Hi,
I've just rescued a juvenile pigeon (probably about 20 days old from the racing pigeon website images) and I'm now trying to work out what to do with it. I've put it in a box with a bed of shreaded paper and some seed and put it in a warm place. Doesn't seem injured as far as I can tell. Legs look ok and wings both seem to move normally. I've put a little sugary water in a dish next to it but it's not really moving at present.

Is there anything else I should be doing? Some posts talk about examining a vent. Have no idea how to do this and I dont want to hurt the poor thing.

Many thanks
Pete

Hi Pete,

Is the pigeon eating the seed on it's own? If it's not eating on it's own, you're going to have to feed it yourself. It's old enough to be eating, but it may not have learned yet. Once I hear back from you, then I will post more details. Thanks for rescuing this bird, where did you find it by the way?

Brad wrote:Hi Pete,

Is the pigeon eating the seed on it's own? If it's not eating on it's own, you're going to have to feed it yourself. It's old enough to be eating, but it may not have learned yet. Once I hear back from you, then I will post more details. Thanks for rescuing this bird, where did you find it by the way?

You can hand feed it thawed frozen corn & peas too. All you have to do is open its mouth & pop the food in after 3-4 times feeding it see if the baby needs a drink. If it won't drink on its own you can open its mouth, stick your finger in water & let the water drip from your finger.

I found it by the side of the road in Walkden, Manchester. It doesn't seem to know how to eat stuff, though I've managed to feed it some sugary water using a syringe. It really seems to be struggling with its breathing, coughing a lot and foaming at the mouth. This gets worse after I've given it a drink. Suspect it may have a chest infection of some sort.

I tried to take it to a South Manchester Wildlife Sanctuary today near Nether Alderly but couldn't find the damn place despite driving around for hours. They weren't answering their phone and they have the world's least useful website... so its back with me on my kitchen floor. Looks a bit scraggly, hope I dont catch anything from it!
Pete

You won't catch anything from it.

The Three Owls Sanctuary closed but still maintain a helpline. try ringing them: 07973 819389.

They might know of someone who can take it or give you good directions to South Manchester Wildlife Rescue as well as give you advice on care ...it is always easier to talk directly to someone..

Sadly pigeon has died. Think it aspirated or something.

These things happen, thanks for your advice.

Thank you for trying to help the pigeon.

He moved on, knowing he was cared about.

Kate

This could so easily have been avoided if EgyptSwiftLady's advice had been followed to hydrate a pigeon safely without the need for a syringe. Poor pigeon and so young too.