I need help, i found a pigeon?

Question

so today i was walkin home from work n i found this pigeon under a brigde n i figured it fell from its nest, it has a broken wing but its not so bad,...it wont eat, maybe its scared??i placed it in a box with pieces of bread, rice n water. any suggestions???

Answer 1

first I will ask you, is the pigeon banded? I mean if there is a ring in its legs. If it does it probably have a owner, if you are in the US you can use this link to trace the owner.

http://www.pigeon.org/bandlistings.php

Here's an article on how to take care of a lost pigeon, and don't worry much pigeons is a hardy bird, and will recover very fast.

How to Care for Lost Pigeons

By: Frank Mosca

What to do if you find a lost pigeon ?

Water:

Most lost birds are hungry and thirsty. Water is necessary before all else. Since pigeons drink by suction, any water container should be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) deep. An open container, i.e., a dish, an old margarine container tub, etc., is best. While a thirsty bird may drink immediately, it also may not. A bird which has gone without water for a while is sometimes a bit less than itself. It may be so exhausted, it doesn't even realize that water is in front of it, especially if the water container you use is different from what it is familiar with. A trick I've often used is to trickle a few drops of water from on high into the container to make a splashing sound. When they hear that, most birds will invariably head to drink. If a bird looks really exhausted, Gatorade or other proprietary sports drink may be added to the water. A teaspoon or two per cup (250 ml) of water will help replenish electrolytes.

Food:

Pigeons are grain eaters. While park pigeons will eat bread, most domestic birds have been raised on a multi-grain mixture and have never seen a slice of it. In fact, they would likely ignore it as possible food. Instead of bread, you might try feeding them something else from around the house. Popcorn (maize), rice, split peas, barley, buckwheat (kasha), canary seed, etc., are all good first options to feed a lost bird with. THESE GRAINS SHOULD NOT BE COOKED OR POPPED BUT FED RAW. Water should also be provided since pigeons normally drink immediately after eating.

What Should I Keep It In ?

Any container that a dog or cat can't get into will be fine. An old bird cage will hold the pigeon for a day or so with no problem, as will a cardboard box - a screen on top of such a box is better than simply closing the flaps since there will then be enough light for the bird to see to eat and drink.

Finding the bird's owner

the bird has a band on its leg, the owner can sometimes be traced through one of the national pigeon organizations. However, this is often not even necessary. After twenty-four to forty-eight hours rest with food and water, most homing pigeons are more than capable of finding their way home on their own. Simply release the bird in an area free of wires or other obstacles and it will usually head home immediately. NEVER try to attach a note to the owner by rubber banding it to the bird's leg. This cuts off the leg's blood circulation and often leads to gangrene and amputation of the limb.

What if it won't go home ?

Many birds can be traced to their owner by the numbered band (ring) on their leg. In North America, homing pigeons normally carry bands with a combination of the year plus the initials:

AU -- American Racing Pigeon Union

IF -- Internation Federation

C.U. -- Canadian Racing Pigeon Union

Outside of North America, racing homers can be traced through the national racing club of the country of origin.

Non-homing pigeons:

There are ONLY 200 breeds of pigeon. Some fly very well, some don't. Those which carry a band marked with NPA National Pigeon Association can sometimes be tracked to the owner. Many, however, can not because these bands are also sold through feedstores and other outlets where permanent records are not kept.

If the bird carries a band with other letters than those listed above for racing homers or for NPA banded birds, it may be privately banded or belong to someone who has banded with a specialty club band. Your local feed store often knows many of the pigeon breeders close to you and can often refer you to one of them. Such individuals often know of local club secretaries who may be able to help you.

I Want to Keep the Bird. It's Cute !

Because these Homing Pigeons are protected by most state laws and because their owners care for them, every attempt should be made to locate the owner... However.

If the pigeon you have is unbanded (no way to trace the owner), or, if, after searching, and not finding the owner, you decide you'd like to keep the pigeon as a pet, by all means do so. Pigeons make fun pets. Many will become extremely attached to you - and you to them. There are many fine books on the market which will help you become a responsible pigeon owner.

Just remember a few basics:

1) Clean water, feed, and mineral grit (available at most feed stores).

2) Pigeons must have dry surroundings, they're not ducks. They love a bath, but whatever you keep them in must normally be bone dry.

3) Enjoy one of the most fun animals alive.

4) Send for a free information packet from the American Racing Pigeon Union.  

Answer 2

All of the answers have good advice.  The only suggestion I can add to feed a young pigeon is to soak dry dog food in warm water until it softens. Then easily pry the beak apart and place the moist dog food into its mouth.  Feed it as many pieces as it will eat ...10 or so  and offer as much water as it wants.  Do this several times a day until you can get it to a wildlife rehabilitator.  It is important you get it to rehabber soon if it will have a chance to ever fly again.  If the bone is not set right soon enough it is too late to do anything about it.  

Answer 3

Ok this birds needs to be taken to a wildlife rehabber to mend the wing and get it hydrated and warm. They will care for it until it is ready for release. It is free. YOu can also call a vet that takes injured wildlife and it the injury is not life threatining they will send it off to wildlife rehabber if it is a injury that will make the bird unreleaseable then it will be put to sleep. IF the wing is hanging lower than the other than it is most likely broken. Is this a baby? IF so keep it warm. Even if it adult and injured needs warmth. Put heating pad under box. If it is a baby then it is used to being fed from its parents. Which can be tricky as you have to get formula from pet store and a syringe and stick syringe down throat of baby and push food into crop. Offer it wild bird seed and a shallow dish of water. No rice no bread. Rice if raw can explode in birds belly and bread can cause overgrowth of yeast. Keep it in a quite dark place. It sees you as a predator. Good of you to help it but I would really try getting into a rehabber. :)  

Answer 4

I live in the Pensacola Florida area and we have a

wildlife sanctuary

that you can call for things like this when they happen

Look in your phone book or Google to see if there is a wildlife sanctuary in your area

Answer 5

First of all you shouldn't feed birds uncooked rice. They will eat too much and when it expands their stomach will rupture. That is why they don't throw uncooked rice at weddings anymore. Secondly, I would drop him off at the vets office. They may put him to sleep but that may be what is best for him. Your only other option is to keep him and hope he gets better. It sounds like he is pretty messed up and you don't want to make him suffer. Its up to you really.

Answer 6

take it to a bird center(wild life center) to give it medical attention.

if pretty sure that if you take it to the vet they will charge you

Answer 7

aww thats great that you cared about it! Hes scared. take him to a vet. While you are waiting for visiting, keep him warm , put soft towels in the box. Give him some brocoli and if you have birdseed thats great. Make sure the bread is whole grain. Give him some corn. Do tons of research! tell me how it works out, I'm interested :]  

Answer 8

smush a bug and mix it with water and put in a syringe and hold it and feed it to the bird