Story about this feral w/broken shoulder

[naturegirl]

Well I was told by another member here to tell the story of the feral that recently came to me for rehabbing. I never wrote a story before but here it goes anyways. In April 2007 this little old lady called me up and said I got your telephone number from my daughter-inlaw and she said you would be able to help me out, she goes on to tell me how she has lost her husband with numerous medical problems less than a year ago and she was married to him for over 50 years. (She sure was a cute little lady) since then she has been feeding a number of feral pigeons in her yard. She said since they have closed the bridge to do repairs the pigeons has found my place and I feed them. She goes through 50lbs of seed a week. She also sends money to help the Elephants and placing unwanted dogs in Utah. Anyhow she said the cars go by so fast and this pigeon must have gotten hit by a car. I found him on the side of the garage. She went on to tell me that this one is the only one that will come feed out of her hand once in a while, she was very concerned about his welfare so I told her I would keep an eye on him for a couple of days and if things didn't look better I would take him into the vets and have his wing x-rayed, well it turns out he has a pretty busted up shoulder. The vet wanted to put him down right there I told her no do not do that yet. I called the lady back and told her what was going on and I gave her 3 options. #1 set it and lets see if it comes good in 6-8 weeks, #2 if it can't fly after things have been healed then she could keep him as a pet (I explained how they make wonderful pet birds) she is from Germany been through the war etc. and said I couldn't keep it as a pet I have been brought up If it comes from the wild it must return to the wild. I told her #3 is we could try to find it a nice loving home which it could be used as a breeder,or as an inside pet. She wants me to find him a nice home and was crushed when I told her about his broken shoulder and started to cry. Apparently her daughter said she talks to these pigeons about her husband passing and it has helped her get things off her chest and has takin some of the hurt away. That is why she is so adiment on me finding him a nice home if he can't be returned to the wild. So I am trying to find him a home in the next 6 weeks if his wing doesn't come good. The vet seems to think he will never be able to go back as his should is broken badly. He is a male (at least I think) he grunts once in a while and he is quit big, he is very healthy but he may not go back to the wild again. I also think he could have been hand reared as he is kind of friendly to humans, maybe he got out and mixed in with the ferals. He is a medium gray blue bar. Very pretty bird. If you may think you are interested in adopting him after 6 weeks of holding him waiting to see if the wing comes back good or not please anyone interested in him contact me through e-mail and we could work something out. I couldn't adopt another bird as I have 8 birds already inside and it already takes it's toll with money etc. Unfortunely we being rehabbers all have to make those dreadful decisions and I don't want this to be one of them just because he make not fly again. Thank You for reading this story as this was truely my first.

Cindy

[mr squeaks]

What an endearing story! I SO hope the pij heals with no complications. AND,if he can't fly well, will find a loving home...

I have a special fondness for pijies with injured wings as Mr. Squeaks had to have his one wing partially amputated and can no longer fly.

SENDING WARM HEALING THOUGHTS WITH LOVE, HUGS and SCRITCHES!

Thanks so much for posting!

Warmly,

Shi & Mr. Squeaks

[Lady Tarheel]

Hi Cindy

You did good girl! That is a heartwarming story and I hope everything goes well with this pigeon. Based on past experience, a wing that is broken at the shoulder stands little chance of being useful again. The best option may be to amputate but it could still lead a good life like Mr. Squeaks.

I wish you the best in finding him a good home.

[Trees Gray]

What a heartwarming story about the elderly lady telling her thoughts and feelings to the pigeons, and her love of all animals.

Thank you for rescuing this special bird. I too have a wing-injured bird and he is very special to me.

I hope and pray he has the best outcome and you find him a wonderful home .

Thank you for sharing.