Pigeon found in yard, may be sick

[jimster]

We went away for a week in April, and when we returned we found a pigeon hanging around out home. We originally thought he was nesting, but it just seemd to be hanging around. Initially, it would fly around, and end up back at our house. This has been going on for about 3-4 weeks now.
However, about a week ago, I noticed the bird was having trouble walking, and seemed to slump over on it's breast sometimes when walking through the grass. It almost seems like it is limping, but we do not see any visible signs of injury.
It does have a tag, with IPP 2004 on it.
We are in Fresno, CA.
No one has attempted to pick it up yet, although it does not seem to be TOO scared when we approach.
ALso, in the past week, it does not seem to fly anymore.
We have been giving it wild bird seed and water daily, and it does eat and drink. We also noticed it's stool dries to a greenish color, whereas prior it would dry to white.
Not sure whats going on here, or what to do. The world of pigeons is all new to us.
Lastly, it sleeps sometimes out in the open, on our patio at night, and I am afraid it will get attacked by a stray cat one of these days. Sometimes it disappears around the side of the house at night, where I assume it hides in some wood piles and other items. What to do?
Please let us know soon, as we hope the poor bird is not sick, although we wouldn't mind a little pigeon friend around the house!
Thanks

[TAWhatley]

Hi Jimster and welcome to pigeons.com! Please go ahead and catch the bird and bring it in where it will be safe. Once you have the bird, have a very careful look for any sign of injury or string entanglement. Also gently open the mouth and look to see if there are any kind of cottage cheesy looking growths in the mouth or throat. Are there any additional letters and numbers on the band? If so, please post them so we can try to figure out where the bird came from.

Terry

[Trees Gray]

Hello and welcome to pigeons. com

Thank you for your concern over this noble bird.

Please bring the pigeon inside and keep warm in cage if possible, for now. Continue to feed and water. it will definitely fall to a predator. You can gently pick the bird up and see if it does indeed have an injury to the leg or side.

Pigeons don't just hang around for nothing, they are usually sick or injured when they do, and this one is obviously lost too.

There should be more numbers on the band, without them we can't locate the owner.

Very observent of you to notice the change in "poop" and behavior. Is there any way you can take the bird to an avian vet or 'pigeon friendly rehabber",as I think this bird needs help immediately?

We will continue to help in anyway we can, but from your explanation, this bird needs professional help.

Thank you again for your kindness and taking action.

Treesa

[jimster]

Thanks so much for your help, Treesa and Terry.
OK - Last night we took the bird in, and put it in a box for the night, inside the house. We left water and food in with it, and put some oldtowels in there too.

We examined the bird prior, and looked in it's mouth and throat for signs of white cheesy-looking growths, but it looked clear and pink. ( This was no easy feat, and took two of uas with a flashlight!)

The bird's tag has these numbers on it:
26636 IPB 2000

We did not see any signs of injury to it's legs or sides, yet it still has trouble walking, and does not attempt to fly. It's poop is still green in color.

We have no idea where to take it to an avian vet, or anywhere else here in Fresno. Our budget is tight, so we would have a hard time assuming any costs for a vet.

Should we allow the bird out of it's box during the day? We feel it likes to roam the fenced yard and feel bad keeping it "cooped up".
Again, thanks so much for your help, and we are so happy there is a place to get information! We really hope we can help this poor bird who chose us for help.

Originally posted by Trees Gray:
Hello and welcome to pigeons. com

Thank you for your concern over this noble bird.

Please bring the pigeon inside and keep warm in cage if possible, for now. Continue to feed and water. it will definitely fall to a predator. You can gently pick the bird up and see if it does indeed have an injury to the leg or side.

Pigeons don't just hang around for nothing, they are usually sick or injured when they do, and this one is obviously lost too.

There should be more numbers on the band, without them we can't locate the owner.

Very observent of you to notice the change in "poop" and behavior. Is there any way you can take the bird to an avian vet or 'pigeon friendly rehabber",as I think this bird needs help immediately?

We will continue to help in anyway we can, but from your explanation, this bird needs professional help.

Thank you again for your kindness and taking action.

Treesa

[dano7]

I know you checked the legs but sometimes it's really hard to see if one toe is tied in really fine string which is pulled tight under the skin. A bird will limp with this and lose the toe if the string is not removed soon - just a longshot.

If you have to go it alone then it would be good if you kept the bird quiet and safe until it is strong. It might be stressed and need some time. Birds don't mind periods of confinement and now the confinement is in the birds best interest until you know what's up.

Later there is a problem since the bird does not know how to live in the wild so it would need a home with you or another pigeon fancier. With a little patience these problems can be overcome. Thanks for help you have provided so far.

[This message has been edited by dano7 (edited April 27, 2004).]

[jimster]

Dano,
Thanks for your note. We will take another closer look for string on it's legs. As I said, it was difficult examining the bird last night, especially trying to look down it's mouth ( it's tiny!).
The bird is very quiet today, staying in it's box even though it is back out on the patio and tipped down so it could get out if it wanted.

Again, thanks.

[Trees Gray]

Thanks for your continued help with this bird.

The bird should be confined as if it has an injury it will only get worse, if it moves around. If it is sick, it needs to reserve all energy towards healing.

There should be some additional letter on the band #.

Do you have any wildlife rehabbbers in your area that are "pigeon friendly?" This would be a good time to get some help.
You could call an avian vet, or humane Society, or avian pet stores. They might be able to refer you to a rehabber.

Treesa

[Trees Gray]

Check this website for a list of rehabbors in your state:
http://www.wildlifecare.org/listcalifornia.html

Be sure to find out if they will help domestic pigeons as some don't consider pigeons needs. Make sure they don't euthanize as an alternative.

Treesa