered it. @cavemanrich might know what to do.

 

[biophiliac]

hemophilia

Gotta love the auto-correct!

 

[backyard pigeons]

Gotta love the auto-correct!

Oops! Biophiliac! Lol.

 

[WVduckchick]

Gotta love the auto-correct!

Bwahahahahaha

 

[sophtoph]

Good morning lovely, helpful people!
You'll be pleased to know that Mr/Mrs Pigeon survived the night. He/she is a lot more active today, I can hear it flapping about inside the cat carrier trying to move itself around. Still no ability to bare weight on the legs though. His/her feet and ankles look a bit more symmetrical today and its trying to stretch them both out rather than holding one up with the toes limply hanging. Like I said, it still can't stand but seems a bit better able to not end up on its face. I moved it into my spare room to keep it warmer; I worried the shed might be too cold. He/she has had a tiny bit more fluids from the syringe this morning, a new hot water bottle and I'm about to go and buy some birdseed.
I was wondering about its ongoing recovery... Is there any way to isolate the injury without going to the vets? (I just don't have the money to do that). I worry if something is broken is might not heal correctly.

 

[biophiliac]

Good morning lovely, helpful people!
You'll be pleased to know that Mr/Mrs Pigeon survived the night. He/she is a lot more active today, I can hear it flapping about inside the cat carrier trying to move itself around. Still no ability to bare weight on the legs though. His/her feet and ankles look a bit more symmetrical today and its trying to stretch them both out rather than holding one up with the toes limply hanging. Like I said, it still can't stand but seems a bit better able to not end up on its face. I moved it into my spare room to keep it warmer; I worried the shed might be too cold. He/she has had a tiny bit more fluids from the syringe this morning, a new hot water bottle and I'm about to go and buy some birdseed.
I was wondering about its ongoing recovery... Is there any way to isolate the injury without going to the vets? (I just don't have the money to do that). I worry if something is broken is might not heal correctly.

I think you are doing great for him so far. I wouldn't worry about vet care at this point. Later today you can look again and see if you think he needs a wrap to stabilize the leg or foot. He may recover with your supportive care only. And keep us updated please?

I asked if you lived in UK bc I believe homeopathic remedies are more commonly used there than here in US. There are two remedies I would consider for my pets in a similar situation, Arnica Montana for pain and or swelling, the other is Symphytum Officinalis for healing broken bones faster. Don't worry if you can't get them, he should do okay without. They just give a boost to the healing process.