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#1
19th August 2009, 01:34 PM
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Baby pidgeon helpI've just started fostering a baby pigeon but it's the first one and I'm a little nervous about getting everything right.
I have the formula and the bird is nice and warm (but not too hot!) but i'm worried about the feeding. It's hard to tell how much is enough and how much is too much. As far as I can tell from pictures it looks about 8-9 days old. I'm syringe feeding and it's taking the food pretty well but I'm scared it might not be getting enough. At around this age can anyone give me an average weight I should be looking at? I'll weigh him daily to see if he's putting on weight as this will be a good sign but any other advise (and encouragment) would be great. I've read that feedin 4-5 times a day should be sufficient but can anyone give me a guidline as to how much to feed in one go? I know they say the crop should feel like a 3/4 full balloon but the poor little thing is so scrawny it's hard to tell the size of it. At least I can feel that the food in there though so I know it's getting fed properly. Anyway i'll leave it there, thanks for any help! x-Becky-x EDIT: Thought I'd attach a picture  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...icture0056.jpg Last edited by xBlissx; 19th August 2009 at 01:42 PM. Reason: adding a picture 
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#2
19th August 2009, 01:43 PM
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Hi Becky,
Welcome to PT!!!  Just thought I'd pop in and give you this link to take a look at. http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f25/va...uabs-9682.html It has a TON of info in it. I'd start there, and I am sure that in the meantime, someone with more knowledge in this area will be around! Check back here often, people pop in and out all day and evening for that matter. The very best of Luck to you! 
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All the Best! ~Jenn~ One of my Favorite Quotes:  You cannot do a kindness too soon~for you never know how soon it will be too late."
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#3
19th August 2009, 02:04 PM
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Hi Becky,
5~10 ml per feeding is OK for this size of baby. Check crop before feeding to make sure is empty. I would say feeding 3~4 times a day is needed. Keep him warm, as this is critical at this age. If baby is cold, it won't be able to digest. Check poops it should poop regularly, that mean that digestion is fine.
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#4
19th August 2009, 02:08 PM
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Becky...the crop is located right below the bottom of the throat. When there is enough food in it, it does fill up like a little balloon and feels squishy. As you feed the baby, put your fingers below the throat and you will be able to feel it fill up. You will be able to tell even if the bird is scrawny.
All babies are different but it's critical to remember to never add food to a crop that already has food in it. Mixing new food with old food can cause a bacterial infection which can be deadly. Start with 10ccs and see how that feels and how soon it passes though and you can adjust upward in the next feeding. The more th baby grows, the more you will feed each time.
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Charis If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. Seattle 1736-1866  Another Life, Gone To The Birds! DO NO HARM Member, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
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#6
21st August 2009, 05:29 PM
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Update:
Just thought i'd update and post another picture. Hopefully you can see that he's grown some more feathers He's doing really well and gaining weight so i'm pleased.Wednesday: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...icture0056.jpg Today (Friday) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...icture0060.jpg x-Becky-x
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#8
23rd August 2009, 11:31 AM
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Another two pictures on Day 4, approx 12-13 days now
I'm so proud! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/01Becky/3.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/01Becky/2.jpg
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x-Becky-x "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song" - Chinese Proverb 
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#9
23rd August 2009, 11:57 AM
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Hi Becky...we are flyin' in to add our WELCOME to the site!
You have a REAL CUTIE there!! AND, he/she looks very contented! Looks like you are doing a GREAT job!! We will be looking forward to updated pictures as the little one grows! Do you have a name yet? Love, Hugs and Scritches Shi/Mr. Squeaks/Dom/Gimie/WoeBeGone
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#11
23rd August 2009, 12:27 PM
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Quote:
Gee, Becky...I thought Dodos were extinct...glad to see I was wrong!  So, what made you name him/her, Dodo? The members on this site loooove offering advice to make sure the pijies survive and do well! We have terrifice members! Love, Hugs and Scritches Shi
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#12
23rd August 2009, 12:35 PM
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It was because he looked so much like one when I first got him/her
it was perfect!I keep calling it a him but I can't tell whether it's a boy or a girl, although I guess Dodo isn't a terrible name if it's a girl either. Anyway to tell at this age or is it easier when they're older?
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x-Becky-x "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song" - Chinese Proverb
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#13
23rd August 2009, 12:40 PM
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Quote:
Actually, the BEST way is wait until you see an egg! THEN, you will know "he's" a hen. There are other ways that people use, but the eggs are pretty definitive! Oh, btw, Dodo will grow out of that "look." I love your Chinese proverb! Love, Hugs and Scritches Shi
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#14
24th August 2009, 11:10 AM
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Just thought I'd let people know, Dodo is still doing well and getting stronger by the day. One of the nurses at the vets I work at is doing a 'pigeon run' up to St Tiggywinkles as we have another 2 adult pigeons that need to go so on Wednesday, little Dodo will go up to meet his ancestors XD bless.
I shall post a couple more pictures before he goes though! Thank you for everyones help and support. It's so rewarding when things have a happy ending! Oh, also! Dodo is a girl. I used the pubic bone method and she has a gap so he is a she lol.
__________________
x-Becky-x "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song" - Chinese Proverb
Last edited by xBlissx; 24th August 2009 at 11:16 AM.
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#15
25th August 2009, 01:50 PM
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Hello again,
OK so here are the last photos of little Dodo as I'll be packing her off to the sanctuary tomorrow. I know it's the best thing, plus it's illegal to keep wild birds anyway here in the UK, but still  She's the first pigeon I've fostered so I'm very proud, but also sad to see her go.Today as an added bonus though, as if she knew about tomorrow, she ate seed from a little container for the first time by herself She's spending lots of time preening her lovely feathers and also stretching them out. I've also been helping her strengthen them, letting her perch on my hand while she flaps away Anyway, here she is: Day 6 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/01Becky/Day62.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/01Becky/Day63.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v16/01Becky/Day6.jpg Thanks again to everyone and I hope this wont be the last pigeon I'm able to help!
__________________
x-Becky-x "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song" - Chinese Proverb
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thank you for the support everyone!
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