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Thread: Help! Need Bird Advice

  1. #1
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    Default Help! Need Bird Advice

    OK, so I hate birds...they freak me out and I don't know why. But here's the problem.

    I live in an apt. building and I have a balcony that the roof hangs over. I have a wall unit air conditioner that sticks outside about 6 inches.

    A pigeon has made this ledge his home.

    He has a green band around his leg and he's not afraid of me at all. I put some water and some bread out there and I stood on a stool very close to him and talked to him. He just stares with his head cocked to the side and moves his beak like he's muttering.

    There's droppings on my balcony which suggests that he's been hanging for awhile but I haven't been out there to notice. It's freezing out so I put an old hand towel on the AC ledge next to him so he wouldn't have to stand on the cold metal.

    But he's been out there all day and I'm worried. What should I do? I can't bring him in the house and cage him, that would be cruel. Plus, the cats would go nuts.

    But I'm really worried about him. It's really cold at night now and he's all puffed up already trying to keep warm.

    Any suggestions for this poor birdie that we're now calling Pete?

  2. #2
    cameron_keys
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Call Animal Control. If he has a band..he belongs to someone and they should be able to get info off the band and return him.

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I just left a message for Animal Control because nobody answered the phone. Any suggestions for what to do in the meantime? It's so damned cold and I'm about to go out there in my coat just to talk to him and soothe him.


    Edited to Add: I just went out there with one of Brad's heavy coats on and the sleeves pulled over my hands and the bird let me pet him!

    I still hate birds but this poor baby is obviously used to human touch and I feel horrible.
    Last edited by DylanAngel; 11-17-2007 at 03:36 PM.

  4. #4
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Sounds like a homing Pigeon that may be sick or resting or lost.

    Yea they can be very tame if banded. A bird that is puffed up, at times means it is running a temperature. They fluff up to let cool air in the feathers to cool the body.

    Also remember one thing...if it's cold (which pigeons handle fine) he could be sick a bit. Might need warmth and water along with food! Just some TLC.


  5. #5
    cameron_keys
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    If he will let you pick him up, maybe you can keep him in a closed bathroom with some food and water so he wont freeze until they can come get him?

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    He'll be fine, Dylan. Unless he's sick or something, he should have no trouble surviving the cold, especially if you put out some food.

    Birds also fluff their feathers to keep warm. If they weren't built so sturdy, rock pigeons wouldn't be so common! It's sweet that you're worried about him even though you don't like birds.

    It's true he's probably somebody's homing pigeon, but I doubt that animal control will do anything about it. Are there any numbers on the band? Is it just the green band, or does he also have a metal band?
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


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    God/dess Lysondra's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Birds tend to puff up to keep warm or take a snooze more than just 'when they're cold' so it might not be a terrible worry. Usually they're fine to go on their own, but he might be a little lost pigeon. He should be fine outside on his own as long as you give him some meat bits, vegetables and bread. If he doesn't leave soon you'll need to make sure animal control or the RSPCA calls you back. Also, it's free to inform the newspaper of a found animal. It's also a good idea to look at his band, as it should signify where he's from and if properly searched, could locate his home.


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    Veteran Member hearts's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    OH! I love birds! Please let us know what happens.

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Thank you to everyone that responded. I still haven't heard from Animal Control....nice huh? I guess a poor lost homing pigeon isn't a priority for them. I might not like birds, but I can't stand to see any animal suffer.

    Last night, I made Brad (I'm too short to get good leverage) pick him up and Pete let him, but then he took off and he went off to the neighbors AC. We're thinking that he keeps warm from the heat that leaks through the cracks.

    I checked with them this morning and he's not there now. Must be out enjoying the snow. But, I took a good look around my balcony and there's a significant amount of droppings (yuk), which means he must be coming around more often than I realize. I have to hose off the balcony.

    I'll just keep leaving food and water out. From doing research they need a special food with a certain amount of protein and they need at least 1.5 inches of water in the bowl because they are one of the only birds that suck instead of scooping. Interesting. We have a great pet store down the street where I can get him the food he needs.

    The band on his leg is just green, no information. So, if he keeps coming around, I guess I have a pet pigeon named Pete. At least he'll help me conquer my fear of birds!

  10. #10
    cameron_keys
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    It is SO sweet of you to go through all this even though you SAY you dont like birds(I'm not believing you BTW!! Seems Pete is melting your cold bird heart!!)

    I dont know where in NJ you are...but you can call these people: and find out how to get him home. They may take you more seriusly then Animal Control.They even have a lost and found pigeon section

  11. #11
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Aww sweet. Sounds like he may get chilly at night, but he should be fine with a little more meet on his bones now. Then one day he may just take off

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I know, I know; I say I don't like birds and look at me. But I'm a sucker for any animal in need and this one is just so cute!

    Thanks for the website Cam! Seems old Pete does have some info on him. He perced on the railing and I got a better look since he was eye level with me and there is some writing.

    He seems to be more cuddly at night when he's tired. So we're going to hold him and take a look when he comes back (or if) later.

    I'll put some info on that site when I find out more.

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    Featured Member AznExtasy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I feel bad for the poor bird, you are a very awesome kind-hearted person to have taken care of him! Being that you don't even like birds!

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I guess I'm not really understanding whether it's a wild bird or a pet bird? If it's a wild bird species, call your local police station and/or state troopers to get the phone number for wildlife rehab in your area. Depending on how it's organised there someone will come get him or they'll need you to bring him to them, or they might tell you he's fine.



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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I'd like to point out that the number of droppings is not really a signifier: stressed and upset birds can poop a LOT, let alone how much they poop normally!


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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Quote Originally Posted by Lena View Post
    I guess I'm not really understanding whether it's a wild bird or a pet bird? If it's a wild bird species, call your local police station and/or state troopers to get the phone number for wildlife rehab in your area. Depending on how it's organised there someone will come get him or they'll need you to bring him to them, or they might tell you he's fine.
    It seems to be a lost homing pigeon. So...somewhere in between wild and pet. They usually live in outdoor coops on rooftops in cities (did anybody see the movie "Ghost Dog"?).

    It's a rock pigeon (Columba livia), which isn't native to the U.S., and so it doesn't come under the same regulations and protections as native wild birds. Most wildlife rehabilitators will take non-native species if they're injured or ill...But from what Dylan's saying, he sounds like a perfectly healthy pigeon to me. (I don't know much about keeping birds in captivity, but I've worked with wild birds a lot.)
    "Doc still loved true things, but he knew it was not a general love and it could be a very dangerous mistress." - John Steinbeck, Cannery Row


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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Aww, for Pete's sake, Dylan!

    BTW, Pete's lucky to have a nurturing adoptive family like yours...

    Happy Holidays!

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    So, Pete is still coming around. Let's me talk to him, but I can't grab him yet. And what I thought was some info on the band must have been a shadow. But he's happy and healthy, though a little cold.

    Here's a few pix of the newest addition to our family for all to enjoy:






    And here's a closeup of his generic looking legband:




    I'm still not a big fan of birds, but this guy is just too handsome, isn't he?

  19. #19
    cameron_keys
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Have you thought of placing a FOUND ad in your local paper/craigslist? They are usually free...

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I did think about that, but you have to come in my house to get to the balcony and he's not here all the time and I work wierd hours. So they'd have to be here waiting for him to come which could be weird.

    I just don't know how that would work. Ideas? Or maybe just place the ad and let them make some suggestions?

  21. #21
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Green...hmm we have had a few around, i think they are breeder bands and that is all. The owner would know by the colour. It's plain so that makes sense.
    If you ran an ad in the local paper as Cameron said the breeder/owner may be missing a bird.

    He looks good. And is hanging out. One day he will go perhaps, when another flys by.

  22. #22
    cameron_keys
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    I would say IN the found ad that a banded pigeon keeps showing up on your balcony and you assume he belongs to someone(let the person responding describe the band so you know if they are the real owner....sadly there are cruel people who respond to those ads at times)

    Then if you determine the owner...tell them that he wont let you pick him up, but you will try. And that you will call them the next time you see him so they can rush over with a net and get him.The bird may just come to them if he knows them...but a good bird net will get him quickly if he doesnt

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Thanks Cam, I'll do that.

    I'm getting really attached but not crazy that I'd want him to be without his true people and his feathered friends.

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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Nature is so cruel sometimes. I hate it that these wild animals have to suffer so much especially during the winter when food is sparse and it's cold It does feel good to save one animal though but it sucks we can't save them all.

  25. #25
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Help! Need Bird Advice

    Also a cast net for fishing will throw over him. But be careful.

    Right on..ask the people who reply to identify if/what the bird had around it's leg...

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