Help, found two injured pigeon

[paula]

i have two injured pigeon at my home right now in New York City. i picked up the first pigeon about two weeks ago and the second around a few days before. i thought they may die within few days . but now they seems very alive and eat alot. i fed them cockatiel seeds and rice and water. they both cannot fly.

The first one lost most of the flight feathers on its right wing (i just checked they are now growing back), he seems to have one weaker leg, i see that he could walk but he prefer to stand on one leg. i cant find any open wounds or broken bone.

the second one has a broken wing hanging down. i washed the wound, applied antibiotic the first day. i just taped his broken wing in place. i hope this could help.

i dont know what to do with them now. i cant keep them forever, since i have two cockatiel and a dog in a small apartment. can someone please tell me where to bring them to a safe place near new york or new jersey. my father keeps telling me to dump them in the park, which i absolutely refused.

[cyro51]

Hi Paula,

Thank you for rescuing these two pigeons.

In my experience it takes longer than 2 weeks for pigeons with wing injuries to recover the ability to fly, so don't give the option of releasing them when they are fully fit up yet. They would certainly die if dumped in the park, so stick to your guns about that.

I have forwarded a copy of your post to some New Y0ork pigeon lovers who might forward it again...if they can't help we will look further afield.

I would feed them mixed seed, perhaps add some unpopped pop corn and leave the rice out. If you can get your hands on ome grit that might help their digestion.

Cynthia

[maryco]

Hello Paula and thanks for helping the two pigeons : )

Here is a thread about basic care and feeding idea:
http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showth...referrerid=636

What you did with the wing is good, you could also tape the flight feathers to the tail and that keeps it "up" in the normal position. I hope we can have someone contact you and help with the pigeons.

Hope you find the thread helpful and keep us posted..

[cyro51]

Hi Paula,

Al, who own the Pigeon People Yahoo group might be able to help and has asked me to post his telephone number for you, but I would rather not post such personal info on a public forum so I will send it by private message instead. Please let me know if you have trouble accessing it.

Cynthia

[paula]

thankyou for the information. i am sure i will take care of them until i get some help from the pigeon people group or until they recover. i want to know is grit a must for them. can i give them beach sand instead? should i mix it with food.

[cyro51]

Hi Paula,

As well as helping with the digestion of food pigeon grit contains calcium and other minerals which are beneficial to a pigeon. Beach sand would not be an adequate replacement.

If you can get some grit place it in a dish separate from their food because otherwise they might eat more than they need.

Whether grit is essential, beneficial or not necessary is still being argued. I believe that it is beneficial so I always make it available to my pigeons!

Cynthia

[Lin Hansen]

Hi Paula,
Grit is not hard to get and is not expensive. You could probably even find it in the supermarket by the pet food. My market is not that great for pet food, mostly dog and cat food, but there is a tiny section for food and treats for pet birds and it includes small boxes of grit for a couple of dollars. I think a picture of a parakeet is on the box, but I am sure you could use this grit for your pigeons. Also, any pet store would probably carry it.
Linda

[Victor]

Isn't it amazing how the injured pigeons were able to find you as their refuge from harm!All of us thank you for what you have done.They depend on you right now.A pigeon is a tough bird, but if hurt, it will take time and patience for the healing process to take place.Time and patience for the pigeons and you!As Linda stated, grit can be obtained easily at most chain grocery stores or reputable pet shops such as PETCO.Good luck to all of you.Peace to our special friends~Victor in Omaha