Injured Pigeon in Tucson, Arizona

Hi,

I saw a pigeon get run over by a car, and stopped to get it. Once home, after calming down in a dark box, it was walking around, eating, and drinking - but unable to fly. It appeared that one of it's wings was injured. I attempted to tape the wing with special tape, but he kept loosening the tape. I was afraid his wing would not heal and he would not be able to survive unable to fly.

I was keeping him in a side yard during the day (completely fenced, with trees), and in a box indoors at night (so that neighborhood cats don't get him). I have a dog who wants to eat the poor bird.

I took him to a vet today, and he will go to wildlife rehab tomorrow - but they did say they euthanize pigeons who can't be rehabilitated. I asked if they would return him to me if that were the case.

What would be the best way to care for him/keep him if they cannot fix his wing?

Hi Lorimansell, welcome to Pigeon Angels!

Thank you so much for helping the injured pigeon!

Wing injuries can be tricky, even if the wing isn't broken. I've got one in the house who was hit by a car and had a badly dislocated bone in her wing: http://www.pigeonangels.com/t2043-head-and-wing-injuries-beware-graphic
She has been recovering her ability to fly very slowly, and after several months she still is no way near ready to be released. She's very special to me, and I'm just very fortunate in having a vet who will not euthanize any animal that is not dying.
Please don't let the vet hand him over to the wildlife rehab without a guarantee that they will not euthanize him, especially as you sound willing to care for him and we have members in Arizona who can help, guide and support you in that. You can tell them that if the pigeon can't be released then you want to keep him as a pet.

Did the vet X-ray the wing? The first thing you need to know is whether the wing is broken. If it is, it will most likely need to be bandaged. For very minor fractures, dislocations and neurological damage, taping is not necessary, but he will need cage rest, which means keeping him in a cosy nest in a small cage or carrier so that he won't try to overwork that wing until it is much better.

Someone nearer to you will be along soon.

Very best wishes,

Teresa

Hi Lorimansell! I received your PM (private message) I will post my reply here, just incase you might have missed it!
Message is below!



First THANK YOU for saving the little one. Most would pass right by and so I sincerely thank you for stopping!

In Tucson I've found no one who will rehab pigeons. I'd imagine that you will be taking it to ((Janet Miller)) IF this is the PLACE... they will euthanize as they will not treat pigeons and doves... unless something has changed!

First, please keep him inside at all times. In a side yard where he can flail about would give predators one EASY meal. Hawks have a keen eye and can see movement miles away. Please keep him inside in a bathroom... or in a bathtub with a soft towel.
Please contact Pat Latas
http://www.azbirdclinic.com/Az_Bird_Clinic/arizona_bird_clinic.html
Ask Virginia, who is her assistant if they could set the wing for you ....and exam it, Tell them he is a feral.. and that you are willing to care for him... until he can be released. And if unreleasable you'd be willing to find him a home. I would be happy to help you with learning how to care for him.. Pigeons make AMAZING pets... and who knows.. if his wing is set soon...(if it is indeed broken) it may heal very nicely and he can be released. Is he with you now.... or at the vets????

Teresa is right when she posted this: Please don't let the vet hand him over to the wildlife rehab without a guarantee that they will not euthanize him, especially as you sound willing to care for him and we have members in Arizona who can help, guide and support you in that. You can tell them that if the pigeon can't be released then you want to keep him as a pet.

Anyways, THANK you so much again!
~Jenn~

Thank you, Jenn!

Please keep us posted, Lorimansell! All the best!

Hi Lori,
Welcome to Pigeon Angels.

Many thanks for rescuing this little guy.
Thanks, Teresa and Jenn for helping out.

I will be thinking positive thoughts that the bird is returned to you for recovery care.
Please keep us posted on how things go.

Did anyone hear anything yet????? I'm WORRIED sick about this poor bird!!!

I am waiting for a return call from the wildlife rehabilitation. They promised me that if they could not help him medically or re-release him they would return him to me. I assume that the vet was able to set his wing and that they are waiting to see if it works. I will call to get an update and post it here. Had I known that wildlife rehabs euthanize pigeons I would have never agreed for them to take him - which is why I spoke with them and told them that if they want to euthanize him, I'd rather he be returned to me and live out the rest of his life at our house. I will keep you updated. I am worried about him too. I couldn't sleep last night, wondering if he was being well cared for.

Oh thank goodness, Lori, you just made my day!!!

Thank you so much for this update, I was really worried that somehting horrible had happened before you could stop it!
God bless you for insisting that they should hand him over to you if they can't help him!

lorimansell wrote:

I am waiting for a return call from the wildlife rehabilitation. They promised me that if they could not help him medically or re-release him they would return him to me. I assume that the vet was able to set his wing and that they are waiting to see if it works. I will call to get an update and post it here. Had I known that wildlife rehabs euthanize pigeons I would have never agreed for them to take him - which is why I spoke with them and told them that if they want to euthanize him, I'd rather he be returned to me and live out the rest of his life at our house. I will keep you updated. I am worried about him too. I couldn't sleep last night, wondering if he was being well cared for.

Im crossing my fingers for us all! Lori you did more than more than most would and for that I commend you! and the part I highlighted above... makes me ADORE you!!!! I really wish there were more people who saw pigeons like we do... it would make getting them care much easier in this city!

Please do post as soon as you have word of his where abouts... do you know what rehabber they were going to take him to??

Any news about your rescue, Lori?

I hope all is OK.

So do I, but the lack of news is very worrying...

Teresa wrote:

So do I, but the lack of news is very worrying...