Thinking of adopting a pigeon, splayed leg

[ThaRatChick]

Or Roosy (rosey)

[TerriB]

Congratulations on being able to adopt the roller with the splayed leg! I have a crippled African Owl pigeon, Archie, who walks on his hocks. Since he is so close to the ground, he tended to get poop stuck to his belly and vent feathers. Wood shavings were difficult for him to walk through/on, so I switched to several layers of polar fleece material and found this worked very well. It is easy on his hocks and doesn't snag toenails like the terry cloth loops in towels can. It also absorbs the small amount of moisture in the poops so they don't tend to stick to his feathers as much. You can use a tissue to pick up the poops several times a day to keep the area clean. Once a week, shake the fabric (outside!!! it really helps corral the dander!!!) then wash it. I have two sets to switch out but you could use paper towels while till the laundry is done.

If he's that crippled, I wouldn't bother with perches, just give him enough open space to manuver inside the cage as well as daily time out of the cage to work his wings - very important for healthy lungs.

Regarding another bird, I'd suggest waiting till you know the sex of this bird. If you ended up with two males, the crippled bird could be badly injured because he couldn't fight back or get away as well.

I know you'll enjoy your new pet!!!

[Mindy]

Tharatchic, I got you box out today. 12 pounds of stuff so you should be set up for awhile. I also put in there some Sevin 5% dust just incase he might have some bugs under his feathers. I don't know how well his old loft was or how many birds there was but I didn't want you to worry about them if he did. You just get an old paint brush and sprinkle the dust under the wings, just don't go near his face. Any questions just ask and someone here will be able to answer them. I also included a package of the barley in the goya bag so next time you know exactly what to look for at the store. Plenty of Oyster shells and a big bag of seed mix and a bag of poulty pellets. If you need anything else, just ask and I'll be happy to help you. Let me know when you get it. Have a nice weekend. mindy

[ThaRatChick]

I've got his cage all set up, and i'll use newspaper, as it's easy and disposible. In his loft now he gets poop all over is feet and body But in the cage it shouldn't happen, because it will be cleaner. Is there some way to get him to realize his flying abilities? He doesn't fly now, he just hops around, but his clutch-mate(s) are flying.

I'm so excited for Franklin, and for the package! Should i do the parasite treatment as a preventitive? He is from a dirty loft with plenty of birds, but it isn't too crowded. Thank you so much!

[Mindy]

Thats why I put some in there because I figured he didn't come from a clean loft and I didn't want you to worry about the bugs if he did have them. I would treat him it won't hurt and just be safe. I also included the container it comes in so when you need it again you can go buy it at walmart or any feed store or I'm sure even lowes and home depo has it in there garden section. There should be enough in there for 2-3 times, I had a hard time putting it in the little holes from my big container. You'll understand once you see it. Its pretty cheap a small container is $6.00. But like I said before, just don't go near the head, mouth, eyes. You can look first for the bugs, but they are really really small. And don't worry they won't live on you. But since he is inside I would treat him. Plus if franklin isn't around other birds and doesn't go outside he shouldn't get anymore bugs after you treat him this one time. Any question when you get the package just ask. I wrote little notes on all the bags.

Yes, I would just use newspaper that way you can just replace the newspaper everyday to keep his feet cleaner. Just make a little nest out of an old t-shirt or towel. I think once you get him and he is out and about in your room, he will figure out that he can fly. Some take longer to learn how. But I'm sure he will once you get him home.

Your welcome, and again just ask and I will send out more. I can't wait until monday comes and Franklin comes home. mindy

[ThaRatChick]

Franklin came home today! He getting used to the cage now, i showed him where the food and water are and he is loving the nest! Tomorrow i'll give him a bath and after word ill do the bug treatment. Thank you so much Mindy, the package is wonderful!

[Mindy]

I can't believe you got it so quickly. Thats great. If you have any questions please ask, I was in a hurry so my writing is a mess. SO GLAD that Franklin came home. I was so worried that they would eat him and say o'well you should have taken him sooner. So I can't tell you how happy it makes me knowing that he is home with you. I sent a little box to florida and it took 10 days, I can't believe you got yours in 2 working days. mindy

[ThaRatChick]

I'm surprised it came so quickly too. I knew the nieghbors wouldn't eat him, he is a pretty nice guy, and even if he decided to kill him he would never get around to it! It was odd, there is an entrance place into the lofts that doesn't have pigeons, and they must have gotten some baby rabbits because they were just randomly hopping around, with all their baby-bunny-cuteness.

I was impatient, and gave franky his bath today, because he was dirty and had little toe-poo-balls, which i got off. I trimmed his nails too, and i'll do the dusting in a lil bit. I keep setting him by the food and water, and dipping his beak in the water. My mom keeps complimenting on how pretty he is, even if he bottom end isn't too neat

[StanelyPidge09]

Yay! That is very exciting that you got Franklin! I am sure he is loving his new environment. He is a very lucky pigeon to have you! You must put pictures up of your new baby when you have the chance Congrats!

[ThaRatChick]

I got him in a very large dog crate, and he is doing great! I've seen him do some flaping for balance but no high yet lol. I'll have pics up tomorrow!

[Mindy]

That is great, as soon as you can you need to post a picture of his legs. Maybe someone on here can give you some pointers on what can be done with them. Is he warming up to you and letting you hold him? So happy you got him. min

[ThaRatChick]

I got a pic of his legs. He can perch (on his food bowl at least), but he is unsteady, he balances with his bad foot and his wings. He can sort of perch on my hand. He is at the point where he isn't in shock when i pick him up, but he doesnt like me and tries to get away when i pick him up

[Mindy]

They all do until they get to know you. Unless you hand raise them from a really young age, none of them really like to be handled. But he will get use to the more time you spend with him. min

[bluebirdsnfur]

Do you have a picture of your new pigie friend?

[ThaRatChick]

Here's some pics!

Hoppin'


Snuggled up


Again


His cage