6 Week Old Pigeon (sad update #11)

[TikkiTembo]

A six week old domestic pigeon named Hardee was surrendered to us this evening. Her owner raises pigeons to train his bird dogs, and this is his first year with them. Some have bred and had babies, and when he saw that Hardee wasn't keeping up with her nest mate, he pulled her out to hand feed her. She was over a week old. He started by feeding her whole, dried peas and some Kaytee Exact formula. Then, he noticed that her vent was covered with poop, and it was hard like a scab. He soaked her in warm water and peeled the poop scab off. He said her vent was open looking, and many large peas came out. He said they were larger than they were when he fed them to her. So he decided to feed her some grains from the adult pigeon food, and then she developed this large lump in her throat area. He would try to feed her grains or formula, and it would all come back out of her mouth, similar to trying to pour water into a drain that is mostly clogged. He tried massaging it down, but it never resolved. At this point, he realized he was in over his head and contacted a local nature center that then referred him to us.

Hardee has a vet appointment tomorrow at 2:50. Her keel bone is extremely prominent, indicating that she's pretty much starved, if I'm not mistaken. She cries and cries and cries for food. I've given her small amounts of formula, but am concerned about feeding any substantial amount with that lump there. Any help you guys can give until she sees the vet tomorrow is greatly appreciated!

 

[Mizzely]

Awww poor sweet baby!

 

[Shezbug]

@Birdbabe might be able to suggest something....... I hope. Poor baby.

 

[TikkiTembo]

I've been reading and am guessing crop stasis or partial impaction. I'm hoping it can be resolved with a flush and antibiotics. Fingers crossed!

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I hope she’ll be okay!!

 

[Birdbabe]

Sounds like impaction or bacterial infection to me, dried peas! Not good! Of course dried peas would be larger coming out sinse they absorbed liquid in the body and expanded,, and,,,not easily digested,,its like feeding a bird uncooked rice...frozen warmed peas, good! Baby formula, best! Grains,, yes, but only when Momma pidge digested and then regurgitated to baby.. this baby isnt weaned yet, needs formula for the next few weeks, that lump may be food stuck in there,,hope the vet can help, keep baby warm and hydrated till you see the vet, I adore baby pidgeons, keep us updated,,thank you for stepping in to help her. Oh ...and he raises pigeons to train his bird dogs? WTH??

 

[TikkiTembo]

She is so cute, I am hoping so badly that tomorrow goes well. She must be so uncomfortable and is so very hungry! He releases the homing pigeons, and they land in tall grass. Then, his setters flush them out into the air. The birds aren't supposed to get hurt in the process, but it's not kind to them either. Fingers crossed her treatment isn't too extensive. She is full of life and deserves a chance!

 

[TikkiTembo]

She is still alive and alert, but is less interested in eating. She did poop quite a bit overnight. The day is going so slowly waiting for her appointment..

 

[sunnysmom]

I'm hoping the vet visit goes well. Sending good thoughts. (That baby is so uncute that she's super cute. Does that make sense?)

 

[Zara]

Hopefully she hangs on in there and the vet can treat her.

As for costs, I was lucky the vet (who was the only one to touch us with a barge pole) charged me a little less than the normal rates for a doves crop surgery and anaesthetic. It was still a wedge of cash, but it certainly took the edge off. I even went back for an xray for a wild parrot and he charged me half the usual cost. Hopefully your vet will give you a similar courtesy as this is not your pet.

I´m wishing for the best!

 

[TikkiTembo]

Hardee declined and was humanely euthanized today.

 

[expressmailtome]

I am sorry.

 

[sunnysmom]

Oh no. i'm so sorry.

 

[Zara]

I'm very sorry. You tried, and she was at least given a chance.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Oh how sad, I’m so very sorry. Thank you for trying to help her.

 

[iamwhoiam]

So sorry that she didn't make it.

 

[Dartman]

You did the best you could We rescued a young crow in the street last summer and he turned out to have a broken back and the rehab place put him down

 

[Mockinbirdiva]

Thank you for being there for him.

 

[rockoko]

 

[Cynthia & Percy]

I am so very sorry fly free little one