Injured pigeon not eating

Dear All,

When I was reading about pigeons on the internet, I came across something called "pigeon grit." As I understand, grit means small stones or coarse sand and apparently pigeons need it to grind the seeds in their crop. I searched the Pigeon Angels forum for further information but I couldn't find anything. So, I went down to the beach and collected what I show in the picture below. Do you think it is suitable for Kader?




Thank you for your time.

Personally...I wouldn't use it as it may have bacteria and or fungus. Pigeon grit that most of us use is sanitized and coated with minerals You might be able to find dove grit in a pet store on the mainland or they may be able to order some for you. She also needs sanitized oyster shell.

Dear Matilda,

OK, I understand your point. We don't have any pet shops here on the islands but I will try to find some sanitized grit from the mainland.

Thank you for your answer.

Don't forget to get oyster shell at the pet shop.

Ghanima,
I buy pigeon grit with oyster shells mixed in.
When you're checking for the pigeon grit see if there is any with oyster shells.

All indoor pigeons need grit available to them.
When you do get some, place it in a dish by itself. They will eat it as they feel the need.

AZWhitefeather wrote:

We so appreciate the contact information on your vet, Ghanima.

We'll get it posted on Matilda's list.

I got it posted.
again for the contact info.

Ghanima - you can also look for coarse parrot sand as it normally contains oyster shell and minerals. Also adding grinded cooked eggshells is a good supply for calcium. If you cannot find grit anywhere I would look for some clean sand - the one you showed in the photo is a bit too coarse - wash it and cook it in an old pot or in the oven for some time.

This should handle the bacteria and fungus problem. Then it should be dried. Don't give it to your pigeons wet or moist.

Dear All,

Thank you for your replies.

I will call the pet shops and try to find out if they have pigeon grit and oyster shell (either mixed or separate).

As I said, there was a guy who has may special breed racing pigeons on the other side of the island. I wish I could talk to him, but he seems to be gone and his big pigeon cage is empty. I am sure he could tell me where can I find these. Many people come here in summer and leave in the winter time. We are among the handful of people who stay here all year round.

But anyway, let me call the shops and find out.

Dear pigeonwriter

pigeonwriter wrote:

Ghanima - you can also look for coarse parrot sand as it normally contains oyster shell and minerals. Also adding grinded cooked eggshells is a good supply for calcium. If you cannot find grit anywhere I would look for some clean sand - the one you showed in the photo is a bit too coarse - wash it and cook it in an old pot or in the oven for some time.

This should handle the bacteria and fungus problem. Then it should be dried. Don't give it to your pigeons wet or moist.

This looks like a very good tip. Thank you very much. If I can't find oyster shells, I will look for coarse parrot sand.

I am sure I will find them somewhere but it may take time. In the mean time cooking and then drying sand may work out.

As for the grinded eggshells, how do you grind them? I don't have a coffee grinder or anything similar. Is there a practical way to do it?

Ghanima, I simply crash them and then grind them down with a mortar until the pieces are not bigger than 1-2 mm². This works very well and quickly.

Dear pigeonwriter

OK, I will do it this way. Thank you very much for the information.

I visited your blog, by the way. You have lovely pigeons! Loved your painting, too.

Best wishes

You can also ask for grit that is appopriate for doves. Often pet shops have that but not one for pigeons. Here, many will order it special if you ask.

Dear Matilda,

Matilda wrote:

You can also ask for grit that is appopriate for doves. Often pet shops have that but not one for pigeons. Here, many will order it special if you ask.

OK, thank you for the information. I will ask them about dove grit, too.

Best Wishes

I will be anxious to hear what you've been able to find.
Please keep us posted.

Dear All,

I was able to find mineral coated grit for Kader. I am posting its picture below. I ordered it on the internet and it should arrive in a few days. According to the info on the package it contains silicon, sodium, iron, copper, iodine, titanium, calcium, sodium chloride (salt), magnesium, aluminum and potassium. They say it is specifically for pigeons.

Best Wishes.

I'm glad you were able to find something, Ghanima.
It's interesting how they package it.

How is Kader doing?

Dear AZWhitefeather

AZWhitefeather wrote:

I'm glad you were able to find something, Ghanima.
It's interesting how they package it.

How is Kader doing?

Yes the packaging is very interesting. I guess I am supposed to mix them up.

Kader is doing very fine. Nowadays, I am letting her spend some time in our kitchen. She likes to hang out under our kitchen table because there she can perch on one of the legs. She doesn't seem to be afraid of us even when we are eating on the table while she is there. At nights I gently direct her back to her bathroom.

Best.

That grit is perfect. Offer a small amount each day in a separate dish.

It may be time that she has her own cage where she can go to feel safe. If she has a cage, you can move her to the balcony for sunshine and know she will be safe. While inside, you could leave the door open, when you are home Also, you can reclaim your bathroom...
I'll post the size that works well for pigeons later today.

I love it that she joins you in the kitchen. You are her flock now.

Dear Mathilda,

Yes, I think a cage may be a good idea. I would be grateful if you can provide suggested dimensions as you mentioned in your post.

My husband has some skill in woodworks ("some" being the keyword ). Maybe he can work it out.

Best

I'll even post a picture of one too.

A perfect size cage for a house pigeon is...30 inches long x 18 inches wide x 18 inches tall.
Pigeon prefer long rather than tall, such as parrot type birds.
The door should be big and close to the floor of the cage, which makes it easy to clean and easy for the pigeon to get in and out of.
I don't know if you have it there but a product that works well is 1/4 inch, heavy gage hard ware cloth.

Something like this would work and could be modified for her.

http://qualitycage.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=1266

I never use a wire bottom for birds as I think the wire is hard on their feet. I line the bottom with newspaper and maybe a small box with a towel in it to nest in. I also put a shelf across one end for the pigeon to roost on she he choose. Underneath, the water and food can be placed so it won't get soiled.
On the floor of the cage, I put a brick as a roost or perch. Pigeons do like flat surfaces to stand on rather that surfaces that are round.

Dear Mathilda,

Thank you very much for the information and for the picture. Let me talk to my husband and ask about whether he can do something like this.

Today, I told him about the idea of building a cage but he didn't seem enthusiastic about it. Apparently he believes that Kader is happy as she is now and a cage might make her unhappy. He says that even though the cage door will be open when she is inside, it will be closed when she is outside and she might feel trapped. I don't agree with him in this matter because I think she will be happier when she feels safe. I think he will eventually will be convinced, though.

Many thanks for your help.

It's good that your husband is kind hearted and cares about her but I do disagree with him about the cage. I'm sure you will convince him other wise in time.
At least you have some ideas now.

I'm glad to hear Kader is doing well.