found injured baby-what now?

[beege]

BEEGE UPDATE: Beege is doing good and flying like a pro now. I have been thinking hard on my options. I do have a chicken coop that he could live in here. The hutch is too small to be a permanant solution. The downside of this is that he will live in a cage, and I would only be able to let him out when I am around, because my cat (another rescue) would maybe eat him. Or a neighbors cat. My husband thinks he would be sad living in a cage.Plus, no pigeon friend. (I guess I could get one, tho) Can pigeons live okay around other birds? I have chickens, for eggs, they are free range. I rescued them too when a lady moved away and left them behind with no food. I found lots of wisdom in Phil's messages, in that you seem to have great powers of observation and have been through this before and know what to expect. I am encouraged by the fact that Beege only seems to like me, not other humans at all.
I raised a baby robin one time, and let him go. But it was easy, as they eat everything and it was easy to teach him how to get his own food. I started at the compost pile one day, I turned it and when the worms appeared, he had to get them himself. At first he opened his mouth and warbled like normal, but when he figured out I was not going to fill his mouth, he finally picked up a worm on his own. After that, he was a bug hunting machine! I taught him how to get blackberries too, and then after that, I simply cut off his food supply. It was so simple, where as the pigeon seems harder. Plus, this time of year there is lots less natural food for them to get. There seems to be a big difference between the Robin and the pigeon, almost like the domestic ancestry of the pigeons shines through. This is what worries me.....I had no doubts that my robin was ready to go and join his own kind, no sure about Beege. thanks again to everybody for the time you have spent answereing-I really love this site and the discussions!-Jeannie

[feralpigeon]

Hi Beege,

Again, many thanks to you for your care and concern for this feral. I think that if you have still have concerns about your pij and you have the means and commitment to give him a home that you should probably follow your instinct on this one!

More than likely the pij will bond to you, and if a female may even lay eggs to show her likewise commitment to you . And if a male, they have their special ways as well! All kidding aside, down the road, once this pij is settled in, and you feel ready, chances are, there will either be another feral in need, or you may just see a pij in the adoption section here that needs a home. Hopefully, by that time, and with the help of links and members here you'll have a good idea of whether or not you have a male or female and will be able to adopt accordingly. One thing's for sure, you'll be in good company here. Here's a link to a story from one of our members:

http://www.urbanwildlifesociety.org/...ePijStory.html

As you hang around here for a while, I'm sure you'll find that many of us have
"Bernie" stories .

fp

[Trees Gray]

Hello and Welcome to Pigeons.com

I know it is late for me to be in on this one, but I want to thank you saving this youngsters life and for all your supportive care and concerns you have over this youngster.

Please feel free to browse our sight and continue to ask us questions about any concerns you have.

Your instincts will serve you well, and in time the choice will become clear as to what the best future is for Beege, I'm sure he will also give you an indication of what is best for him. Please update us and let us know if we can help.

[beege]

Hi All: Beege is with me still and doing totally great. He (or she)has regained the use of his leg completely. I think he is too tame to be released at this point, plus I worry about the weather and his ability to get food. He does not want to go anywhere I think, for now anyways. He hangs with my ducks sometimes. Is that okay? I am also worried about his lack of concern for the other animals that live with me, that should concern him. (like the cat) I just want all to know he is doing splendidly. Thanks-Jeannie

[feralpigeon]

Hi Beege,

If you are still so inclined to provide him shelter, then I would. Sounds like there is some bonding going on and it is not good for the pij as well,to not be concerned about your other pets. Thank you for your concern and continued care for this pigeon.

fp

[mr squeaks]

I do hope you will keep your pigeon!

Mr Squeaks has to be an apartment bird because he cannot fly. I had to decide what to do because he was living with FOUR cats. Well, he was "raised" with them and they were aware of him before I even tried to let him roam among them. As it turned out, he rules all of us with an iron beak and chases Twiggy, especially, whenever she enters his territory. Unfortunately, for her, his territory is the WHOLE apartment! Since cats look at birds as "meals with wings," I keep him away from them when it's feeding time! NEVER come between a cat and his dinner!

However, in your case, Beege can fly so he/she has a distinct advantage over your cat! Best of luck and the forum is always here for questions!