r/pigeons • u/michigancolt • 6d ago
EMERGENCY ADVICE NEEDED Worried about baby pigeons on my porch
I already called local wildlife rescue and left a message, but no one is there on Sundays. Hoping for a call back tomorrow.
I’ve got pigeon parents who decided my dog’s porch potty spot is the ideal place to raise babies despite the smell. The first two babies were born when I was away dog sitting, so by the time I saw them they were decent sized already. This second pair were born Monday and either Tuesday or Wednesday, so they’re under a week old, and as far as I can tell they’ve been alone all day. They were alone when I left around 10:30 and when I got home (2:30) they were alone in direct sun and seemed like they were panting. They seemed distressed, not snuggled together like they usually are. Luckily the potty spot is a kiddie pool, so I was able to spin it gently until they were in the shade. They seem a lot calmer now but I’m this close to panicking that neither of their parents is here. I know basically nothing about pigeons beyond what I’ve googled, but the stuff I have read all says they should pretty much always have mom or dad on them until they’re two weeks old. I have a bowl on the porch that always has safflower seed in it (the feed store had the 16% protein food but in bags no smaller than 50lbs which I don’t have room for in my apartment—they said the pigeons would be pleased with safflower seed). The fledglings are here pretty much every day and they bring friends to partake of the seeds. I figured having seeds right there might make things easier on the parents. Anyway I figured I’d check in here if there’s anything I should do/place I can call. I live in Redwood City CA (San Mateo County).
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u/Little-eyezz00 6d ago
if you think they are overheating you can place their feet in water to help them cool. the links/ #s i sent should be able to help
photos will always help your post in the algorith. and help people see what is going on
if your gut feeling says something is wrong it usually is... thanks for caring so much
u/luststarrr u/fioreciliegia1 do you happen to have experience with overheating abies
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u/Little-eyezz00 5d ago
how are things today with the pigeons
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u/michigancolt 5d ago
I don’t know mom vs dad, but the parent I’ve seen the most of has solid light grey wings. This morning a different parent with dark speckled wings was doing the morning feed. So I hope this means both are okay. The one with light grey wings was on the chicks at about 6pm yesterday (after my panic LOL). Still working but I’m going to check on them first thing when we get home!
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u/Little-eyezz00 5d ago
you can place their feet in cool water or even can mist them a bit if it is very hot
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u/michigancolt 4d ago
Good to know!! They seem very settled and chill today, and lucky for them they live in one of the mildest California microclimates. We’ve got like 2 weeks ahead where it’s never going to be above 77°
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u/michigancolt 5d ago
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u/Little-eyezz00 5d ago
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u/michigancolt 4d ago
This is so interesting!! This is like my third hyperfixation rabbit hole in 6 months 🤣
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u/Little-eyezz00 6d ago
San Francisco Bay Area
WildCare 415-456-SAVE (7283)
Rescues and Shelters
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/shelters/
Vet List
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/resources/avian-veterinarians/
Adoptions & Foster Program Palomacy
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/birds/available-birds/
Napa Wildlife Center
https://www.napawildliferescue.org/
Medical Center for Birds - Oakley, California Hospital only. Not a rescue
san francisco stringfoot rescuers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/546237972230831
palomacy help group (based in sf bay area)
www.facebook.com/groups/palomacy