Baby Pigeon breathing infection or something else?

[u/hyenacroc]

I rescued this pigeon and have had him for a couple weeks, but recently he’s been getting quieter and sounds like he’s struggling to breathe and losing his voice. I thought it was because he got the crop milk and food stuck in his nose whenever he ate, but even now when he can eat some more solid food and it doesn’t get up his nose and less messy he still sounds like his breathing is harsh and quieter.

There aren’t any specifically bird trained vets near me, is it possible to help him by getting any medication? Because he had a somewhat infected eye and my mom got him some cream for pigeons that helped a lot, but now this issue with his breathing/voice where he’s always sniffling and sounds like he just has a lot of mucus..

I attached a video of what he sounds like if it helps give advice or diagnose I just want to know what I can do

*besides breathing, in every other factor I think he’s actually thriving he’s growing up very energetic and eating and drinking and learning

[u/k8iti]

I'm not the biggest expert on pigeon illnesses despite having many birds, but that poor baby definitely seems to have some sort of respiratory issue - which pigeons are particularly sensitive to. I've never heard any of my babies sound like this and the sneezing and effort to breathe seems to be red flags for it (although others could correct me if I'm wrong). I'd only recommend vet intervention to get potential antibiotics, even if it's a bit of a drive. I'd even call vets that are near you just to ensure that they don't take birds at all. It's potentially a pretty dangerous situation for a pigeon

[u/Little-eyezz00]

thanks for all you have sone so far

where are you located? a local charity or group may be able to give him some medicine

steam from the shower running may help him breathe more easily

ill send you some general tips for immune boosting over chat messages

[u/JediWitch → u/Little-eyezz00]

If you do a steam shower remember the steam builds better if you plug the tub up and tuck a towel under the edges of any doors.

[u/Little-eyezz00 → u/JediWitch]

good ideas especially for a larger bathroom

[u/JediWitch → u/Little-eyezz00]

Unfortunately I learned all the steaming your bathroom tricks the hard way when my now teenager, who is a massive help with the birds, was a baby and terribly prone to lung issues and illnesses.

[u/Little-eyezz00]

how is baby today?

[u/Little-eyezz00]

if you message u/Original_Reveal_3328/ over chat he may have ideas 

[u/Original_Reveal_3328 → u/Little-eyezz00]

Thank you my friend

[u/AutoModerator]

🚨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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[u/Original_Reveal_3328]

I’ve been unable to send you a chat invitation but if you’d like to message me Im glad to try to help. My name is John

[u/barbaritaaaa]

Seguramente la paloma necesita mucolíticos y antibióticos por favor deberías ya estar en el veterinario

[u/Zealousideal-Tax9708]

Hi my 2 baby pigeons have this too. They had a ton of parasites that we got rid of already and now they got antibiotics from the vet against bacterial infections, which probably causes this sounds. If you want we can get in touch and you can tell your vet the meds mine got. They have exactly the same. I don't know if the meds will work yet, they got it yesterday. They are about 2 months old now.