found young pigeon

[maxinec]

Hello. I found a young pigeon (brown eyes, small yellow feathers on his head) several days ago in the street trying to dogde cars and a black cat. I took him home and my family has been feeding him thawed peas, wet puppy chow, and now some wild bird seed. He eats and drinks well.
Clearly, he is injured with several puncture wounds and a leg that may be broken. He doesn't like to move around a lot, and when he does he needs his wings and beak on the ground for balance. Is it possible for his leg to heal? What can I do to help him? Should I buy him a perch so that he learns to strengthen his one good leg in hopes that he can one day successfully hop around (I've seen seagulls do it quite well)? At what point should he be learning to fly? Should I do something to assist with that? What are our chances of being able to release him back into the wild (so to speak)?
Thank you!!!!
Maxine

[Charis]

I don't think you will be able to release this bird...not if the bird can't properly perch.
Can you tell me where you are located so I can direct you to resources in your area?

[plamenh]

Hi Maxine, Thank you for taking cere for this bird.
If he has injuries, it must be treated by Vet.
Best for him is to live as a pet with you as he is not to be released.
Disabled birds cannot survive in the wild, but can have good quality life indoors.

[TAWhatley]

Hi Maxinec .. if one leg is broken, it needs to be tended to by a vet or wildlife rehabber. You really just can't hope that having one good leg will be OK for releasing the bird. Where are you located?

Terry

[maxinec]

Thank you for your help. I'm in Long Beach, California.
Maxine

[simoneg]

Hi Maxine. Thanks for saving this little bird from a horrid death. Maybe you could keep him as a pet? Raise him by hand. If 1 leg is working he will be able to survive with that. Let us know how you go. Thanks for following my journey too!