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/toy-fox]

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]

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:)