Injured Wood Pidgeon

[ilia]

Hi everyone,

I have a wood pidgeon that visits my garden from time to time. Now I have noticed that it is heavily limping and has a damaged wing. It is really sad watching him walk as it appears he can apply no pressure to his left foot.

Is there anything I can do?

Thanks

[witham]

It's perhaps been the victim of a cat, or even someone taking pot shots with an air rifle or similar, or there are alot of manic gardeners out there who don't like pigeons eating their young plants at this time of the year and put up all sorts of deterrents which it could have been caught up in. It's very dificult to know what's best to do, leave well alone or try and help by putting it through the possible trauma of being caught and where do you take it then, in some places it's difficult to get anyone to help a Woodie as they are classed as vermin, so maybe it's would be best to seek local advice first by ringing your vet, they could perhaps put you onto your nearest wildlife hospital or even RSPB or by asking around it's amazing how many 'private' rescuers there are about who would be willing to help you out

[k9]

Hi ilia
Its never an easy decision when faced with injury. It is very traumatic for them to be caught. If hes a regular visitor you could keep any eye on him over a few days and ensure he has food and water. I've had a woodie visitor for 3 years now who has a very bad limp. I thought when I first spotted him what can I do to help him but decided to keep his food supply going and watch out for any deterioration. Hes been coming all this time and has had many families even with his disability. It hasn't ever improved but he seems to live a decent standard of life with it. Hope this helps k9