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holding a pigeon

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1.8K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  nycpigeonlady  
#1 ·
I recently rescued a young pigeon, and she has been acclimating to her new environment. So far, she prefers not to be touched, but does not have a problem coming up to me sometimes. As soon as I reach over to pet her head, she move or flies away. It is fine, and I'd like her to feel comfortable, but I need to give her these four in one pills to kill any bugs she might have, and was only successful doing this last night because someone else (who she took to a bit easier) held her while I gave her the pill. Today when I tried on my own she became scared and flew around my apartment. I think she may have bumped her head because I noticed a very thread-thin red mark on her head, and so decided to call it quits for the time until someone can help me.
My question is, are there dangerous ways of holding a bird?
Also, will the bird eventually enjoy being pet/ held? Will I need to introduce this activity to her or will she eventually just come to me? At this point, she is interested in a wooden doll and a toy that I hung up in her cage, but is not so confident in greeting me.
So, that is two questions, really.
Thanks to anyone with feedback!
 
#2 · (Edited)
Pigeons in general don't like to be petted (there are always exceptions though!) but you will know when she is comfortable with you if she perches on you and such. Hands are weird and scary to pigeons sometimes. Hope this eases your mind a little!

Forgot to mention how to hold them! hold their wings and tail plus feet back in one hand while their chest rests on yours, this should leave a free hand to do what is needed. I do not know what holding positions are dangerous, others will probably chime in soon :)
 
#4 ·
Hi,

I was taking care of a sick feral until recently who was not in cage. He'd let me catch him initially, but soon grew tired of being caught, medicated and force fed twice a day, so would fly around the room every time I tried to catch him. I got around that by lowering the blinds - pigeons do not fly around when it's dark. It might be less stressful for the bird and you to do that - at least she won't injure herself trying to fly away form you. In my apartment, lowering the blinds could only get the room dark enough at sunrise and dusk, so that's when I fed and medicated. When you lower the lights (it doesn't need to be pitch black, by the way), approach her very slowly and talk to her in a gentle voice - she will not attempt to take off.

From what you have written though, it sounds like your pigeon is in a cage. In that case, all you need to do is wrap her up in a towel or t-shirt like a burrito with just her head sticking out, put her on your lap and hold open her beak with one hand while popping the meds in with the other.

The feral I mention above didn't like being caught, however once caught would totally relax and loved being petted and have his head scratched. So much so in fact, that he would instantly fall asleep and only wake up if the petting stopped. I wouldn't need to restrain him, he would lie in my hand and I would just lean him (his wing) against my chest or belly.

A pet pigeon that I had previously, loved nothing more than being caught, held and petted and fondled in every way possible (he was hand-raised, and "mated" to me). When I had to medicate him, I 'd simple perch him on the back of a chair and open his mouth, without holding him at all. He would hold perfectly still no matter what. I have since found out that this was pretty unique, and now simply wrap pigeons up when I need them to open their mouths.

Eva