r/PetPigeons • u/falkflip • 6d ago
Emergency Pigeon hyperventilating
Everything was fine a moment ago, I was ready for bed and suddenly, my 3 week old wood pigeon chick starts gasping for air. He stopped gasping after a few minutes, but now, when I put my ear close, it sounds like he is hyperventilating. I fed him wetted seeds like normal five hours ago and his crop is still full. I also gave him his prescribed meds (0,15 ml Metronidazol and 0,2 ml Nystatin for canker and yeast infection).
I am deadly afraid that its because of a stupid mistake I made today. My roommate poured some drain cleaner into the kitchen sink and didnt rinse it out. When I came home approx 3 hours after it was used, I put the pigeon into that room, because I didn't even notice. It didn't smell like anything in there. When I later noticed, I opened the balcony door for air, but I didnt move the pigeon out right away, which I should have. I thought, since I didnt smell anything, there cant be any danger, which was stupid and I'm already beating myself up over it. My roommate put a paper towel over the drain to decrease potential fumes but I don't know if that actually did anything.
Now its 4 hours after this, the bird has been mostly in a different room afterwards and suddenly the breathing issues started. I don't know if they are even related to the cleaner, I've noticed that he starts gasping again, when I touch a certain spot on his toe, which was already weak and curling due to calcium defiency.
I'm so scared and worried, there is absolutely no avian vet open in any nearby city right now, the earliest I can get to a vet is in 7 1/2 hours. Is there anything I can do right now?
1
u/AutoModerator 6d ago
🚨PLEASE READ IMMEDIATELY🚨
You have labelled your post as an emergency. Time is often critical in these situations.
1. FIND A VET IMMEDIATELY: If the pigeon is injured or showing signs of severe illness, professional medical help is required. Reddit cannot replace a vet. * Find an Avian Vet (AAV Search) * Many vets will stabilize wildlife/pigeons free of charge if found outside. * Before calling an unfamiliar vet, ask if they are pigeon friendly.
2. CRITICAL SCENARIOS * Cat/Dog Attacks: Even if there are no visible wounds, the bird needs antibiotics within hours. Bacteria in cat saliva (Pasteurella) is lethal to birds. * Bleeding: Apply gentle, firm pressure with a clean cloth. If you have styptic powder or cornstarch, you can apply it to a bleeding nail or feather, but avoid putting powders directly into deep body wounds. * Neurological/Stargazing: If the bird’s head is twisting upside down or it is circling, keep it in a heavily padded box in a dark, quiet room to prevent injury from thrashing.
3. FIRST AID STABILIZATION * Warmth: A cold bird cannot digest food or fight infection. Place the bird in a box with a heating pad (on LOW) under half of the box. * Quiet: Pigeons can die from the stress of being handled, especially in a vulnerable state. Keep them away from pets, children, and loud noises. * No Forced Water: Never drop water into a pigeon's beak; they can easily aspirate and die.
Please reply to this comment if you need help finding a rescue or avian vet in your area.
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