help for pigeon found in the road

[superkeebs]

I was hoping that someone could help me. I found a pigeon in the road today. I'm assuming it's been hit by a car. One of my friends was able to get it to walk onto the sidewalk and then I just picked it up. I've never had any experience with a pigeon before and I hoping that someone could help me, first of all, I have wild bird food but I'm not sure if the pigeon will eat this or not or if there is something better I should buy for it? Also, is there anything I should be doing for the bird, I have it in a cage meant for rodents until I can get something better for it. I intend on trying to find a vet for it tomorrow, if possible. I put water in a heavy ceramic bowl and wild bird seed in another bowl. I'm just very afraid of making the situation worse for this poor bird. Any suggestions on what to do would be greatly appreciated since I really have no idea what I'm doing.
Erin

[TAWhatley]

Hi Erin! Welcome and thank you so much for helping this sick or injured pigeon! It sounds like you have things well in hand. For right now warm, dark, and quiet are important for the bird. In the morning you can have a careful look for any wounds, broken bones, etc. If there do seem to be problems, then a trip to the vet would be wonderful. The wild bird seed is fine for now though the bird may not be feeling well enough or safe enough yet to try to eat.

Please let us know how things are in the morning. Where are you located?

Terry

[superkeebs]

I'm located in Central Nebraska.

BTW, I was wondering, since this is a wild pigeon, what type of diseases can they carry? Do they carry anything that can pass between different types of animals? I'm asking because I have 9 pet rats and I don't want to chance anything passing to them.

I will definitely keep you posted on the pigeon. It looks like it has a broken wing. The main reason I think this is because it isn't flying and because one wing is missing a great deal of feathers. I'll let you know tomorrow how the pigeon is doing.

Erin

[Pigeonpal2002]

Erin,

Just to be safe, keep your new pigeon away from your rats and ALWAYS wash your hands before and after handling the bird. They can carry diseases that MIGHT be transferred to other species. And same with your rats to the pigeon. Please don't feel though that they are disease laden animals and diseases usually don't cross species barriers but it's always better to be safe, than sorry.



Brad

[superkeebs]

Thanks for the help. The poor little pigeon died in the middle of the night. I feel bad that I couldn't save him, but at least he died in a quiet comfortable enviroment instead of in the middle of the road. It looks like he died peacefully. Again, thanks for the help.
Erin

[cyro51]

Hi Erin,

He would have known that you cared for him and made him comfortable.

Sometimes they are just too ill or too injured to be saved but, like us, would have been aware of and appreciated the safety and comfort provided.

Thank you for looking after him.

[Reti]

Thank you for taking this sweet pigeon in and making him comfortable.

Reti