Need advice on finding a good home for injured feral

[Hoss]

Hello pigeon people,

I'm facing a pigeon-related dilemma that I'm wondering if you folks might be able to help with. Here's the story:

Late one night two months ago, I took in a feral pigeon found shivering in a nearby parking lot. A trip to the vet the next day revealed a week-old compound fracture in his wing (which I'm told will ground him for life), but no other obvious injuries. After several weeks of convalescence and twice-daily antibiotic treatments to be safe (SMZ-TMP, taken orally), a spritz with mite/lice spray (pyrethrins) and a good bath, the patient seemed feisty and eager to get back to some semblance of a normal life. :-)

But that broken wing ruled out a release back into the wild (the "wild," in this case, being a busy suburban intersection). So, for the past month and a half I've had the privilege of taking care of this poor
cutie and trying to find him a good home. Right now he's tolerating a little duplex I built for him with plywood and plastic fencing, but it's obvious that he's not happy being cooped up indoors, alone. When I take him for trips to the window and he sees other pigeons flying, for example, he becomes really excited -- and even agitated. Presumably he wants to join them. It's sad
to watch.

Ideally I'm hoping to find him a place safe from predators where he can still enjoy the company of other pigeons, but so far that's been a tall order. Last week, finally, I got the okay from an animal refuge several hundred miles away -- they have an outdoor cage for unreleasables, and they'd be willing to take him in (and I'd be willing to drive him there). This would normally seem like a happy ending, but now I'm not so sure...

For one thing, he's molting pretty heavily right now, so much so that parts of his head and neck are virtually bare. I fear that by having kept him indoors all this time, with the temperature constant and the lights on well past sunset, I've delayed his natural molting cycle. Here in upstate NY it's getting pretty cold at night now -- near freezing -- and I'm afraid that my poor pigeon friend might not do so well being thrown out into the cold so suddenly. (When I took him in it was in the 90s!)

What do you folks think I should do? I could keep him for the winter, but he'd be unhappy here in my apartment -- he's gotten used to my presence, sort of, but it still makes him panicky. Or I could give him to the sanctuary, and hope he doesn't freeze to death. Maybe I could find another injured pigeon to keep him company... but that's not a great idea, since my landlord doesn't allow pets, so I'm already treading on thin ice. Is there anyone here who already keeps indoor pigeons, who might be willing to accept another refugee to their flock?

What do you folks think? Any suggestions or advice?

[Hoss]

Oh, I forgot to include his pictures! He stood still long enough for me to snap a few photos during a window trip last week...
http://photoweb.lodestone.org/folder/593/en

[AZWhitefeather]

Good evening Hoss,
Welcome to Pigeons.com and thank you so very much for rescuing this sweet guy. I took a look at the pictures. Quite a handsome fella.
These pijjies seem to have a way of going straight to the heart, don't they?
Perhaps if you could keep him for the winter that would be great. Sounds like you have already become quite attached to him. They really do make wonderful pets. I believe there are a few members here from NY and perhaps they will be by and can possibly help you out. I am sorry I can't help any further. If I were closer (live in AZ) I would take the big guy. Thanks again for all your help. Wish there were more people like you around. Please keep us posted. Cindy PS: With a broken wing, you are absolutely right he would NEVER survive on the streets.

[This message has been edited by AZWhitefeather (edited October 15, 2002).]

[bigbird]

Hello, you said "What do you folks think I should do?

I think you should keep this bird. It would be the best thing, for the bird, and for you.

Regards,
Carl

[aloft]

Hello Hoss,

I'd like to tell you a little story... Back, in February, on a bitterly cold morning, I found a young pigeon, about one month old, almost frozen to death and with a broken wing. The vet gave the verdict: wing broken close to the joint, rendering him impossible to ever fly again... The vet, who is one of the best in New York City suggested I should keep it as a pet, instead of handing him over to an animal shelter, as they don't seem very eager to waste their time with pigeons... You know what I mean...
Well, here we are, after almost eight months and all I can tell you is that he changed so much my life. This lovely bird ( a male feral, quite similar to yours) has turned into a blessing of each and every day. I can't find the right words to describe what I feel. A whole Universe opened in front of me...
Angel is his name and he feels and behave just like the one you have and I am so certain he would be so happy to get a pair one good day, a female pigeon with eventually the same kind of injury. I can bet anything this is his biggest dream ever and I'm looking forward to make it come true.

While, as Carl, I suggest you keep this pigeon and enjoy everything he can offer you, I'm wondering if, by any chance, you have somehow managed to establish its sex. Have you heard him singing or seen him dancing while watching other pigeons through the window? He might be a male if he does that... Well, if it proves to be a male, the n there is a lot to enjoy from him... But if she's a female and you decide you might want to eventually find another home for her... then here I am. My Angel needs a partner and in spite of the modest size of my apartment, I can accomodate them both, as a lucky and happy couple...
I would say, though that you should keep this lovely bird... If not, I am not that far from you, I guess.

Best regards,

Ely

[Hoss]

Thanks to all for the kind and helpful words.

I'll respond to each post in turn... this one is in response to Carl.

Yes, I'd like to keep the pigeon, but only if doing so would really be in his interest. Right now I'm not entirely convinced that indoor living is the best option, since he clearly wants to go back to his flock -- or perhaps any flock, for that matter. The decision is made more difficult by several factors:

First, he actually *can* fly... sort of. At least, he can get from my living room to his cage in the corner -- a flight of about 20 feet -- and gain a little bit of altitude in the process. Does that mean he'd be able to get along outdoors? I have no idea. The vet doesn't know either, though he isn't optimistic. He says the wing has healed asymmetrically, and that could pose a problem.

Next, there's the option of putting him in a closed (but outdoor) cote at an animal sanctuary, where he'd get to be with other birds. I'm afraid he won't be able to adjust to the drastic temperature change, since he's molting now. Is it normal to molt this late?
The vet didn't give any answers in that regard, but he was of the opinion that my pigeon friend could tolerate the cold, if I put him outside right away. I'm somewhat wary of doing so, however, because the low temps at night right now (in upstate NY) are
already near freezing.

Finally, he's terrified of me -- he's clearly a wild bird, and having him in this apartment is probably causing him lots of unnecessary stress and fear.

So I don't know what to do.

Argh.

[Hoss]

In response to Cindy:

Thanks for the warm welcome and your offer to take this patient in -- but you're right, Arizona is indeed a bit too far away from New York for that...

You're also right that I've become attached to him. He's just too cute.

[AZWhitefeather]

Good evening Argh,
In your heart it appears you really do want to keep this pigeon. Your only drawback seems to be that he is a bit cautious of you & you feel he wants to fly free. Given time, I think he will come around.
The second thing you mentioned is that he can fly, 'a little.' Unfortunately, flying 'a little' will not get him out of a terrible situation. He probably wouldn't be able to make it to the nearest tree. That is worrisome.
If you have the space, give it some time. I just know things will work out for both of you. Cindy

[This message has been edited by AZWhitefeather (edited October 17, 2002).]

[Hoss]

In response to Ely:

Thanks for relating your touching story about Angel. He's lucky to have been found by such a kind soul.

As to my pigeon's gender: I really have no idea. I use the pronoun "him" out of convenience, but I really don't know "his" gender. I've been reading up on pigeon behavior, and as you mentioned, I've been watching to try and find a tell-tale sign... but without other pigeons present there isn't much to go on.

When I put his cage near the window and he sees the local flock (his own flock, most likely) flying about, he does become more active, and at first he used to pace around his cage rapidly. But it didn't seem like a dance -- he was simply looking for a way out, I think.

He's also very quiet. There's the occasional indignant grunt when he's angry with me for picking him up, for example, but that doesn't tell me anything. The first time I put him near the window and he saw other birds, he *did* make three short moaning sounds, relatively quietly, but they didn't sound like the characteristic cooing that I've heard from feral males before.

In any case, I'm open to the possibility of bringing him/her to meet your Angel, maybe. I really appreciate the offer, too! However, seeing as how this patient probably can't be domesticated, I really do think it best to "release" him to an outdoor flock at some point, if he can be kept safe from predators and other hazards. There's an animal santuary I found in the Catskills that may be able to take him in, so I'd like to possibly keep him for the winter and then take him there in the spring. But again, I don't know how suitable it would be for him. Hopefully I'll get a chance to check the place out by then.

But your offer is very tempting, too... would you have any other tips on how I can determine this pigeon's gender? There's a small park nearby with a large pigeon population; I've been wondering if I should maybe try putting my pigeon on a leash(?) of some sort, and take him there for an afternoon to see how he interacts with other birds. Any idea how to make a pigeon leash?

[aloft]

Dear Argh,

Thank you very much for answering, actually, to all of us. Obviously we are dealing here with a very fine character. I really commend your sincere concern for this bird's future, in wich respect your decision to give him a chance for this winter appears to be so kind and appropriate. Please, keep him, if you can, for the winter and by the beginning of spring you will really be able to say what your final option will be. You seem to be an optimistic person, but flying a few feet doesn't mean he could make it to a safe place, out there, in case of danger. I was seeing things, initially, the way you see them now, with my Angel, but now, after 8 months, I can only see his future with me. If any pigeon in the situation of ours is treated with affection and attention, believe me they will bond with you and, after a while you wouldn't conceive life without them...
As for the wildlife shelters, like the one you mentioned, I don't know... I have a friend who took disabled pigeons to one of them and he can't see them again. There are rumors, he says, they feed them to disabled hawks and eagles they also have on their premises... I don't know how much truth is in all this, all I know is that my Angel will never get away from me, for as long as we both live...
As for a pigeon "leash", I really have no idea. I don't think there is something like this. What you can do, in case the cage is not too big, take him in the park in that cage and you will see his reaction and interaction with the other pigeons. It's just an idea. Maybe somebodyelse will give you better or different ideas. And somethingelse... After like two months spent with me, one day I bowed my head in front of him, like the way you greet people with respect. I did it repeatedly and he did the same to me after which he started to sing his male song. That's how I first noticed his gender. Since then I do that every day and I sweet talk to him. He always answers and sings back to me... How can I possibly ever take him away from me?
Of course I am flattered you consider my offer as an option, but I will be so happy to talk about this again, by the end of this winter. Please give it a try, first. Believe me, it's worth it.
Meanwhile, I must confess it is such a pleasure to have people like you among our members. I feel honoured and proud to be surrounded by you all and very grateful for the priviledge to live on Earth, now, at your side.
Be blessed for who you are and what you do for this special bird, who right now needs so much love and care.

Truly yours,

Ely

[LadyandPheniox]

<<<As for a pigeon "leash", I really have no idea. I don't think there is something like this. >>>

Yep there is and I us it with Pheniox. he was a bit cranky about it the first few mins. but then it was like... no big deal to him. they are also great for indoor birds since it is a Poop- suit meaniong NO droppings on the floor... and with lil kids this is VERY important.
Here is the websit I got mine from... QUICK friendly service!! (I have NO involvement in the company in any way so this is not a way for me to make money) http://angelfire.com/pop/4birds/tweet14.html

The set, for size Wide (pigeon) suit and leash, is $25.95+$3.85 shipping. OK OK sound expensive for a bird?? This is well made... And for us, the flightsuit means more "out of cage time "for Pheniox !

L&P

Where are you in Upstate NY?? I am located down below you it sounds like in Orange county.... But I do have family in the Schohaire<sp?> area

[AZWhitefeather]

Good Morning All,
Ely, that was wonderful. Offering to again speak with Hoss at the end of the winter, giving him a change to 'really get acquainted with his new friend.
I do believe there is a 'Pigeon leash' or at least a few pages back someone was writing about it. I will try to find the post and let you know.

Hi L&P,
I think the 'Pigeon suit' is too cool.
There is a great gal who is a volunteer at the same wildlife group that I volunteer at and she has a pet duck. Miss Miscovy. What a hoot!! Well, this gal developed a 'ducky diaper' for her. Before I read about your 'pigeon suit' I was going to suggest maybe a 'pigeon pamper' if you will. I love the suit idea though.

OK Hoss, we have agreed you will keep the little pij this winter. In that case, h/s will have to have a name. Right??

Well.... Must go feed my fine feathered friends. Talk to you later. Have a wonderful day everyone. Cindy

[This message has been edited by AZWhitefeather (edited October 18, 2002).]

[WhiteWingsCa]

Originally posted by Hoss:
Is it normal to molt this late?
The vet didn't give any answers in that regard, but he was of the opinion that my pigeon friend could tolerate the cold, if I put him outside right away. I'm somewhat wary of doing so, however, because the low temps at night right now (in upstate NY) are
already near freezing.

Finally, he's terrified of me -- he's clearly a wild bird, and having him in this apartment is probably causing him lots of unnecessary stress and fear.

So I don't know what to do.

Argh.

In my humble little 'ol opinion....

This sound like it is a "young bird" -- a bird that hatched this year. Older birds would have completed their moult (or mostly) by now. Younger birds, however, are in a heavy body/head moult...which is what you are seeing. Some of our YB's look just awful right now LOL.

Yes, they can tolerate the cold we're having, even with the feather loss. Our lofts aren't insulated at all, and the past few nights have dipped down near (or below) the freezing mark.

Yes, your little guy (or gal) is frightened right now. But, with time, and especially being young (I suspect), he will get used to being confined, and to being handled. I've read some pretty wonderful stories about rescued birds on this site, and by the sounds of it, even wild ones can become real lovey-doveys!

As to how to tell boy from girl.....

May sound crazy, but we've found that the girls just "look" girlish. More feminine, refined, mostly in the head area. If she/he is moulting heavily, it may be harder to see.....but, I find when I look at a hen straight on, her head is fine-featured. Her eyes are on either side, at the "edge" of the "face", so to speak. Males seem to have more "face" than a hen....and their "cheeks" seem to go past the eye....so you can see "face" on either side of the eyes when looking straight at them. (no, I'm not certifiably nuts...yet...LOL). Hubby and I use this method every fall when separating our cocks from hens (young ones), and we are right about 99.5% of the time.... You will occassionally get a hen that looks "cockish", and a cock that looks "henish" LOL.

Waiting to see if they lay eggs (anytime after 7-9 months of age +) is the only TRUE way to determine gender.....

[AZWhitefeather]

That is very interesting about the 'gender check'. Realizing it isn't 100% proof positive, sounds like you have been right on so far. That is great to know. Thanks for the info. Cindy

[Hoss]

Wow, lots of helpful info. Thanks, everyone!

I guess it's settled that I'm keeping him (or her, as the case may be) for the winter then. Now I just need to find him some company...

Ely: as to the sanctuary, I have high hopes for this one: it's Oasis Sanctuary http://www.oasissanctuary.org. They apparently can't take in any more dogs, cats, or other larger animals, but it might be possible to squeeze in another pigeon, or so I'm told. The guys who run this place are genuine altruists; if you haven't seen it already, get a copy of "The Witness". It's a touching (and award winning!) documentary about one of the founders, Eddie Lama. See: http://www.tribeofheart.org/wit1.htm.

Thanks again for considering taking my pigeon in again in the spring -- I'll get back to you then. I'm also amazed that you've been able to get your Angel to sing to you and do the head-bowing ritual. I'll have to try that!

L&P: Thanks for the info on the flight suit! Believe it or not, I actually ordered one shortly after finding him, in the hopes that he'd be able to roam around outside his cage. Unfortunately he's not tame enough (yet?) to let me put it on him. We'll see. As to my location, I'm in Rochester, way out in the western part of the state. We're an hour east of Buffalo and about 1.5 hours west of Syracuse.

Cindy: yes, my pigeon needs a name. I've been trying to decide on something gender-neutral since I don't know "his" gender yet. For a while I was toying with "Lieutenant Columbo" (which I'm reminded of whenever I read the family name "Columbidae") but somehow it just doesn't fit.

WhiteWingsCa: the pigeon wasn't molting (at least, not visibly) when I first found him, late in the summer, so I'm guessing he's already fully mature. It's only in the past several weeks that he's been shedding small blizzards of feathers and the new "pin feathers" have started coming in. As to determining his/her gender, I'd be grateful if you could lend me your expertise for a moment. Have you seen the photos I posted a few days ago? There's at least one good close-up profile that might be helpful. If you get a chance, please look at http://photoweb.lodestone.org/photo/3174/en and let me know what you think! Thanks!

- Hoss

[This message has been edited by Hoss (edited October 18, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by Hoss (edited October 18, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by Hoss (edited October 18, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by Hoss (edited October 18, 2002).]