Kind rescue saves pigeon

This young pigeon was found with injuries to her leg which meant she couldn’t walk or fly.   Her rescuers brought her in to us (thanks folks) and it did look bad at first.   Her leg wasn’t broken but she could barely stand.   She had been put in a cat basket which is ideal for an injured bird, it’s a small space so she couldn’t move around much and injure herself further.  Also it’s a low light level in there which is soothing for a bird in shock.

It’s a real ordeal for a wild bird to be handled especially when hurt.   The pigeon wasn’t much better the second day but she did eat which is a good sign.  We offered split maize, peas, bread and goats milk, also chick crumbs which contain grit.   This is essential for birds, they can’t digest food without it.  You can buy p0ultry grit or make your own by smashing up old pots, but put them in a strong bag first so that the splinters don’t fly up and hit you in the face.

By day three she was a little better and we transferred her to an indoor aviary with a perch.   She stayed in her cat basket for another day and then came out and started walking round.  Within a few hours she could fly again and was feeling much better and made it to the perch.

She looks like a youngster and is still a bit thin so we’ll keep her in and fatten her up before releasing her.  A little life saved because people cared enough to bring her to safety.   It doesn’t always work out this well – sometimes the injuries are just too bad – we do love the happy endings.