sick pigeon?

[klogan]

Hello,
I'm new to the group. I have a pair of adopted domestic pigeons, don't know what kind, they just hatched 2 squabs about 2 weeks ago. Things have been pretty much ok until yesterday. Yesterday morning I saw Papa bird doing a weird flapping motion and he was leaning forward on his chest. He looked distressed. I thought he was just trying to get Mama bird's attention, as I'd seen him do something similar before. But he has not been up to his perch since this morning and he looks tired. He's not feeding the babies, or flapping his wings at all, and the weirdest part is he let me touch him, which he NEVER does. So I'm sure something is wrong, but I have no idea what. He is not fluffed up, I can't see any discharge, his legs seem ok. I suppose it could be a wing injury, but it could be anything, as far as I can tell. I'm not experienced at diagnosing pigeon problems unless there are obvious signs like fluffing. What should I be looking for? Any advice is appreciated. I will try to get him a vet appointment asap.

Thanks,
kathleen

[AZWhitefeather]

Hello Kathleen, Welcome to pigeons.com

Sorry to hear papa is feeling a bit under the weather.
I would suggest isolating him, for the time being, from Mom & the babies, in the event he has developed, or is developing, something contagious. It wouldn't hurt to put him on a towel lined heating pad, set on low.

I would also suggest checking the inside of his mouth for signs of canker. If you are unfamiliar with this condition, it looks like a 'yellowinsh, cottage cheese' appearing matter which is often found in a pigeons mouth.

Does he apper to be eating, drinking & 'pooping' normally?

Others will be along to offer their suggestions & support.

Please let us know how things are coming along.


Cindy

[bigbird]

Balance problems usually indicate infection or disease.
Follow the advice from Cindy, watch everything and isolate.
Regards,
Carl

"Hope is a thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all." -

Emily Dickinson