Injured Wood Pigeon

mosi

A couple of hours ago, the OH went to light a fire in a room that we haven't really been using. A wood pigeon then landed in the fireplace, receiving burns to its tail feathers in the process.
We have put it in a dark room with a lined dog crate and some water, and will pick up some wild bird seed when we go to the shops shortly.
I have left messages with a wildlife rescue group, but have yet to hear back...which I totally understand as they are volunteers. I understand that it may be tomorrow before anyone gets back to me, or before I can get to a vet.
The bird seems perky enough and it seems to be just the tail feathers affected. I'm just wondering if there is anything else I should be doing at this point? A friend suggested just letting the bird go as being held here overnight may do more harm than good. That doesn't seem right to me, especially as I can't tell if the injuries go beyond what I can see. Any advice much appreciated.

Knine

If it is just tail feathers then feed him & let him go. Birds need to eat a lot every day to survive cold nights. If he was trapped for a while he might be very hungry.

Dried peas, soup mix or popcorn kernals will do the trick & most shops sell them. Offer water too.

mosi

Knine wrote: »

If it is just tail feathers then feed him & let him go. Birds need to eat a lot every day to survive cold nights. If he was trapped for a while he might be very hungry.

Dried peas, soup mix or popcorn kernals will do the trick & most shops sell them. Offer water too.

As far as I can see, it's just the tail feathers. They are more or less burnt off. I haven't been able to establish yet if there are any actual burns. I've been kind of wanting to leave him alone as much as possible. When we went to catch him he seemed able to fly a bit still so maybe he's ok.
I picked up some wild bird seed and have left it in with him in the crate. I've no idea how long he was trapped, but we regularly have pairs of wood pigeons show up in the garden.
Should I wait to see if he eats before letting him go? I'd be worried that, if I let him out, and then hear back from the wildlife group that I should have waited for them. Also, would it be wise to let him go at this point, seeing as it's now dark or would that make a difference? On the other hand, if he's essentially ok, I'd rather save him the stress of being cooped up inside here.

zoe 3619

Don't put him out in the dark.wait until it's light tomorrow . If he can fly and he looks perky enough,he's good to go.

Knine

Definitely don't let him go in the dark. Leave him be now & hopefully when it is bright he will eat some of the food. If he can't fly properly he would need to go to the rescue centre or else he would not last long when you release him

mosi

Cheers for the advice, I'll see how he's doing in the morning and take things from there.

mosi

Well, my feathered friend has just been taken away by the wildlife rescue volunteer! I got through to them this morning and they arranged for him to be picked up. She said that he could well have problems flying until his feathers grow back, and that they'll have a vet check him over for bruising and any other injuries. If he recovers well enough to be released, he'll be let go back in the neighbourhood.

Knine

That is great news & well done to you for rescuing him

mosi

Just received a call with a quick update. He is in foster with an experienced pigeon carer, and has been given antibiotics and pain relief. He has some burns which aren't too serious. The fosterer said that it was good that we put the fire out as quickly as we did. The big concern is that he may have suffered some smoke inhalation, so he's not out of the woods yet. He is alert though, so fingers crossed for him. Whatever the outcome, at least he's getting the best possible care and everything is being done for him. While it's never happened to us before, I think it's definitely time to get a cowl for the chimney.