Sick (or injured?) feral pigeon

[piccione]

Our bird feeder is often visited by groups of pigeons. Yesterday we noticed one adult that would run but not fly away when approached. It also spent a lot of time sitting under the neighbor's car. When we tried to corral it into a large box, it stumbled once while running and flew about 30 feet to get away. This morning, I found it sitting/sleeping in our yard. It seemed much weaker, barely moving. I put it in the box and then in our garage to protect it from cats, etc. and after finding this forum, gave it a ring of t-shirts for support, and put a heat lamp over the box. There's also water and bird seed in the box, and it has pooped a couple times.

I'm never handled birds before, but I couldn't see any obvious injuries. It seems more weak than anything else. I am concerned because we have West Nile virus in the area.

This morning I contacted 4 wildlife rehabilitators in my area (Rochester, NY), but only one got back to me, to say she doesn't accept birds. The only vet I know of that sees wildlife doesn't see pigeons.

Any ideas what I can do next? Thanks.

[Reti]

Thank you for rescuing this little pigeon.
It is hard to tell what could be wrong with the bird. Have you checked the inside of his mouth? It should be clear and pink, anything else, secretions growths etc, is abnormal.
Is he drinking and eating?
The heat lamp will do him good. Make also sure he stayes hydrated.
I would also start him on an antibiotic, just in case he has something bacterial. I don't know if you have any.


Reti

[TAWhatley]

Thank you so much for your concern about this pigeon! And .. welcome to Pigeon-Talk. Does the bird have any bands on the legs? If so, please post all the letters and numbers from the band. Reti's advice is great .. please keep us posted.

Terry

[Trees Gray]

Hello and Welcome to pigeon Talk,

Thank you for helping this needy bird.

Here is a great link for stabilizing the bird.

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=8822

Where are you located?

[piccione]

Well, I wish I had better news The pigeon didn't survive the night. I suspect he was just too sick. But I know what care I was able to offer made him more comfortable - he became less frightened and stopped "puffing" - and that's worth a lot.

He was feral (no bands) and I'll bury him later today.

I want to thank you for your help. Having an uncle in forestry/wildlife, I know how imporatant it is to have good information as well as compassion to really help a critter that needs it. I'm glad I could find information and support here.

One rehabilitator did call me back today. I'll hang on to her number, though I hope I won't need it.

[Trees Gray]

I'm so sorry the bird didn't make it. Thank you for providing some warmth and comfort during his last hours. We appreciate it.

[Reti]

I am sorry he didn't make it.
Thank you for the care you gave him in his final hours.

Reti