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  • Little pigeon

    Walking the dogs in the rain just now, their attention was caught by something behind a garden wall.
    We tried to continue on our way but when a six stone Rhodesian ridgeback sets her mind to stopping...well, we were going nowhere!

    In desperation I opened the gate and peered inside...my dogs were making no sound...just stood rigid.
    Inside, a cat was torturing a young pigeon. There were feathers everywhere and the poor bird was feebly flapping as the cat batted with its paw.

    The ridgeback barked once (which made us all jump....her bark is SO loud) the cat shot off and without thinking I snatched up the bird and stuffed it in my jacket.

    So now here I am with a bleeding (literally)pigeon in a cardboard box on the dining table and no idea what to do with it.

    I phoned the local wildlife rescue chap....a sweet elderly gentleman who has helped us before. We found an injured fox cub and called him...he arrived in his self bought wildlife ambulance complete with flashing lights (bless) but wouldn't you know it? a message on his phone tells me he 'has been injured in the line of duty.'

    The Pigeon Rescue and Rehabilitation Squad (I kid you not) that I found on tintanet want me to drive a three hour round trip to get it checked over by their 'specialist volunteer'.....erm, No.
    They tell me the RSPCA will put it down immediately.
    RSPB say they are for conservation, not rescue.

    SO.
    What to do?
    http://goneplotterin.blogspot.co.uk/

  • #2
    Oh dear, how awful for you. I think (not by any means certain) that a vet usually treats wildlife for free but, being a Sunday, it might be difficult. Sorry not to be able to offer any more help, good luck.
    A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot! (Thomas Edward Brown)

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    • #3
      I'd keep it in a dark box until tomorrow.
      See if you can get it to drink a bit by dipping it's beak into a shallow dish of water ( like a ramekin dish)

      As for the blood- either leave it as it is so as not to stress the bird any more or if it's really bad gently swab it with a clean cloth dipped in warm salty water ( 1 teaspoon to a pint).


      I may die of shock but if it's alive in the morning then maybe take it to the vet?
      ..or start feeding it yourself.

      I'm a great believer in trying to return it to it's parents asap so they can carry on educating and feeding it, but that depends on how badly injured it is....and of course making sure it could fly away if the cat returned!

      Good luck- let us know how you get on


      Well- that's what I'd do
      Last edited by Nicos; 26-07-2015, 02:29 PM.
      "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

      Location....Normandy France

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      • #4
        Apparently it needs antibiotics within four hours to stave off sepsis from the cats teeth bacteria....but no-where round here to get them on a Sunday (well, without a three figure emergency vet appointment)
        http://goneplotterin.blogspot.co.uk/

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        • #5
          Ah- hadn't thought about that.
          your only bet is to use the saline and cross your fingers????
          "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

          Location....Normandy France

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          • #6
            If you have any iodine or better still an iodine spray give the wounds a swab/spray with it. Then leave it in peace in the box, but make sure it has plenty of air and no draughts.

            It will live or not, as the case may be.

            I've occasionally had hens that have been attacked by a fox or cat (?) with all the skin ripped off their back or breast, and found they are remarkably resilient and after a day or two seeming really sick, perk right up and heal over, regrowing feathers and all, so fingers crossed your pigeon will survive.
            Location - Leicestershire - Chisit-land
            Endless wonder.

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            • #7
              I'd clean the wounds with something that you have. Any chicken spray as Mothhawk has suggested or antiseptic wipes, from your medicine cupboard? Or even salt water. Do it quick to minimise shock and box him up some warm dark and warm.

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              • #8
                Okay, so having e-mailed and phoned everyone we could think of we still have a rather fiesty little pigeon.

                I have bathed his wounds with salt water as you said and in the absence of anything more appropriate, the worst ones have a bit of savlon on.
                He/she is a very pretty little thing...I think perhaps its a collared dove...anyway that's what I'm telling the rescues as pigeons round here are considered vermin.

                And I found the perfect 'box'. No draughts, air vents in the top and if it gets really chilly tonight, some gentle bottom heat!

                Here he is, snuggled up in his heated prop

                Attached Files
                http://goneplotterin.blogspot.co.uk/

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                • #9
                  Aww, he looks bright and perky! Good luck, I think this is just after you encouraged me with the hedgehog! Enjoy !!

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                  • #10
                    Aww...he looks in a better state than I expected!

                    Well done on your care...lets hope that he (?) will pull through ( and nope- I've no idea how to sex a dove!!! )
                    "Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple

                    Location....Normandy France

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                    • #11
                      He looks lovely. The lady who runs our local animal rescue center uses Bach's Rescue Remedy which she says gives them a boost.

                      I hope he'll be ok.
                      The best things in life are not things.

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                      • #12
                        Poor thing. It's a collared dove. Doesn't look too bad. Unless there are any undisclosed wounds, it should be okay.
                        Rescue Remedy is worth a try certainly. Other than that, keep it warm and dry.
                        If it lost a lot of feathers, it will need to lodge till new ones grow back. When its ready to go, it'll let you know!
                        I had one once, same thing - cat ... I fed it wild bird mix (corn, wheat, sunflower seeds, etc.) It was always looking for something else ... When the day came for it to go free, he went out of the door and went straight to the hedge and started chowing down on ivy berries! Was desperate for them.
                        It'll also need a tray of water, for drinking and bathing.
                        Good luck and God bless you for your kindness.

                        PS: And hurrah! for the Ridgeback!
                        Pain is still pain, suffering is still suffering, regardless of whoever, or whatever, is the victim.
                        Everything is worthy of kindness.

                        http://thegentlebrethren.wordpress.com

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                        • #13
                          He looks lovely. Well done you for all your care. Keeping fingers crossed he makes it.
                          Dogs have masters, cats have slaves, and horses are just wonderful

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                          • #14
                            Likewise hurrah for your ridgeback! Lovely dogs. Well done you for the swift rescue.

                            I hope the dove's made it through the night and the cat didn't inflict internal damage. How will the dogs/kids view a fluffy lodger?
                            http://mudandgluts.com - growing fruit and veg in suburbia

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                            • #15
                              Good morning!

                              I'm very happy to report that little Pidge has made it through the night!
                              This morning he is toddling around in his heated plant prop, examining his wounds and having a little preen.

                              He's a brave little thing. I have a cover over half the prop lid so he has a choice of light or dark and when I go in the back room he toddles out of the dark bit to stare at me. The prop is an old old one and the heat is not even, Pidge has discovered the warmest bit and snuggles there.

                              His poops look normal and he's not bleeding now but he does have quite alot of large raw areas and at least three puncture wounds. He has a dish of mixed corn and grit (I have chickens) and some chopped grapes...a dish of water with a tiny bit of sugar added, but I don't know if he's touched it yet....he had wild bird suet block over night but didn't eat any.

                              So,
                              I'm off now to have a drive round to some vets and see if I can persuade one to give him some pain relief and antibiotics.
                              http://goneplotterin.blogspot.co.uk/

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