Pigeon Loft Design

Posts Tagged ‘pigeon care’

If your pigeon isn’t swallowing than you must give he or she fluids under the skin.  Be sure to check if your pigeon is fully alert or able to function on his own before attempting any fluid methods. on his own or fully alert.
As a word of caution the procedure should be only performed by an experienced rehabber or vet.

Here is a few things to remember yet are basic and important.  The cells of your pigeons body does not work properly when dehydrated.  There is absoluteley nothing that can go on in the digestive process in the gut.  Absortion will not take place and food sits in your pigeons stomach and will eventually kill your pigeon.  So its imperative to get fluids to your pigeon if you are not a rehabber bring your pigeon to a vet pronto.

In the case of your pigeon by moderately dehydrated he or she  will be less than fully alert.

In addition your pigeon will have dry flaky skin and dull eyes.

Your pigeons droppings will be non formed and your pigeon will have a sticky membrane in their mouth.

In the case of your pigeon being severely dehydrated they will be lethargic or unconscious.

The skin will” tint” when slightly pinched and have sunken eyes.

Their droppings will be dry or absent.  The membrane in your pigeons mouth will be dry.

Depending on the cause and the degree of dehydration, reversing this condition could take up to 24 hours.

If your pigeon is alert he or she may be re-hydrated by mouth using an eye dropper for hydration.

You can use an eye dropper every few minutes putting small drops of fluid along his beak.

The fluids you should provide your pigeon should be room temperature or warmed slightly.

This is extremely important!

Initially you should use a re-hydrating solution when administering it to your pigeon.  Plain water is a last resort and should not be used unless you absolutely have nothing else available.

ISOLATION:

Whether your pigeon is sick or hurt isolation is necessary.  Allow your pigeon to get stabilized in a quiet, dark warm area.  The key is isolation and rest.

While your pigeon is warming and becoming stabilize take the time to prepare any other items you may need to care for your pigeon.

If your pigeon is cold it should never be given any liquids or food PERIOD.  THIS CANNOT BE STRESSED ENOUGH!

We don’t like to dwell on it but an unfortanate part of life is that your pigeon may need emergency care.  I am including a three step basic process to help you in the event you face a dire issue for your pigeon.  As allways consult with an experienced rehabber or avian vet if situation gets worse or unsure of any procedure.

HEAT

As with pigeons and any bird they must be warmed gradually to a normal body temperature.  Be careful on ensuring a gradual warming to reach a temperature for your pigeon to be responsive and able to swallow.

It should come to no suprise or unusual for a baby pigeon presented for rehabilitation to be very cold.  If a bird is unresponsive it is allways best and recomended to seek the assitance of an experienced rehabber or avian vet immediately.  Give your pigeon a quick, superficial examination.

Unless there is a critical situation such as severe bleeding your pigeon should be covered and placed on a heat source for at least 20-30 minutes to bring the body temperature back to normal.

If you suspect head trauma do not place your pigeon on any heat or heat source.

* Heat source suggestions: Again these are suggestions!

1) The first suggestion is a towel lined heating pad, that is  set on low
2) The second suggestion is a towel lined hot water bottle.

3)  The third suggestion is a low wattage lamp that directly shines light into your loft or other housing for your pigeon.

* In the case of an Emergency here is a heat source substitute:

A) Fill and old sock with about 2/3 full of rice.  Next you will microwave the sock for a few seconds.  Be sure the sock
isn’t too hot, and then place it around the bird.

By following this basic step you will be ensure to provide basic care for your pigeon until further assitance could be given.