Dominic & Gimie...Survivors

[mr squeaks]

Little did I know that getting involved in the horrendous Glendale pigeon situation would change my life once more! On our final visit to Glendale, Cindy (AZWhitefeather) , Kim (KIPPY) and I brought back pigeons that ran the gamut from sick, releaseable and injured. Cindy took the releaseables, Kim took the sick and I agreed to take two who were injured but seemed compatible.

They make an odd couple, these two. One pigeon is long and lean with red feathers and wide ceres around both eyes and a thick beak. The other is much smaller, a dark check. While both can fly, they have permanent injuries that make them non-releaseable.

The larger pigeon is definitely the dominant one and sure acted like a cock, so I named him Dominic, Dom for short. The smaller one is much quieter and seemed content to let her partner “dominate.” Because of her look and actions, I thought “hen,” and named her Gimie (for gimpy, pronounced “gimmie”) because of her badly broken leg. Dom just seemed to have a droopy wing, possibly from a break?

I still had Squeaks’ original cage and that became their home. They became Squeaker’s upstairs neighbors in my bedroom. Fortunately, my bedroom has at least 300 sq. ft. for them to fly and get exercise. Periodically, I open their door and out they fly. Dom seems to prefer walking or, if I’m after him, running! Gimie is a flyer and leads me a merry chase when exercise time is over!

I put out the litter box with water to see if they wanted to take a bath. When I peeked in, Dom was teetering on the edge but would not go in the water. He would dip his beak in but that was it. The next time I checked, there was Gimie, enjoying HER bath with Dom still teetering on the edge! All of a sudden he kinda “fell” in the water and the bath was ON with both birds splashing up a storm! Soooo funny!

Fortunately, I can close off the bedroom from the cats and Squeaks. I brought Dom and Gimie home on March 16, 2008 and waited a few weeks before letting Squeaks satisfy his curiosity about these newbies! Both birds had no signs of bugs and were eating and pooping well.

The day finally came when Squeaks wanted IN the bedroom, so I opened the door and in he walked. Dom immediately came running over acting for all the world like he was seeing his long lost friend! I’m afraid that Squeaks didn’t feel the same way! He took one look, waited until Dom got close and ATTACKED! He grabbed him by the throat and the fight was on! I had never seen pigeons fight and decided I didn’t want to again! I separated them and Squeaks went back to the living room. And that took care of THAT meeting! I don’t know how he will react to just Gimie but it will be awhile before I find out.

I wanted to take them to Dr. Burke for a check up but a virus got me for two weeks. When I finally recovered, I called and made an appointment. Cindy was kind enough to go with us. Found out that Dom has a hole in his wing that looked like he had been shot by a BB gun, hence the droopy wing. Gimie’s leg had been broken and healed very badly. She is essentially one legged but sometimes uses her bad leg as a crutch. Fecal tests showed they had lots of worm eggs and Coccidiosis, so they are currently being treated. In another month, I will take in a fecal sample to be re-checked. Hopefully, all will be gone!

Both continue to do well. Dom will often be found with his head under Gimie’s bad leg as if supporting her. They seem devoted to each other and both have distinct personalities. Gimie is very quiet, while Dom will COOOO up a storm!

I have finally realized that they are now members of my family. Took me quite awhile to adjust to having TWO pigeons who could FLY, yet all is working out quite well. Of course, they have to be confined to the bedroom for their flying as my living room area is much too dangerous. Also, the cats are QUITE interested in birds that can fly, so they have to be separated.

Life is certainly going to be interesting with 2 birds who can fly and one who cannot. But we are adjusting…only time will tell if one is REALLY a hen!

And so, the adventure continues! Living with fur and MORE feathers…Priceless!

For those who LOVE pictures, Cindy has graciously consented to take pictures for your enjoyment!

[Maggie-NC]

Shi, bless your heart, I didn't realize they were not releasable but I must say they could not have found a better person in the WORLD to care for them.

It is going to take getting used to you having three now. Squeaks just seemed like an only child for so long but he may enjoy them as time goes on. You tell him that he will always be top pigeon even though we'll love Dom and Gimie too.

I hope the worms and coccidia will soon be cleared up. Most ferals seem to have those two things and they're easily taken care of.

A great big old hug to you.

[Feefo]

Shi, bless your heart, I didn't realize they were not releasable but I must say they could not have found a better person in the WORLD to care for them.

All I can say to that is "ditto". If only there were millions more like you, Shi!

Cynthia

[Lovebirds]

Absolutely can't wait much longer to see pictures...............you are a REAL sweetie for taking in these two. Sounds like they are in love. I agree...in time Squeaks will come around and they'll be buddies or at least civil to one another.

[AZWhitefeather]

Hi, I'm Dom, the red pij AND I'm Gimie, the Checker.




When you're in need, just . . .



Yes! Your Majesty!

[Lovebirds]

They look right darn happy to me.............Dom is a pretty color of red.

[AZWhitefeather]

Mr. Squeaks said WHAAT?!




"Yes! That's right, I AM the BOSS!!"

[Maggie-NC]

Absolutely adorable! And just look at Squeaks in his SPP britches.

Cindy, thanks for posting these. Your captions were perfect.

[AZWhitefeather]

Originally Posted by Lady Tarheel

Absolutely adorable!

*And just look at Squeaks in his SPP britches.

** Cindy, thanks for posting these.

*** Your captions were perfect.

* Yes, indeed, isn't he dapper looking!

** You're most welcome.

*** Thanks, Maggie. It was a team effort.

Cindy

[Charis]

What a saga...I had no idea.
Shi, you have warmed my heart and I find myself sitting here crying... but in a good way.

[Lin Hansen]

Great story and great pictures!!!

Linda

[Margarret]

Shi,

I thought you were just housing them temporarily. You rascal, You were settling them in for forever homes. A big hug to you for your generous heart. The new babies are beautiful and Squeaks is, of course, lord of the manor.

Scritches to all of the feathered and furred,

Love, Margaret

[philodice]

Super Squeaks!
Man is he cute.

[TheSnipes]

What lucky birds to have landed with Shi & Super-Squeaks

[mr squeaks]

Thank you all for your wonderful comments!!

I REALLY thought I might just be "fostering" Dom and Gimie. I even thought there might be a possibility that they could be released with Cindy's flock.

However, as time went on, I realized that, while Gimie could fly VERY well, she could still be a prime predator candidate. Dom does not fly as well as I originally thought. He tends to fly into things! Don't know why, but that's why he tends to stay on the floor and RUN. But, he has flown back into his home a couple of times when exercise time is over, so maybe I can train him to do so ALL the time.

Once I finally got used to the idea of keeping them, welllll, things just fell into place.

Only time will tell about Squeaks and his relationship with the two. Since he is spoiled and so used to being THE ONLY PIJ, I will continue to keep them separated for awhile.

I would like to again THANK CINDY for taking such wonderful pictures and posting the captions!! We sure had fun thinking up those!!

And the beat goes on...

Shi