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#1
4th July 2008, 08:40 AM
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Found pigeon - Keep it or release it?Hi all
Hoping someone can advise me on this bird. I am a vet tech who moonlights as an ACO in Massachusetts and got called last pm to pick up a pigeon which had been hanging around a gas station for about 1 1/2 - 2 weeks. We've had some severe storms over the last week or so, which perhaps led to this bird's problem. When I arrived to catch it, it was huddled under the bushes in a neighboring yard, and I was able to catch it with little trouble. It attempted to fly, but couldn't get off the ground. The guy at the gas station said when it first arrived, it could fly, but hadn't been able to over the last few days. I am pretty convinced this is a domestic/pet pigeon. Its snow white, with just a couple grey feathers in it's back, orange feet and brown eyes, and seems to be in good shape, though very thin. When I got it home, I offered it food, and it plainly knew what the food dish was, perked up as soon as he saw it, and dove right in and has been eating very well since last night, even while sitting on my lap. Its only interested in seed, and doesn't seem to recognize other things as food (I also offered it some Avian weaning formula, which I figured would have a higher nutritional content than seed - these look like cheerios, and you soak them prior to feeding, but the bird doesn't seem to recognize it as food, and won't try it) Its eating a parakeet seed mix right now, which is what I had in the house. It has no visible injuries and is in perfect feather. Other than being thin, it seems healthy. Now, I don't know whether I should release this bird in a few days when it's able to fly, or if it will simply end up in the same predicament. I have the impression that it doesn't know how to forage for food "in the wild", and may just end up starving. OTOH, perhaps it just couldn't proceed with the wicked weather we've been having here. If I shouldn't release it, what should I do with it? Are there any rescues in the area (Mass/NH border)? Many thanks 
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#2
4th July 2008, 08:58 AM
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Well, hmm... it's kinda' hard to say. If it doesn't have any bands... can you take a picture of the bird's side profile and post it? A white homer would have a special look about it. They're usually completely white, though.
Pidgey
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#3
4th July 2008, 09:10 AM
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We do have a member in New Hampshire that is a vet tec and she may be willing to take this bird. Could you take it to her? She goes by...Msfreebird. Perhaps Pidgey could send her a email.
Don't release the bird.
__________________
Charis If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. Seattle 1736-1866  Another Life, Gone To The Birds!
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#4
4th July 2008, 11:05 AM
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Thanks for helping the lil' guy out !
It's good that he's eating. Could just be that he is a feral youngster who has gotten malnourished/exhausted. Especially with bad storms thrown in. He may also have a case of intestinal worms, meaning the food he eats doesn't make it to his body. But then again, if he is familiar with seed but unfamiliar with other foods...and he seems to be an adult...then there is also the chance he is an escaped pet ...so of course he wouldn't be able to survive in the wild, wouldn't recognize a variety of foods, and would slowly be dropping weight and strength. If he's eating, keep feeding him. If he really seems to take a turn for the worse, he may need some fast vet treatment (i.e. antibiotics and painkillers) as well as some emergency gavage/tube feeding. If he is all fluffed up, very still, not eating, or eyes closing most of the time....then these are signs that he needs quick medical attention. But if he seems alert and aware of things around him...and he is pooping regularly....just keep up with the seed and keep him in a safe, dry, and warm place (heating pad set on 'low' under some towel or cloth at the base of his box/cage always helps). We will try to find someone in your area.... Definitely don't release him.
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#5
4th July 2008, 06:48 PM
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Thank you for caring for this pigeon. Definitely don't release him. If he dove right in to the seeds, that means he's probably a pet. Most wild pigeons don't recognize seeds, unless they're fed by someone. I would think his chances if released would be slim to survive. If you are unable to keep him, we can help find someone hopefully in your area who could take him. What kind of time limits for keeping him are you looking at?
__________________
Maryjane A rescuer's work is never done  http://picasaweb.google.com/awrats3333 Talk to me, Coo to me, Bow to me, Listen to me. And I'll teach you To fly with me And I will love you Like no other.... 21 Amazing Facts You Didn't Know About Pigeons! (Okay, some of us knew already!)
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#7
5th July 2008, 11:30 PM
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Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I was away. I will take the bird if you still have it. Let me know.
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#9
6th July 2008, 05:53 AM
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Quote:
Thanks to all who've responded. The pigeon continues to do well, and is eating (and pooping) like a pig and is bright, alert and responsive. I'm not sure how *friendly* he really is - he will peck at me, and flap his wings defensively when I reach into his cage, but once picked up, will sit quietly and be held. If the weather clears up at all today, he'll get some "outside" time, but it's been cloudy and off/on rainy here all weekend, so he's been housebound. As far as time limits for him goes - he's not in any jeopardy here, but I don't want to keep him forever either. I'm hopeful that when I get to work tomorrow (at my "real job at the clinic"), I can find someone who might be interested in taking him. I will see what I can do about getting some pictures of him on here. As mentioned, s/he is completely white except for (literally) two or three grey feathers on his back. He will not eat anything aside from the seed - I've offered him other bird food, fruits, etc. and these things simply seem to alarm him. When put in the dish, he methodically pushes them out. As I mentioned before, he immediately seemed to recognize the *dish* - as soon as it was put in front of him, he dove in. He's not shy about climbing right into the water dish and bathing. I will let you all know how it goes... Many thanks Sue
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#11
6th July 2008, 07:17 AM
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Stunning bird. I get the feeling that this is a cock. Such commanding presence and behavior.
I wish I could take him, but I'm too far away and you can't ship to Arizona since it isn't real safe for the birds most of the year.
__________________
To request a free copy of the "Pigeon Care E-Book", send me your email address via private message. Butterfly Loft Last edited by philodice; 6th July 2008 at 08:50 AM.
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#12
6th July 2008, 08:04 AM
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Yeah, it's a white homer, so domestic. These guys don't usually do too well "on the outside". I'm afraid that they usually have to suffer in a life of spoiled rotten petdom when they get lost from their lofts with no way to figure out where they came from.
Pidgey
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#13
6th July 2008, 11:32 AM
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I, too, think MALE...
Sue, did you see the post by Msfreebird...She said she would take your rescue... Wishing all the best!! Hugs and Scritches Shi
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#14
6th July 2008, 12:05 PM
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Sue...by "outside time"....I hope you don't mean you will let him free-fly ?....if you let him out to fly....he'd be gone.
Some nice sun and fresh air in a cage/box...or maybe a little flying time in the garage.... You did a good job.....glad to see he is doing well....oftentimes the story of an escaped domestic doesn't end very well.....you saved this birdie's life.
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#15
6th July 2008, 12:14 PM
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Quote:
Waynette
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