Pigeon attacked... by a chipmunk??

[thebirdgirl]

I'm sure this sounds strange but I'm wondering if anyone knows, is it possible for a chipmunk to attack a pigeon? My pigeons are in a cage inside a secure chicken run. I didn't think chipmunks could get in but they tunneled under the foot of buried hardware cloth and come in once in a while. The pigeon cage has an open bottom which sits on the ground (I thought this would be OK since nothing should be in the pen). This morning, I noticed a pile of corn separated from the piegon food inside the pigeon's cage. I looked at my pigeon and saw that he was dripping blood from a throat wound. He has feathers missing in a two inch diameter on the front of his throat, and a single puncture in the middle from which he had lost a lot of blood. I was first thinking a weasel, but wouldn't a weasel have just killed him and the other pigeon in the cage? I've never heard of a chipmunk attacking a bird but I'm wondering if the pigeon (he is pretty aggressive) bit the chipmunk and the chipmunk fought back? I've covered the bottom of the cage so nothing else can get in.
I'm not sure if the pigeon is going to make it and I feel so bad for him- I've had him for almost 10 years.

Just wondering if anyone has heard of this or if it is possible?

 

[monarc23]

It sounds like the chipmunk or hwatever it was ripped out your pigeons crop? I don't think he will make it but i would be wonderful if he does...


if he's aggressive,a nd the chipmunk REALLY wanted some food i could see a chipmunk defending itself and biting at the first part of the pigeon it could get at to get away. PIgeon crops are very very delicate and easily ripped away (i've never done it but seen it done) so it wouldnt really take much for that to happen and chipmunk teeth are LONG and sharp. A rat could have been teh culprate even.

Just remember rats, mice and even chipmunks can and will eat meat as well...

 

[Jenski]

I have heard weasels can fit through very, very small holes. Is it possible one got into the cage through one of the existing holes and tried (but failed) to dispatch your pigeon?

How about filling the holes with quick crete or something?

 

[spook]

Well, if your pigeon was defending its cage, spazzed out with a rodent in the cage, the chipmonk may have thought it was defending itself. So hard telling. Weasles are a tad bit larger then a chipmonk, perhaps a young one could fit in a hole.
Such a shame to need to put a bottom in a cage, but looks like you should, then go out in your yard, dig some soil up to place on top of the bottom wire, so they can dust, pick up stones for their crop.
What a mess you have, I am sorry that you have to deal with this.
My hens actually chase and pull fur off the tails of chipmonks and red squirrels! Its a miricle that none of these girls have gotten chewed up from a frightened animal.

 

[thewarriorchild]

I pray your bird makes it!!
:aww

 

[monarc23]

Quote:
ha ha eww!!! actually, the chicken isn't taking only fur, it's taking all the skin away too, it's a defense mechanism for the rodents. I am pretty sure it doesnt grow back too...but yep...if the chickens dont eat the tail next time they do it, pick it up and look it's a skinned shell of what use dto be the skin and fur of the tail

 

[thebirdgirl]

Thanks for the replies and the good thoughts everyone. The pigeon is actually doing very well today, eating and drinking as usual. The puncture on his throat is still a bit open so I've been flushing it with saline to keep it draining. There's also a big scab on his throat where all the feathers were pulled out. I will still keep my fingers crossed but for now it seems hopeful that he will pull through. I covered the bottom of the cage and then covered that with dirt from the yard and wood chips so hopefully he won't notice the difference. This morning I noticed a new little chipmunk tunnel going under the cage. Hopefully he will find somewhere else to hang out now that he won't be getting unlimited free food!

 

[horsejody]

I would suspect a rat before a chipmunk.