I found a baby pigeon?

Question

Walking the dog about an hour ago I found a little baby pigeon. It is old enough to have all its feathers (still has some little yellow growth husks though) but it is too young to fly. I left it where it is for now but the chances of survival look pretty bleak. I put some chewed up bread near it and left it alone.

I'm going back in a couple of hours. If it is still there should I take it home, and if I do, what should I feed it?

Answer 1

Leave it alone!
When baby birds leave the nest they have no ability to fly, this is a natural progression that they need to go through. They can spend up to 2 weeks on the ground while they are learning to fly (they need to build up their wing and breast muscles to get loft). Their parents care for them on the ground until they are able to fly.
What you can do:
Put the baby in to some bushes or low lying ground cover NEAR where the baby is now. This will give the baby a place to hide until it is able to fly. Pigeons are large bodied birds so it takes a lot of muscle to get them into the air. This time on the ground will give him the space to build up that muscle by flapping its wings and practicing.

Answer 2

If the bird is similar in age to the one in your pic, then it can feed itself - it's not fully fledged, but it WILL peck at grain and drink if it's available to it. It looks to be about 25 days old and should be airworthy in about another ten days. Feed it either pigeon feed, or some wild dove food mix supplemented with some peas or beans (uncooked). Also make sure it has water in a container that is at least an inch (2.54 cm) deep I've raised hundreds of pigeons and one from this age is no problem. If it's parents are still around, then put the bird up high, not on the ground, somewhere were it can get out of the weather and rain and be secure.

Answer 3

The little guy probably can fly, but he has just fledged so he's not very good at it (he will learn quickly though with practice).

Its parents are probably nearby and looking after him. He will most likely find his own way back to his nest too. Also note that because he is a fledgling, he is not weaned yet so he probably won't know how to eat any food you give him.

If you are really worried about cats, etc, look around for his nest and place him back in. Or put him in a nearby tree.

Answer 4

Never pick up a wild baby bird. Its nest will be nearby.The chances are its mother is waiting. If you touch it then the mother will reject it.
I was with a friend who did this once, just trying to help, and the chick ended up dying. The advice from the vet was that it should have been left alone.

Answer 5

I think all the experts say that the best chance of survival is to leave the bird where you found it. However if cats are a threat you could take him home and care for him. Look for advice on Google about food and feeding. Good luck.

Answer 6

You should call the SPCA and then wait near the bird. If any cats come near chase them away. My and my brother once found two burned pigeons and thats what we did. They turned out fine.

Answer 7

Some towns have a preserve with workers in it to help and know what to do. I had one when I was a child and a cat found it and broke it's neck. Call a vet's office and they will tell you where to take it or who to contact. Good Luck.

Answer 8

you should go back with a lined cardboard box (put a small towel at the bottom) and take to your nearest rspca centre, if the bird was on the floor it is unlikely its parents shall return to it and it sounds like it is not in a very safe place at the moment. take gloves with you and gently pick it up and place in the box. good luck!

Answer 9

Pigeons do not carry diseases. Call the RSPCA and find the nearerest wildlife rehabilitation center for more information before you handle it though.

Answer 10

i would leave it...chances are - the parents are keeping an eye on it & will still feed it if it isnt able to fend for itself. it will fly when its ready...its just finding its way round at the moment.