Clueless

[Granny Sue]

My husband "rescued" a pigeon from his work site and brought it home. We have no clue as to what type of pigeon it is or how old it is. Judging by Sara's pictures I am guessing approximately 25 days old. He's sort of large with gray & white feathers but doesn't have feathers in some spots. We have him (?) in a bird cage with water and some wild bird food for the time being. We don't handle him but we talk to him quite a bit. The kids (ages 12, 6, and 4) are very interested in him. We are, too. We'd like to know how to care for the bird properly, how to know what type of pigeon he is, what sex he/she is, etc. Does caring for pigeons require special knowledge, etc. Any and all suggestions will be appreciated. We're becoming quite attached to Scruffy. Thanks.

[cyro51]

Bless you, you seem to be doing really well.

Are the unfeatherd bits under the wings? If so, it is a young bird that needs building up.

If you plan to release it then it is best not to handle it, but if he is going to be a pet then they take to being stroked very gently and grow very fond of their humans!

It will need a cage that is out of drafts and some seed (changed daily), water (changed daily or as often as it becomes soiled) and some grit. It will also need some time out of the cage to develop its flight muscles.

Chopped lettuce is a good supplement to the seed diet.

Watch its poops. Plentyful, firm brown poops with a white cap are a sign that he is eating well and is healthy.

Just as a precaution you should also check inside his mouth, it should be clear and pink. Young pigeons are susceptible to canker, it can't be transmitted to humans or animals but must be treated.

Cynthia

[dano7]

This is lot of data but it might save some time if decide to keeep the bird:

You want to feed when the crop is empty or close to empty. Generally speaking this age bird will probably need to be fed three or four times per day, about 40 cc's each time. The crop should be full but not too tight after feeding.

You can feed baby cereal, a baby bird formula such as Kaytee Exact, or you can soak dry puppy chow until it is the right consistency.

Be sure to keep the baby warm and dry and on a surface where the little feet can get good traction (toweling, old T-shirt, sweatshirt, etc.).

Here are a couple of links to information about caring for a baby pigeon that you may find helpful:
<http://www.duckpolice.org/BirdWeb/PigeonResourceWeb/babypigeoncare.html>
<http://members.aol.com/duiven/medical/feedbaby.htm>

If you plan to keep the bird then the following will be helpful:

A good pigeon seed mixture has the right balance of nutrients. You can put some in the cage by now and "peck" it with your fingers to get her interested (straight millet seed is a no no beyond emergencies).
Possible seeds in the feed are Popcorn (not popped), Trapper peas, R/C Wheat, Maple Peas, Buffalo Peas, Safflower seeds, Austrian Peas, Oat Groats, vetch, Paddy Rice, Small Yellow Corn, R/C Red and White Milo, Red Prosso Millet, Flax Seed, Malt Barley, Common Lentils, Buckwheat, Small Black Oil Sunflower, and a very few peanuts (raw/unsalted).

Besides this she needs greens and an avian vitamin everyday. People in this forum like Prime which goes in the water and has a probiotic. When she gets around nine months old she will start to show an interest in a good multi-element grit. You can offer it to her now and she will play with it a bit until later.

Once you get these basics down, other things people use are various forms of garlic, brewers yeast, various oils, various teas, Apple Cider Vinegar, electrolytes, bits of animal protein, good soil/clay and other supplements.

If all this is daunting, you may try various formulations of pellets made for pigeons.

While we are at it, most people medicate for canker and worms, some vaccinate for pox and PMV depending on the frequency in your area, and others over-medicate.

You will find the seed mix when you find someone from a local homer racing club. You can get supplements and medications on-line from Jedds, Siegel, The Australian Pigeon Company, Global Pigeon Supplies, or

BATHING: Sometimes they like to bathe often and sometimes not (more in hot weather). New birds or stressed birds often won't bath so she may wait several days to volunteer. Normally a pan such as a standard plastic kitty litter pan is used (expect the water to fly out of it when she gets into the bath ritual). Some birds like a hose spray so they can lift a wing and get the underarm and back covered--like a good rain. You will know when it's been too long since the last bath becasue she will try to bathe in the drinker. good luck!

[cyro51]

I have heard from Granny Sue, the baby has a bare back and is puffed up now.

My Lovey was attacked by a cat and someone asked me if the cat had started "plucking her" by the time she was caught...all the feathers of Lovey's back had gone...so I tend to connect plucked backs with cat caught birds. In the city I have noticed that birds missing tails also have plucked backs.

I think there is a possibility that at some stage this little one was cat caught but that is just one possibility.

I have advised therefore that the baby pigeon be taken to a vet to be examined for injuries and given an antibiotic.

I have bumped this up for anyone else who might be able to help here!

Cynthia

[Granny Sue]

I'm sad to report that the baby did not make it. Thank you dano7 for your response and special thanks to cyro51 for your patience and e-mails.

[cyro51]

I am so sorry, Granny Sue. He was probably already beyond the point of no return when he was found. He passed in a safe and loving home, which makes all the difference.

Your pigeon sounds very much like one that I rescued a couple of years ago and called Baby Pidge. That one had a bare back, but neither the vet nor I made the connection between the missing feathers and a cat attack. Unfortunately Baby Pidge didn’t make it either, but like your pigeon he helped me learn a bit more and to meet other pigeon rescuers - which has in turn led to many successful rescues.

Cynthia