Found baby pigeon eyes still shut

[gbbalcuns]

Yesterday I found this baby I think it must have rolled off of the roof of my house. I could not find any kind of bird rescue or any help so I went to petsmart and got baby bird formula. I am not sure how often I should be feeding. I set my alarm last night for every 3 hours. Not sure how much the baby is actually getting inside his mouth, because it gets all over him and his little bed. He has been pooping about 4 times. I need to know how often he needs to be fed. I have a full time job and I called in sick today because I couldnt leave him alone that long. I need to figure out what I am going to do. Should he be able to sit up good because he keeps falling over and leaning his head back and trying to turn his head around two full turns. Is this normal ? I know nothing about birds. I am a ferret person. I just could not leave the little guy out for the cat to get.

Any input appreciated
Gina Balcuns

[naturegirl]

First off where are you located at? This would be greatly appreciated as someone near by may be able to assist you with the bird in person?

[naturegirl]

What kind of bird do you know? If they eyes are still closed it is under 5 days old which means it needs to be fed every 30 - 45 minutes. It also sounds as though it is a bit dehydrated. Keep the food a little runny as it will get water from the food. Giving water by syring at this age can be dangerous if it gets into the lungs, you don't have to feed it at night as the parents don't feed after dark. Keep a close eye on him keep him on a heating pad set on low with a towel over the heating pad. He needs much needed heat at this time. Let me know how he does.

Cindy

[gbbalcuns]

I have been feeding him about every hour but he doesnt really seem to like it. I dont have a heating pad I put the floor heater in the bathroom with him. I was just about to ask if I put my crock pot on warm setting with acoupel of wash rags and then I have a ski cap rolled down for his nest that he is in. Would this work. I put a sock with rice in in under him earlier but It isnt warm anymore.

[Margarret]

Gina,
Welcome to Pigeon Talk.
It sounds like this baby is very young and may be ill as well. Warmth is extremely important. It can't digest it's food unless it is warm enough, but I don't know if the crock pot might not be too hot. I'm not familiar with them. There will be some folks along this evening to help you that are much more knowledgeable than I. Getting the formula is a good start. It is good that he is pooping. There are some threads here on how to feed a very young baby. Thank you for bringing this little one inside and caring for him.

Margaret

[gbbalcuns]

If there is anyone near my area who could help me with this newborn baby I would appreciate it. Riverside, CA 951-660-6630.
Gina

[Pidgey]

If you've got a feather duster, you can keep him under it and it'll help. If you can get a thermometer under it with him and make sure it's running about 90 degrees, however you have to get it there, that'll help a lot.

Pidgey

[Margarret]

Gina,

I spoke with Terry. I left her phone number on your voice mail. If you can get him to her she will take him. She said she sent you an email, so check your email.

Margaret

[Pidgey]

There's Terry (TAWhatley) in Lake Forest and Margarret in Fallbrook. I'll PM them.

Pidgey

[Pidgey]

Oh, I see you got it, Margaret!

Pidgey

[TAWhatley]

Thanks, everyone! I had e-mailed Gina this afternoon to let her know I would take the bird, but I don't think she had seen my post. Margaret called me and relayed my phone # to Gina who called just a few minutes ago. The ball is now rolling, and that baby will get to me either tonight or in the morning.

Gina, many thanks to you for saving this little one! I'll be waiting for your call after you have had a chance to talk to your husband.

Terry

[gbbalcuns]

Thank You so much Margarret ! I spoke to Terry and my husband will take the baby down to her in the morning. Your idea about using a baby bottle nipple backwards on a syringe barrell worked great ! He sucked it right up.
Thank You

[Margarret]

Originally Posted by gbbalcuns

Thank You so much Margarret ! I spoke to Terry and my husband will take the baby down to her in the morning. Your idea about using a baby bottle nipple backwards on a syringe barrell worked great ! He sucked it right up.
Thank You

That is wonderful!! Now you, baby and your husband can get some sleep tonight. Just make sure the formula is warm for him. It is best to not use the microwave as it will be cool on the outside and too hot on the inside.

Margaret

[TheSnipes]

Wow, great save! HOpe to hear some good news soon about this little guy

Originally Posted by gbbalcuns

Thank You so much Margarret ! I spoke to Terry and my husband will take the baby down to her in the morning. Your idea about using a baby bottle nipple backwards on a syringe barrell worked great ! He sucked it right up.
Thank You

I have trouble picturing putting the baby nipple on something 'backwards.' Is there a picture of this in a thread somewhere? I would love to have it for future reference, but I can't picture what it means.

[TAWhatley]

Baby is heading my way as of about 9:30 this morning. ETA is about 10:30. I'll post back after the little one arrives and is settled in.

Terry