Re: Poorly Pigeon can someone give me advice.....

For the last few days one of the feral pigeons has been just sitting in a hunched position with all his feathers fluffed up and not really moving at all.  I know pigeons sometimes fluff up but this is not the same. He doesn't even fly off with the others when they are spooked by something and didn't move yesterday when my mum went out to top up the feeders. He is actually outside now under a tree by the pond just sitting in the rain and not taking any interest in the food or the other pigeons that keep coming down. He did walk to have a drink yesterday but then went back to the same spot he had been sitting in for ages. He hardly touched the food right in front of him - which as you know is not like a pigeon.  He can fly because I saw him yesterday and he must have gone somewhere to sleep but he is back again and just looks really unhappy.  What should I do or isn't there anything I can do?

Hi Jo

One thing you can do if it is sick is remove any water containers and it can drink from and food it can reach as it may spread the disease..i suppose you could try and catch it and take it to a vet but by that time ir is usually too late...other than that try chasing it away..a sad sight i'm afraid (i've had it a few times)

Bump this or it will get lost off the home page.

Well done Alan hate to see questions not answered and slowly fall down the page.

Just found a cock sparrow who didnt make it through these wet and cold conditions poor little thing there was no weight to him when I picked him up in some kitchen tissues :-(

I hate it too pal..

Speaking to a guy yesterday from the local birding group he has a Sparrows nest and they've thrown 3 babies out of the nest,he thinks due to lack of food.

Thanks Alan and Chris, I just feel really helpless :-( He has moved around the garden since I posted this but he is currently sitting on a plant pot like a poor drowned rat. It is teaming down here in Liverpool and there are no other pigeons around braving the rain. I dont want to stress him out by trying to get close but I will just have to keep a watchful eye and see what happens. Thanks for the advice x

Hi nice pigeon

If he does deteriate he needs to be taken to a vet as Alan has said, they don't usually charge with wild or birds found.

It could just be the cold and rain and once dried out he may be ok

Perhaps Jenny may give you some advice

 Ray

It does sound as if your pigeon is sick - possibly Trichomonosis which is a parasite that lodges in the throat. It can be cured if you can get the bird to a vet in time. The disease is also called canker by pigeon fanciers and other bird keepers and some advice might be had from pigeon clubs in your area.

You can use a child's fishing net to catch birds like this or you could try dropping a lightweight cloth over it if you can get close enough.

You could also try a rescue centre for advice.

Jenni

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your advice.  I have taken "Lucky" to a local animal sanctuary as I couldn't bear seeing him sitting outside in the rain anymore. My boyfriend put an old washing basket over him to keep him in one place and we got a cardboard box, put some holes in it and a nice comfy towel and took him to the animal shelter. They have taken him in to be looked after and he is now with other rescue pigeon friends (I was surprised how many there were actually). The lady in the sanctuary checked Lucky's wings, inside his mouth, his underside, his feet and thought that he was quite a young pigeon who may have fledged the nest too early and so was unable to fend for himself. He also had a damaged tail, poor thing but she didn't actually say he was sick. Just weak :( I am so happy as they are going to nurse him back to health and if he can be released they will release him, but if not he will stay in the aviary with other birds who unfortunately cant go back in the wild. It was such a nice feeling rescuing him I wish I could do that for every bird......thanks again for reading :-)

Well done Jo for caring so much and it's good to hear it wasn't sick with Trichomonosis.

Thanks Alan, I know I am so glad she didnt tell me he was really poorly. Hopefully once he has dried out and has had some food he will feel a bit better.

That's one example of when "let nature take its course" is better ignored.

Very true, there are times when our wild animals need a little helping hand.  I'm just glad I could help.

Great result Jo. well done you and your boyfriend

 Ray

Thanks Ray, it felt good to help him :-)

Well done Jo! I'm so glad you took a hand and congrats for the capture - nice one! I shall have to put a laundry basket in my rescue kit!!!!!

I have rescued two young pigeons this year. One is out doing his own thing and quite "grown up" now. The other is in my garden, free to do what he wants but would rather stick around with "foster Mum"! I have just come in from saying "Good morning" to him. He flies onto my head, sticks his beak in my ear, and demands cuddles. It's not the food he is after as I put that down, wait while he has a peck or two then attempt to sneak off. However he follows me and puts his head into my hand for me to rub his beak which he loves!

Rescuing wild creatures is so rewarding - welcome to the gang but watch out as it can become a full time job!  (Iam looking forward to releasing a Tawny Owl this week after a bit of TLC - hope he doen't want to stand on my head! LOL)

Jenni