A cheap and pragmatic solution for hospitalizing pigeons

I thought that this might be of interest in case you are confronted with the need of hospitalizing a pigeon or other larger bird for a while.

As I did not want to spend a larger amount of money nor do I have enough space to store any cages of any size I came to following solution: I bought clear storage boxes from a DIY store with covers. The size of these boxes were 21" long, 17" wide and 11" high. A pigeon has enough space to turn and move around but not too much space to hurt himself in case of seizures and the box is not high enough to start flapping wings when the cover is closed.



The boxes are not only easy to clean but can be used what they are meant for after usage as cage: storage purposes. A cage takes place but is of no use for anything else. The boxes do not have any sharp edges so a bird having seizures cannot hurt himself. At the beginning of Pina's severe seizures I patted the box with quilt batting on the walls, simply mounted with duck tape. This helps to keep the warmth and serves as a soft isolation while bumping the head on the wall. Later on I just put a piece on the bottom beneath the towel to keep the bottom warm.






To give the bird more space above his head I used strong clamps (see pics) where I could mount the cover without giving the bird the opportunity to escape. Also the openings of the handles as well as mounting the cover on the clamps gives enough air flow. At the same time the bird is protected from drafts which is specifically important for a sick bird.







I have made the observation that our birds are feeling very well in their boxes, safe and warm. Jimi even goes back deliberately from time to time. He also loves to sit on the edge of his box and looking out of the window...

This is Pina and Willy at the beginning of their sickness:

Love your setup ..........it looks so safe and cozy for them. It is so easy to clean.....what an absolutely great idea. Also.......they can't fling seed all over the place, it will all go to the bottom of the box. I love it, love it, love it.

I don't know why I didn't think of something like that. I have all these animal carriers all over the house. They are a real pain to clean. I'm going to Walmart to find some clear storage boxes right now!!!!!

Thanks for posting this........you have sure made my life alot easier...........Thank you.

Louise

Im using similar setup for my hospital cage and large plastic picnic baskets for recovering birds. I agree Petra, they are so much easier to keep clean.

for the tip on your hospital setp, Petra.
The photos are great.

Even if you save a couple containers for an emergency, they stack very well.

Great idea, sharing your findings and good ideas!
Very practical and ingenious solutions!

Teresa and Louise, Plamenh and Cindy, I think it's time for me to give back on all the good tips and advice I received from all of you guys

I'm lovin' everything that I have learned from so many of you.