Wood pigeon with broken leg?

Nathus Dorkus · #1 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 07:37 PM

Hey all,

I joined because I'm a bit stuck!

My Fiance just came home from work to discover a wood pigeon next to our door step, just sitting there looking sorry for itself.

I had no difficulty picking up up, and it seems to have a broken leg (I can't detect anything else wrong with it.)

For the time being we've popped it into an empty (apart from some hay) hamster cage, and put said cage in the bathroom where it's safe and dark. (We have cats.)

It was very calm and docile as I handled it and stroked it, possibly due to shock, but also quite responsive (looking around, getting comfortable, had a nibble of my finger, etc.)

Any idea what to do?

I'm guessing that the vet is the best idea, though sadly I assume that it'll just be put to sleep. It's a bit difficult at the moment as my Fiance is working until friday and I cannot get out of the house myself, so we're a bit stuck.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

tigertom · #2 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 07:57 PM

Hi Have yoy gave it some food and water other wise what you have done is fine. Have you got any wildlife rescue centres near to you if so can contact one. thats all advice I can give but some one else will be along soon who may be of more help and welcome to WAB

MIKE

Farplace · #3 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 07:57 PM

Try to get the bird to a wildlife rescue centre. Phone St Tiggywinkles for advice 01844 292292 (24 hours).
In the mean time, just keep it warm and quiet. Perhaps try it with a little food and water.

Not all vets would put the bird to sleep. Mine will only do this if there is no hope of recovery.

Nathus Dorkus · #4 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 08:20 PM

There are absolutely no wild life centres or similar around here (really, really annoying.)

I've popped some bread soaked in water in there for the moment, and on the advice of some friends I made a makeshift splint on his leg. Fiance will call the vet tomorrow morning, though realistically we could only get him to the vet on wednesday morning. I'm hoping he survives the night, and isn't too traumatised by my fussing.

posie · #5 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 08:43 PM

I'm not sure if this is right, but when I had a pigeon to feed in an emergency, I opened a tin of sweetcorn, rinsed it and gave it that, 'cos it wouldn't eat anything else I tried, but it gobbled some of that up..It might not be hungry yet, but it will be tomorrow..
And Welcome to WAB..

tigertom · #6 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 08:46 PM

Hi have you go some bird seed you could give rather than bread as this would be far better for it

MIKE

cara pace · #7 (**permalink**) 22-08-2011, 09:14 PM

Whereabouts in the country are you Nathus Dorkus?

Wood pigeons are renowned for becoming stressed out in captivity, so minimum contact is essential. It would also be a good idea to use some newspaper instead of hay, which could become wrapped around it's legs and can also pose a risk of aspergillosis.

Does it's leg appear to be obviously broken? I am wondering if it could have been mauled by a cat, in which case, it needs antibiotics very soon. The splint may also cause further problems, if not used correctly/or if it is secured too tightly.

If you let us know your location, somebody here may be able to help.

Nathus Dorkus · #8 (**permalink**) 23-08-2011, 03:08 PM

I'm in Milton Keynes.

First of all - thanks so much everyone for the help!

I need to say that I'm totally wrong, it's not a wood pigeon. I was very panicky last night, and kept calling it a wood pigeon, when it's actually a dark rock pigeon. (Where I used to live, we only had wood pigeons, haha.)

My sister wonder if he could potentially be a racing pigeon or somesuch, due to how calm and well-behaved he is, and we wondered if maybe he could've snagged a ring on his leg and broken it in the process of removing it.
Of course, his behaviour could just be shock, and he could indeed be a wild pigeon.

I removed the splint, and his leg seems quite a bit stronger. He still can't use his toes properly (no grabbing, clenching, etc.) but he is able to hop around on it much better now.

We changed the bedding to newspaper and have given him wild bird seed (which he has been happily gobbling up) and water. No sign yet of him wanting to use his wings, but he seems fine apart from the leg.

Fiance should've called the vet today, should hear from him soon, and we plan to take him to the vet tomorrow morning.

Thanks again!