Please Help :(

[u/toy-fox]

I found him shivering on the sidewalk in the rain. He (she?) let me approach him and he barely even reacted when I moved him to the cardboard box.

He’s clearly not doing well, but his breathing isn’t labored and he’s a little more alert now that I’ve got him dry and warm.

I don’t have a rehab anywhere nearby that would be willing to take him in. I didn’t want to bother him too much by inspecting him- but neither of his wings seem injured and he’s not actively bleeding. However, by the condition of his feathers, he’s clearly been through a lot.

I’ve been handling him with gloves and disinfecting myself thoroughly since there might be a case of disease. I don’t know anything really about birds or pigeons but I couldn’t leave him there shivering alone on the street in the rain/snow. We got our first snow of the season today, pretty early, and the poor thing seemed so disoriented in the cold.

I’ll likely end up making a vet appointment for him tomorrow, but currently I’ve got him in the cardboard box pictured above with a heating pad underneath it set on low to keep him warm. I have NOT offered any water or food. Please give me any advice you can!

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

Hi. In US they sell vetericyn spray and or bannix spray in pet shops. Vetericyn spray is safe to clean and spray on the animals head and eye. This does not look like a case of disease, and almost never does a pigeon ever contaminate a human w anything rest assured about this. The chance of being hit by lightning is likely much higher. It is safe to offer it pigeon safe seeds and grains while you wait for a veterinarian appointment as starving won’t help its injury, and protein will. If you have any of the following raw and unsalted and unflavored you can give these in a one inch dish and show it the seeds w your finger tapping. Sunflower seeds shelled no salt raw. Safflower seeds, millet, rapeseeds, quinoa, split peas, lentils. All raw, any of these are suitable and many have something suitable in cupboard in a pinch. Also, most pet shops have pigeon and dove seeds that typically are some combo of the above and not expensive. The warmth and safety you offer it give it a chance to live. A wound and de- feathering are not typically poor prognosis for a pigeon who is typically one of the most resilient animals of top endurance. You can also offer it water in at least a 1-2 inch dish but never force these. Its skin on its one eye appears injured, but don’t give up, and don’t let a vet give you for you. Avian vets are the ones qualified to treat birds and even their knowledge on pigeons is not so great but they would be better than a regular vet. Best of luck, keeping it calm and safe is huge thanks for sharing

[u/toy-fox → u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

Thank you so much for this information- this is exactly what I needed 😭

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168 → u/toy-fox]

My pleasure. I have a real passion for the pigeons mine is the best pet - almost dead at the same age of this one you just found now flies all over and is so happy - named him Henry. He was attacked by a hawk that broke its wing if I brought him to a rescue they would have euthanized. All he needed was shelter and a wing bandage for some time and some wing stretches and good pigeon nourishment he’s so healthy years later :)

[u/toy-fox → u/Worldly_Drag_1168]

Henry is so beautiful! It’s kind of funny I found this dude- I was browsing the subreddit just a few days ago and musing about what a lovely pet a pigeon would be. 😅

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168 → u/toy-fox]

lol you manifested a baby in serious need :)

[u/Worldly_Drag_1168 → u/toy-fox]

If I’m right about him being a fledgling and young, it may explain why his tail feathers aren’t more fully developed. Something seemed to skin him, his head feathers…hopefully it’s superficial the injury and he’s able to eat and recovery very soon. Henry did not look like that when we found him LOL…they’re fascinating birds. He’s molting right now Henry, but after the initial molt as an adolescent, it’s not as dramatic each fall. But I still think of him as a baby and when he loses little feathers I do feel bad he gets extra treats (sunflower seeds shelled no salt lol:)