HELP: one eyed dove

spok · #1 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 12:03 PM

I found a collared dove last December sitting on a pavement. It was obviously poorly although it had no obvious injury. I took it home and kept it in an empty aviary where it has now spent the winter. After a while I noticed that one eye was protruding and looking clowdy. It now seems that the eye has withered away and the area has kind of closed up. I had hoped to let the bird fly free in early spring but now I am worried that it cannot survive in the wild. Do any of you know whether one eyed birds have a chance in the wild? Or are they just waiting to become easy prey? I'd be grateful for any advice.

valleyforge · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 12:21 PM

Hi and welcome to WAB.

I believe it would be distinctly disadvantaged in trying to exist in the wild with such a disability ... birds rely to a considerable degree on having good binocular vision.

Are you not able or willing to permanently care for this dove, spok?

If not, I would discourage you from releasing it until it has been examined by an avian vet, just to ensure that no infection exists still ... and thereafter it would undoubtably be better off taken to a sanctuary so that it can be with others of its kind.

Whereabouts in the country are you, so that we might be better able to suggest sanctuary options?

posie · #3 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 12:24 PM

If he/she cannot go back out where all the natural predators are, you could ask a wildlife sanctuary to take him/her. I had a pidgeon once which I healed and nurtured and eventually, when she was flying strongly in the barn, I let her back out, and within a very short time crows had killed her ..it's just nature.

spok · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 01:50 PM

I live in Canterbury, Kent. I have two small aviaries, one I use for 2 conures - they only live out during the warmer part of the year. The other is open and is used by my white garden doves and a few pigeons that have taken up residence.

At the moment the poor little thing just sits around (mostly on or near the ground). Being among its own kind seems the kindest thing to me - especially after the experience with the pigeon you've described.

Are there directories of sanctuaries to help me find one nearby?

posie · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 02:11 PM

I think you are right to do that cos he/she might need some treatment as VF said, .I think this forum/site has a directory, but don't know how comprehensive it is. Our local Vet has a local list so your's might too. You could also try google, as I'm sure that would give good results cos you could refine search to your area...Good Luck, and let us know what happens...Posie..

valleyforge · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 02:48 PM

spok,

Here are a few places in Kent you might like to try for a start:

Willow Wildlife Rescue, Chislehurst - tel: 07956 472 284

The Wildlife Lodge, Beckenham - tel: 07983 708497 or 07508 034813

Wildlife Animal Rescue, Bexleyheath - tel: 020 8303 0941

Medway Hodgepogs, Rochester - tel: 01634 842502

Let us know how you get on?

spok · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 02:52 PM

I will give them a try, thanks a lot

Spok

spok · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2010, 05:56 PM

for what it's worth ... I contacted one sanctuary and was told that provided a bird is otherwise in good condition, it can survive perfectly well in the wild ... I wished I could believe it ....

posie · #9 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 08:52 AM

Hi spok, try another number, but plan what you are going to say.....Ask them straight away if they could take her/him in for assessment. Say that you cannot keep him, but that you can't release him into the wild until he's been assessed. That should do it. Don't waver or soften, stick to your guns and insist that he needs assessment, and please would they take him.....Posie.

valleyforge · #10 (**permalink**) 08-04-2010, 09:50 AM

Good advice there posie.

The proper assessment of any casualty is a critical part of determining whether or not it is releasable ... so in this case a period within a suitable flight aviary would be essential ... and in my experience, probably quickly conclusive.

Of the birds I have ever cared for, none that had a temporary or permanent eye injury ever showed any ready inclination to take to flight more than a couple of feet, if that, as they find it impossible to correctly judge distances. The real risk of further injury is something they recognize only too well.

Please note that most wildlife rescues regretably don't have the resources to travel too far to pick up a casualty ... however, many will happily assist you if you can travel to them.

If you are in a position to widen the circle from your immediate county, let us know and we can provide further contact details as necessary. Best of luck.