Found pigeon

[Percival]

Hi all, this is my first time posting here. I've been doing some reading here, though, and the people here seem to be really knowledgeable and concerned for the well being of pigeons, so I think I've come to to the right place.

A couple of weeks ago I found a pigeon (full grown, it seems), along side a parking lot. He was walking in circles, and his markings were beautiful, so I pulled over to watch him. I know nothing about pigeons, but after a few minutes I could tell something wasn't right so I got out and walked toward him. He didn't try to fly away, or even walk away, so I picked him up and my husband came and got him and took him home. I intended to take him to a vet that cares for birds the next day, but they had relocated, and I don't know where to. I then planned on taking him to the humane society, but someone told me they would put him down, so that was out of the question. I spoke with someone that raises pigeons, and she told me he has a neurological disease and can no longer live in the wild. So now, in addition to our nine guinea pigs, one dog, and one cat, we have Percival the Pigeon. He's a beautiful little guy, and very sweet, and I'm happy to give him a home.

Now for my questions: on one of the other threads I was reading, it discussed the neuro disease, and said some birds can recover from it. If Percy recovers from this, would I have to set him free? I don't want to keep him caged if he's someday able to fly, but I don't know how I'll know if that time comes. I really do like this little guy, and if he has to live out the rest of his life in my house, that's fine with me. He seems to have adjusted to life indoors quite well, and he actually seems to be less affected by the neuro disease than he was when I first found him. Another question (sorry this is so long)...if he is, in fact, going to be staying here for the long haul, how can I keep him happy? I'm feeding him the mix that the woman I spoke to recommended. He's in a pretty large guinea pig cage near a window so he can see outside. I bought him a little bird toy this morning, not really expecting him to even notice it, but he actually seems to like it. It's just a mirror with a bell, but he keeps going over and checking it out. Is there anything that I can give him for a treat? I've got one of those millet cluster things hanging inside the cage, but I'd like to be able to hand feed him a treat once in awhile. Aside from that, he seems to be pretty happy and healthy, I just want to keep him that way. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Maria

[cyro51]

Hi Maria,

You did all the right things for this sweet pigeon, he is a lucky bird.

It sounds as if he is suffering from PMV, it is a viral disease but it can leave lesions which permanently impair some pigeons. Most recover though.

I have release pigeons that have recovered from PMV but only when the neurological symptoms were mild and lasted for a days rather than weeks. Those of us that have rehabilitated PMV sufferers have noticed that some birds have what appears to be a relapse when under stress, so it would probably be safer for the pigeon to have a permanent home with you if you are able to provide that.

The mirror was an excellent idea. I place a large mirror at the end of my hospital cage (outside the cage so it doesn't fall on the pigeon) and my patients enjoy cooing and bowing at their refkection. I use a Chipmunk cage, that seems to have enough room for a pigeon to wander about in .

The very best thing you could get him, in time, is a mate. Preferably one that has also suffered from PMV. An extra pigeon is no trouble because they take turns sitting on (plastic) eggs. It also means you don't have to worry about leaving them alone.


Please let us know how he progresses!

Cynthia

[Percival]

Thank you for your reply, Cynthia. It's good to know I'm doing the right things for him so far. I'm kind of glad you said that he should stay with me permanantly, as I've gotten pretty attached to him. Is there any kind of human food, like bread, or Cheerios or something, that I could give him as an occasional treat? I saw a lot of different types of bird treats at the pet store, but they mostly seem to be for parakeets and other domestic birds.
Thanks again for your help!
Maria

[Moleman11]

Hi Maria,

My Pij seems to just love raw spanish peanuts. I just break them apart into small pieces and he loves them. Don't give him too many though because they're very fattening. A couple a day is probably good if he doesn't get a lot of exersice. Mine also loves the millet spray.

Jay

[John_D]

Right on with the peanuts, Jay

Many pigeons also like plain hemp seed but, again, it is a treat rather than a big part of the diet. They also know when they need minerals, and certainly our pigeons like red mineral blocks (or 'picking pots' of red mineral) which are available in pigeon supply stores/internet suppliers.

John

[AZWhitefeather]

I also have a PMV survivor who is now living life to it's fullest.
Pigeons in general make wonderful pets.

It sounds like you & Percy are doing just fine.
If you have any other questions or concerns please do post them.

Please keep us update on how things are coming along. If you have any pictures of Percy you could post, we would enjoy seeing him. We love pictures!!

Cindy

[cyro51]

My pigeons come running out when I call "treaties!". As John says, peanuts and hemp seed go down a treat but they also really love fresh lettuce which I think is a necessity rather than a treat and can be given daily.


I am so glad that you love him and want to keep him. It is amazing how quickly they adapt to being pampered pets.

Cynthia

[Percival]

Thank you all for your responses. Percy is doing really well. I do have another question. He really seems to want to perch, and I'm constantly finding him perched on the edge of his feeding dish, which is fastened about an inch off the cage floor. I was going to buy him a perch last week, but the woman in the pet store said if he has PMV, he could lose his balance and get hurt. I've not seen him fall off of his dish, and he stays there for quite awhile sometimes, so I'm wondering if you think it would be ok to put one in there, maybe just an inch off the floor.

Also, I am going to attempt to post a picture of him. The dish that is visible in the photo is not the same dish that he has now. I think his markings are beautiful.

[AZWhitefeather]

I'm so glad to hear Percy continues to do well. He is so striking.

I would say, if he isn't displaying any 'seizure' like symptoms & seems to be able to control his balance, you might try a low perch for him to stand on. I don't think it really matters how high it is, they just like something to perch on.

When Pij's symptoms were finally under control, I introduced a 12 in square x 1 in high wood platform, covered with indoor/outdoor carpeting, into his cage. I watched carefully, making sure it didn't cause any stress. He absolutely loves it.
He will hop on his platform, dance around then make a grand exit by jumping off the platform, running towards the door with his tail fanned.
Given what he has been through, it is such fun to watch him.

Cindy

[cyro51]

From what I can see he is a beautiful pigeon.

A brick makes a perfect perch. Feral pigeons are descended from the rock doves that roost on cliff and cave ledges, so they prefer a solid flat perch. He would not hurt himself if he fell off a brick.

Cynthia