Hi! I own a pet store in Massachuestts. Last year after a giant thunderstorm, a domestic all white pigeon was found wandering around by my store. It was obviously injured (torn up wing & chest). I couldn't find anyone to help me since she was domestic. I posted a note on this board & you guys were fantastic with advice. She recoverd pretty well, but still has trouble flying (her left wing is weak even a year later). We were not able to find her owners (she has a green band with the number "1" on it) & she has been living in a giant parrot cage in the store. She is very interactive, likes to be held and seems very comfortable with people and other animals (barking dogs don't even phase her). I have been trying to find someone with an avairy that can take her but so far everything has fallen through. Recently, she started loosing the little feathers around her beak & eyes. I don't see any parasites on her, but worry that she is getting sick or this is a sign of stress since a parrot cage is probably not the best place for her. Can anyone give me insight into what might be going on with her & if she is okay? Also, any thoughts on somewhere for her to live. We love having her in the store, she has become quite the focal point, but I am not sure it is the best environment for her. She needs human interaction. The couple of times we had to put her somewhere else when she couldn't see people, she banged her wings on the cage until we thought she would hurt herself. I would appreciate any help that I can get. I am very attached to her, but want to do what is best for her. Thanks!!!

Stephanie
The Sandy Paw Pet Spa
Thesandypaw@aol.com
www.thesandypaw.com

Hello and welcome to the site , your pigeon sounds like a wonderful friend.

I have a couple of pigeons that live in the house and one of them is going through a molt, it sounds as if your pij is doing the same thing I've found that a lone pigeon doesn't get the face preening that a bird would get if it had a mate. I have taken over the job of that, scratching very carefully around their eyes, beak and any head area they can't reach. I've found that my pigeon actually enjoys it
When we had our cockatoos they also loved us preening them, the sheaths around the feathers tend to get itchy