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Fledgling wood pigeon or collar dove. - HELP

Lee220289
14/10/2019 17:56

Hi all, 

Found a fledgling next to a busy dual-carriageway. No trees, undergrowth or bushes in sight. Pouring with rain and freezing cold so rescued it (only kind thing to do in the circumstance). It was not difficult to pick up although it hopped around a little bit. 

Due to being found on Saturday morning, we've been unable to reach any rescue centers and the ones we've managed to get in touch with today, either aren't too interested or are too far away to collect. (Sadly we have no means to travel to one as no car). 

We've followed general advice read online and in this forum, we got it back, warmed it up and it perked up - a lot. It;s been a happy little chappy, drinking and eating (pecking up food for itself) but this afternoon has become very lethargic and tends to just sleep/sit. We've been keeping it warm without trying to cook it but it's not really doing much now. We really don't want it to die, it's a lovely friendly little thing and deserves a chance. It doesn't do much chirping atall either.

Initially it tried to do some flying but wobbles over when it does. It now seems to have given up on that idea and prefers to trot around the house or sit. It doesn't wobble around when walking, only when it tried to fly, it doesn't seem to either have the hang of it yet or we're worried there is something wrong with it. It does not appear to have any injuries. We've bought it some bird feed which has seeds etc, we've tried it on some small bread lumps. 

We live in a mostly built-up area with barely any outside space and lots of neighbouring cats. We don't want to leave it outside as the neighbour cat has been seen several times savaging birds. 

We would really appreciate some help, ie - How long until it can fly, and therefore be released. How much it should eat/drink. Should we be thinking about force-feeding it/forcing fluids into it.

We've read somewhere that some green-looking droppings means it's starving, however they seem to come and go. Please see the pics and any advice would be amazing!

  • 14/10/2019 22:46
    No worries Lee, you've done a wonderful job looking after this bird and the peas sound to be going down well ! It does look young and still dependent on being fed so must have been very hungry when you found it. Have a good nights sleep and I'll wait to hear from you tomorrow with the details.
  • 15/10/2019 08:54
    Morning Lee, hoping the young pigeon got through the night ok and you've not lost too much sleep worrying about it ! First of all this morning I am going to pop over to the wildlife hospital in about an hour (when they open to the public) to ensure they have the capacity to take on the care for your bird and then I will get back in touch to take down your address details/phone number and suitable time for collection. If you still have my friendship invite via this website can you press the accept so we can then liaise via the private messaging system. If you can't find the link then let me know and I will send another invite to connect again.
  • 15/10/2019 09:31
    Morning. The birdie made it through the night ok and is looking a bit perkier which is great. Hazel I will message you shortly with address and time details etc. Once again, thank you so much for your help everyone, we may all have just saved it’s little life Thumbsup
  • 15/10/2019 09:35
    Hazel it won’t let me message you. Do you need to send me another invite?
  • 15/10/2019 09:39

    Such good news to log on to Lee after just rescuing a young Hedgehog with an injured leg ... hope Hazy can get little Woodie into the rescue centre!
    Lucky to have a wildlife nurse at local vets who will assess it!

  • 15/10/2019 09:41
    It is Wendy we were delighted with its resolve! It’s not giving up so neither will we! I’ve managed to figure out how to message hazel so hopefully they can get it to some professionals who know what to do from here!! Hope the hedgehog makes it!
  • 15/10/2019 09:49
    Well done Lee, won't be for the lack of trying!
    Can speak to nurse around 11 o'clock about hoggie!
  • 15/10/2019 10:50
    Update; just been to the local wildlife hospital who are happy to take in the young woodpigeon and loan me a small pet carrier so all systems go ! I asked about the feed for a young pidge that may still need crop milk and they make a special mix paste which they will syringe in to the bird so at least they are now ready for the bird's arrival. See you at the agreed time Lee, already have you set in my sat-nav !
  • 15/10/2019 11:21
    Wonder Woman Hazel to the rescue, how wonderful and kind. Well done Lee for your care and consideration to looking after little Woodie. Very soon it will be away to the hospital for the extra care that is needed and fingers crossed will make a good recovery.

    Hope Hoggie will also be okay Wendy.
  • 15/10/2019 11:48
    Outstanding team work!
    Good luck little Pidge (and hoglet).