This is a new one for me

[pigeonperson]

About a week ago, I picked up a hen with a break in the leg. She's been splinted, is alert and has a very good appetite but yesterday, I made a decision to pick up her mate. I figured that it would be a good idea to keep them bonded and why should they be lonely? So he's literally guarding her during her convalescence and they'll be released together in about 2 weeks.

[Pidgey]

I often bring mates in for visits when that's possible. It really boosts the sickee's morale if not the morals. And it can sure be ugly if the sickee's out too long and the mate decides it's time for a change.

Pidgey

[Reti]

How did you manage to pick up the mate? It is quite hard to catch a healthy pijie.
I would love to be able to pick them up with their mates. Only concern would be what if if they have babies somewhere?

Reti

[pigeonperson]

Reti,
The flock trusts me almost completely. I can sit down on a step right next to them as they eat and it's almost as if they have accepted me as a member. I simply reached down and picked up the bird. They're so engrossed in eating, they don't even notice me. As far as babies, I know where these two roost and there is nothing there.

[feralpigeon]

pigeonperson, that's great for them, and also good that you knew their roosting
spot and could verify that there were no babies. This is just a win-win situation
all the way around. They don't even have to worry about hospital food while
they recuperate ...

fp

[pigeonperson]

fp,
I hope you never have an opportunity to eat hospital food. I would rather eat seed.

[Trees Gray]

I agree that the emotional side to health is about equally as important to healing. Thanks for going out of your way to bring the mate inside. That's REALLY GOOD SUPPORTIVE care in the fullest sense.

I do this with the domestics from time to time and also close their cubbies so no other male pigeon can take over the turf while the couple is isolated. That is another stress issue once the couple returns back to the coop. It's stressful enough for them to make the re-adjustment (depending on how long they are isolated), without having to fight for their territory back...too.

[Reti]

That's great pp, that they are so trusting, makes it easier to rehab them and follow up on them.

Reti

[Maggie-NC]

Way to go. They must feel pampered and well fed by now. It is remarkable you were able to get the mate.

We had to keep one of ours in the house all last winter and after about the first two weeks decided to bring the husband in to keep her company. It really does make a difference. If a little face could light up, our little girl's certainly did when we brought hubby in.

[Birdmom4ever]

That's great--I'm sure it will help the hen's recovery to have her mate with her. I try to keep my domestic pigeons together too, placing them in sick bay together whenever possible.

[amoonswirl]

What a thoughtful thing to do for the little couple!
They must be so grateful.

[pigeonperson]

It's very peaceful in that cage and a real pleasure to watch them. Some part of their bodies must always be touching. I have to hand feed the male because he won't leave her side, not even for food.

[Margarret]

Originally Posted by pigeonperson

It's very peaceful in that cage and a real pleasure to watch them. Some part of their bodies must always be touching. I have to hand feed the male because he won't leave her side, not even for food.

That is quite amazing. I am constantly in awe of the bonding that these birds have with each other. I've often seen my male birds place themselves in front of their mate when they think danger may be present. Just let an unknown person into the loft and they find their mates quite rapidly to protect. Pigeon person, what a wonderful and kind thing to do with your recovering hen.

Margaret

[pigeonperson]

Thanks, Margaret.