Have I done the right thing here?

[Logi]

Hey there, newbie to the forums. I'm Logi.

Anyway, today on my walk home I found a feral pidgeon sitting on the side of the path, looking tharn, and not moving or looking like she was even able to stand. It was just before home-time for the schools in this area, and I didn't like the idea of her being there when and if any nasty kids came past. I picked her up and took her home, put her in the travel-cage for my guinea pigs with lots of soft hay to sit in, some wet brown bread and a little bowl of water.

She's very thin, and there's an odd bump on her right 'elbow' joint that could be a badly healed break, as well as the fact I've yet to see her try and use her legs at all, although I couldn't get a good inspection of them. However, she's strong enough to flap her wings when alarmed, enough to lift off a short way, her eyes are clear and her plumage is smooth.

Should I take her down to the vet tomorrow, or do you think it could just be exhaustion - I'll feed her up and let her go once she's better?

[Jonners]

Hi Logi and welcome to WAB. I hope you find the site useful and informative.

WRT your pigeon, could be exhaustion, it's difficult to say. I would give the bird some grain, such as wheat, as this is a more natural food and won't swell up inside. I presume it doesn't have a ring on its leg. If it does it may be an exhausted racer, and you can contact the Royal Pigeon Racing Association for advice, and to find out where the bird has come from. Hope your bird improves soon. You could always phone the vet to see what they reckon.

[posie]

Hi Logi, and Welcome to WAB.....I would think that your pigeon needs to go into the care of either a wildlife rescue centre, or a pigeon rescue place, 'cos they have the experience and the correct facilities. pigeons who are not fit and strong, and have any old injuries that affect them, fall prey to predators, especially crows. Find out the phone number of your nearest wildlife rescue place, and at least ask their advice....if you can avoid it don't feed too much, if any bread. Soaked cornflakes are better than bread in an emergency.
There is a list of wildlife rescue centres on this site, maybe you will find one near you there. you don't say which County you are in...Good Luck..Posie

[Logi]

Nope, she doesn't have a ring... and I gave her some millet and shelled sunflower seeds instead as soon as I read that post, is that okay?

I'll ring them ASAP, thanks!

[posie]

Yes Logi, the millet and shelled sunflower seed is OK as an emergency measure . pigeons do eat quite a lot... is she drinking?..Good Luck with the phoning..Let us know what happens....Posie.

[Picidae]

Are you sure the pigeon is an adult and not a newly fledged (half fledged!) juvenile? Did you do the right thing? Personally it's hard to say without a photo. Birds found apparently flightless this time of year should not be removed from where they are found if they are uninjured. Chances are they could be young recently out of the nest and parents will continue to feed on the ground. Juvenile pigeons need milk from the parents crop and are only fed a few times a day. The 'bump' on the leg is no indication of age and if it's not bleeding/weeping, then no threat to the bird.