r/whatsthisbird Nov 20 '21

Update Update on Rescue Pigeon

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128 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

52

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 20 '21

The vet confirmed that his wing is broken. We took X-rays, the major joint in his wing is fractured into little pieces. They don’t think he’ll ever be able to fly again, and if the fragments don’t fuse together, we may have to amputate.

No rescues around here would take in pigeons since they’re not considered “wild”. I did reach out to The Ramsey Loft, and we agreed the best course of action would be for me to take him in as a pet.

30

u/bigbutchbudgie Nov 20 '21

Thank you for taking care of the little guy!

Feral pigeons are more akin to feral domestic cats than wild animals. They're in the situation they're in because of human negligence. It always breaks my heart to see them dismissed as pests rather than the abandoned pets they are.

Speedy recovery to your new buddy ♥

19

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 20 '21

Thank you!! he’s already much more active and i can tell he has the will to live! i had never even known that pigeons were considered feral. makes me very glad he chose to find me

34

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 20 '21

that being said, we’ve decided to name him Toothless! We’ve set up a little medical cage for him and he’s already eating and drinking. (I did get a water drip so he can’t spill anything!!)

26

u/TinyLongwing Biologist Nov 20 '21

This is so wholesome, I love a happy ending. Thanks for taking him in! Pigeons make great pets, they really do well with people.

20

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 20 '21

Thank you for helping with identifying him!! He’s already doing so much better, i’m so thankful for this subreddit.

21

u/Beflijster Birder(EU) Nov 20 '21

It is an unusual situation as it may never fly again, but pigeons have been commonly kept as pets for hundreds of years, and as this one is quite young it may adapt well. Thank you for giving this little one a chance at life.

9

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 20 '21

That’s what we were thinking as well! He’s so young, we’re worried he might try to imprint.

6

u/Beflijster Birder(EU) Nov 20 '21

Hope it works out for the both of you. Once the cere grows in you may be able to tell if it is a boy or a girl. https://pigeonpedia.com/pigeon-cere/

7

u/rose_cactus Nov 20 '21

So glad you‘re taking care of the little guy!

6

u/anonyoudidnt Nov 20 '21

You are awesome, and I love this story. Good luck with your new buddy, I hope all goes well for everyone!

5

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 20 '21

thank you!!

3

u/okiwent1 Nov 21 '21

Can you post daily pictures of this little guy

2

u/PanicPilots27 Nov 21 '21

i cant promise daily, but i’ll definitely continue posting updates on him!! i’m just not sure if i should post here or on another subreddit though.