Pigeon Help?

[Klomonx]

A friend of mine works for a Bird Rehab Center has a Pigeon who cannot be released into the wild. I don't know the full details, but she told me he might be a partial wing amputee (confirmed: he will not be able to fly), and his feet might have some issues (she described them as looking burned). If all the stars align I'll be taking him in as a pet - I just need some help regarding the cage. What should I look into? What will he need, as he's not a parrot?

 

[SandraK]

@Birdbabe Might be able to help give you some ideas.

 

[Birdbabe]

@Klomonx
Ah, a cuddly pidge in your future? Will he be caged? Then a long cage, like a rabbit or ferret set up will do. As long as he cant stick his head through the wire. He will need soft padding on the bottom due to his feet, which I would like to see. A regular red brick or flat perch to rest on should be fine.They also like towel nests, just roll a kitchen towel up and make it into a circle,with a washcloth inserted. Mine eats tiel mix, broccoli florets. And small ZuPreem fruitie pellets. Occasional scrambled eggs. Chopped up cuttlebone. A small deep water bowl, maybe a cuddle buddy, like a little stuffed animal. Be prepared for lots of cooing, snuggles and most of poop! They poop alot! Heehee. That's all I can think of right now, but don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Klomonx]

@Klomonx
Ah, a cuddly pidge in your future? Will he be caged? Then a long cage, like a rabbit or ferret set up will do. As long as he cant stick his head through the wire. He will need soft padding on the bottom due to his feet, which I would like to see. A regular red brick or flat perch to rest on should be fine.They also like towel nests, just roll a kitchen towel up and make it into a circle,with a washcloth inserted. Mine eats tiel mix, broccoli florets. And small ZuPreem fruitie pellets. Occasional scrambled eggs. Chopped up cuttlebone. A small deep water bowl, maybe a cuddle buddy, like a little stuffed animal. Be prepared for lots of cooing, snuggles and most of poop! They poop alot! Heehee. That's all I can think of right now, but don't hesitate to ask.

What size cage? He wont be able to fly but I assume he'll still need room to walk. I don't have any pics yet, but when I do I'll share!
I'm hearing a lot of difference on diet; currently he's being fed seed and most sites recommend seed (of certain types), but can they live on pellets+fresh food?

 

[Birdbabe]

I don't cage mine, the biggest you can afford, at least a 2 by 4 or so....could be smaller if you'll be letting him out to walk around the house. They do need seed, but the pellets and fresh foods are fine too....have you seen my fat marshmallow girl??

 

[Klomonx]

Update:
At this time I'm no longer getting the Pigeon. Although we have everything to take care of him, we've decided it's for his best that he go to a woman who rescues pigeons, because he will be surrounded with others of his type, which he'll be used to.
; _ ; Makes me sad, because I was very excited, but it's for his best.

 

[Klomonx]

@Birdbabe @SandraK
sad update, my friend just told me he (who was named ryouta) was put down. his foot infection was necrotic, so it was decided it was for the best. I never even got a pic of the little guy, but im still sad.

 

[Birdbabe]

Awwwww, I'm sorry sweetie.

 

[SandraK]

@Birdbabe @SandraK
sad update, my friend just told me he (who was named ryouta) was put down. his foot infection was necrotic, so it was decided it was for the best. I never even got a pic of the little guy, but im still sad.

I'm sorry hon, sometimes whatever we do to save someone doesn't turn out well.

 

[SueA555]

So sorry. You did your best.