What to Do If You Find an Injured Pigeon? Dos and Don’ts

If you ever find an injured pigeon, the first thing you should do is approach it carefully. Try to pick it up or move it around unless it is in immediate danger.

Instead, create a safe space around it by placing a cardboard box over it with air holes punched into the sides. Then, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control agency to report the injured bird and seek advice on how to proceed.

If you seek more guidance for this potential scenario or aim to prevent one from occurring, please continue reading this article. Here, you will learn all the aspects of handling this situation.  

How to Care for an Injured Pigeon at Home?

If you find an injured pigeon on the street, your kind heart may prompt you to take care of it. But how do you go about caring for an injured pigeon at home? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Create A Quiet and Warm Environment

Just like humans, Pigeons need a cozy and peaceful environment to heal. Set up a small box or crate with soft towels or blankets to create a comfortable spot for your feathered friend. Place the box in a warm, quiet, dark room to help the pigeon feel safe and relaxed.

Provide Food and Water

Injured pigeons may not have the strength to fly or forage for food, so it’s essential to provide them with proper nourishment. Offer them birdseed, water, or finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Ensure the food and water are easily accessible and clean to avoid infections.

Treat the Injury

If the pigeon has visible injuries, such as a broken wing or leg, it’s important to seek professional help from a wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian.

However, if the injury is minor, clean the wound with a saline solution and apply a topical antibiotic ointment. Be careful not to stress the bird too much during the process.

Give Them Space

As much as you want to help the pigeon, giving them space to rest and heal is essential. Avoid handling them too much or making loud noises around them. Check on them periodically to ensure they eat and drink, but don’t disturb their rest.

Release Them Back Into the Wild

Once the pigeon has recovered, it’s time to release them back into their natural habitat. But before you do that, make sure they are fully healed and able to fly. Take them outside and open the box or cage you have kept them in. Allow them to fly away on their own.

It may be a bittersweet moment, but knowing you played a part in nursing them back to health is a reward.

What Not to Do When Helping an Injured Pigeon?

While it is essential to help injured pigeons, there are some things you should avoid doing when trying to help them. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Don’t Handle the Pigeon Too Much

As much as you may want to help, it is essential not to handle the pigeon too much. Pigeons are delicate birds, and too much handling can cause them more stress, leading to further injury or death. If you must handle the pigeon, do so gently and with care.

Avoid Force Feeding

Sometimes, well-intentioned individuals may try to force-feed an injured pigeon, but this can do more harm than good. Pigeons have a unique digestive system; force-feeding can cause blockages or other health issues. Instead, offer water and food, but let the pigeon eat and drink independently.

Don’t Release the Pigeon Too Soon

While it may be tempting to release an injured pigeon back into the wild as soon as possible, ensuring it fully recovers is crucial. Releasing an injured pigeon too soon can lead to further injury or death, as the bird may not be strong or healthy enough to fend for itself.

Not To Keep It as a Pet

You are indeed helping an innocent creature. But don’t forget that pigeons are wild birds and are not meant to be kept as pets. Attempting to domesticate an injured pigeon can cause more harm than good to the bird and your local ecosystem.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While it is possible to care for an injured pigeon at home, there are instances where seeking professional help is necessary. Here are some situations where you should seek professional help:

• Severe injuries: Get expert care if the pigeon has severe injuries such as deep wounds, fractured bones, or a brain injury.
• Unable to eat or drink: If the pigeon cannot eat or drink on its own, it may require assistance from a professional.

• Abnormal behavior: You should seek quick expert assistance if the pigeon behaves abnormally, including when it has trouble breathing, has convulsions, or is paralyzed.
• Legal restrictions: In some areas, keeping pigeons as pets or caring for wild animals without a permit is illegal. Check local laws before attempting to care for an injured pigeon.
• Lack of resources: If you do not have the necessary resources or expertise to care for the injured pigeon, seek professional help.

Professional help can be obtained from a wildlife rehabilitation center, a veterinarian, or a bird rescue organization. These professionals have the resources, expertise, and equipment to provide the best care for the injured pigeon.

What Are The Signs of An Injured Pigeon?

If you encounter a pigeon that appears to be in distress, it is important to identify the signs of an injured bird. Here are some of the common signs that may indicate an injured pigeon:

Limping or Difficulty Walking

If you see a pigeon struggling to walk or limping, it could be a sign of an injury to its legs or feet. The bird may also favor one leg or hold it up, indicating a broken bone or a sprain.

Unusual Behavior

An injured pigeon may exhibit unusual behavior, such as not flying away when approached, being unable to take off, or not eating or drinking. If the bird appears disoriented, confused, or lethargic, it could be a sign of a head injury or concussion.

Visible Injuries

In some cases, you may see visible injuries on a pigeon, such as cuts, bruises, or bleeding. If you notice any wounds, handling the bird carefully and seeking professional help immediately is essential.

Feathers Out of Place

If you notice that a pigeon’s feathers are out of place or appear ruffled, it could be due to an injury or illness. Birds often preen themselves to keep their feathers in good condition, so it may be a sign of an underlying issue if they cannot.

Strange Noises

Pigeons typically coo and make soft, gentle sounds. If you hear a pigeon making unusual noises, such as wheezing, coughing, or gasping, it could be a sign of respiratory issues or infection.

What are the Common Injuries that Pigeons Sustain?

Pigeons can sustain injuries due to accidents, predator attacks, or other reasons. Here are some of the most common injuries that pigeons sustain:

Broken Wings

One of the most common injuries that pigeons sustain is a broken wing. This can happen for various reasons, such as flying into a window or being attacked by a predator. When a pigeon’s wing is broken, it can no longer fly properly, making it vulnerable to further harm.

Leg Injuries

The agile nature of the pigeons often requires them to move about frequently, leading to a higher likelihood of leg injuries. These injuries can range from minor abrasions to severe fractures, impeding the bird’s ability to walk or perch and hindering its search for sustenance.

Fortunately, these avian creatures possess an innate resilience and, with appropriate attention, can often recuperate from such injuries.

Feather Damage

Pigeons possess delicate feathers that are susceptible to damage or tearing. Various factors, including rough handling, predator attacks, and strong winds, can damage feathers. It should be noted that damage to wings or tail feathers can harm pigeons’ ability to fly and maintain balance.

How Can I Prevent Pigeons from Getting Injured on My Property?

If you’re concerned about preventing pigeon invasion in your neighborhood, there are a few steps you can take to protect these birds from getting injured on your property. Secure possible entry points, such as vents or openings, to prevent pigeons from accessing dangerous areas. Install pigeon netting or spikes near ledges or roosting spots to deter them from perching. Ensure there is no accessible food that may attract them, and keep your property clean to avoid potential hazards.

Helping an Injured Pigeon

Conclusion

Discovering an injured pigeon can be upsetting, but with the correct information and care, you can assist the pigeon in getting better and returning to its natural environment. Do not forget to handle the pigeon carefully, keep it warm, and watch for any harmful symptoms.

Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand when to seek expert assistance and what not to do while assisting a hurt pigeon. According to these instructions, You may do everything you can to assist the pigeon in its time of need.