Son found non-flying pigeon

[stampersim]

Hello,
yesterday my son saw a pigeon that was walking around our neighbors grass and could not fly. Kids being the way they are, they tried to catch it but it ran under a bush where it stayed until today when I pulled him out. Yesterday I put wild bird seed and a water dish under the bush (much to the dismay of my neighbor, who has been trying to get rid of the pigeons since they poop all over her entry way!).

Anyhow, today I moved the pigeon over near my front door, gave it a box layed on its side for shelter. It has left the box, and is now cowering in teh corner between a big terra cotta pot, and a corner of my front walk way area. I worry because 2 days ago we had 100 degree temps, and it's supposed to heat up again this weekend. This area gets morning sun, but then gets nice and cool and shady around noon.

I think it's still a baby. I can see what I believe are little pin feathers still around the back. In looking at the pics of babies, I think it must be at least 30 days old. I don't know if it's injured, or if it's just too young to fly.

I feel so sorry for it. I want to help it fly away home. 3 years ago I rescued a baby mud swallow from the street gutter and fostered it until it flew away a week later. So I'm on a anoather bird quest here.

I also own a 10 year old cockatiel, and I love birds. My husband thinks I should just leave this pigeon alone. It's just a wild city pigeon. But my heart goes out to it. It looks so sad!

On a side note, my great-grandfather raised carrier pigeons for WWI. Wish he was alive!

Thanks.

[Feefo]

Hello,

Can you take the baby in and put her somewhere safe from predators for the time being? If you click on resources you will find information on food or housing.


I am hoping that one of our Californian members might be able to link you to a rehabber who will help and not euthanaze!

In the meantime check her carefully for injury and gently open her mouth and inspect it. It should be clean and pink. If you could report on her general condition and the state of her poops we might get a better idea of why she is on the ground. But it sounds as if this is just a youngster who needs building up.

Cynthia

[Trees Gray]

Please go to this link to find a "pigeon friendly" rehabber in your area
http://www.wildlifecare.org/listcalifornia.html


treesa

[stampersim]

Good morning,

Thanks for the link on the rehabbers. I checked it out and there is one in my city, and I know exactly where they are, too (they run it out of their house, just a few minutes from me. It's called All God's Creatures, and I"ll call them as soon as my kids get off to school.

The pigeon was still there this a.m., and actually looked up at me. Maybe they know when someone is trying to help. It has pooped, so I know it's eating. The poops are green/white and thin (diameter, not consistency). When I reached down to put more seed down, it ran into the cardboard box. When I went to bed at midnight last night, it was cowering in the corner of my house so I laid down a towel and a scrap piece of flannel material for it. It wasn't cold last night.

[dano7]

It's great you have the right stuff to help this bird, who probably only needs a bit more time to mature.

Everything has been said and you are well on your way. The only concern I have is that, unless I did not read it correctly, the bird is still outside on the ground. If this is the case, please take it indoors while waiting for further action. The bird has lead a charmed life not meeting all the cats dogs raccoons opossums and humans in Chino but this will not last. thanks again

[TAWhatley]

Hello and welcome .. I'm in Lake Forest in South Orange County and would be happy to take the bird if you can get it to me .. it would get whatever vet care, meds, etc. needed here. I also might be able to arrange for a very bird savvy friend in Norco to take the bird if needed. Please let us know.

Terry

[stampersim]

HI,
I am happy to report that my little bird has flown the coop! This morning I went out to check on him, and he was hanging out near my rose bush and when I reached out to get him he took off flying (low, but flying!). I lost sight of him but I'm assuming he's with the pigeons that live in my neighbor's entryway. I'll keep an eye out.

Yesterday I left messages (phone and email) with an animal rehab center in my city (Chino Hills) called All God's Creatures. Never got a response from either. That really makes me mad. What if this had been an emergency? I'm just happy that this bird had no injuries ... he just wasn't great at flying yet.

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice. This is my 2nd bird that I've helped, so I"m sure there will be others.

Simmy :-)
Foster mom to Peter Pigeon (or Herman as my daughter wanted)