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Pigeon drama. What to do?

90 replies

JustWing · 29/06/2024 13:09

While I was in the bedroom, I heard a loud "Bang!" as something hit the window. I looked outside and initially saw nothing. However, my neighbour, who was outside at the time, informed me that a pigeon had flown straight into the window and fallen. I went downstairs and found the bird in my garden. This happened last night, and the bird is still alive but has most likely broken its spine. I provided some shade and water, but it hasn't drunk any. I'm unsure what to do. The bird will probably die, but dehydration might hasten its death. I cannot bring myself to kill it to ease its suffering. 😱🤧

Any advice?

OP posts:
letmeeatinpeace · 29/06/2024 14:34

This happened to me once. One of my very matter-of-fact friends came round and killed it swiftly with a frying pan. I couldn't even watch, but it was the kindest thing for it. Good luck!

JustWing · 29/06/2024 14:33

Againname · 29/06/2024 14:09

@JustWing

Definitely try these people.

Not sure if same group but here's some info too. They have an emergency phone number I think.

www.londonwildlifeprotection.org/found-an-animal/pigeons-advice/

Yes, thank you. I have contacted them, they responded that they will come and that I should not take it to the local vet or RSPCA. Interestingly, they made NOT in capital when they stated it.

Thanks for advice to you and all of you who advised me to comtact wildlife rescue support

OP posts:
Magicpaintbrush · 29/06/2024 14:31

I took an injured blackbird to the vets once and they didn't charge me because it was wildlife and not my actual pet.

Sookafatwan · 29/06/2024 14:29

I rescued one once and he stayed with us for nearly 10 years in a rabbit hutch (was blind and couldn't fly), the other pigeons used to visit and hang out near him. I think he had a good life.

Thats the most uplifting story I'm going to read today. 10 years!!

Ambleberry · 29/06/2024 14:27

fedupandstuck · 29/06/2024 13:33

I would also put it in a large cardboard box with ventilation holes in the top, with a bowl of water, and put it somewhere quiet and cool until you work out what you want to do. You can pick it up with an old towel and wrap it round its wings gently so it doesn't flap (if it's able to) when you pick it up.

This, if it's going to get better it will, and if it's going to die it might well prefer to do that in private. Birds don't tend to live long if they are injured. Talk to it gently and check up occasionally.

If it survives the night you can feed it water and diluted chicken soup from a syringe, and you have a new pet pigeon!

I rescued one once and he stayed with us for nearly 10 years in a rabbit hutch (was blind and couldn't fly), the other pigeons used to visit and hang out near him. I think he had a good life.

Sookafatwan · 29/06/2024 14:23

EmmetEmma · 29/06/2024 14:23

Those saying you couldn’t do it - yes, you could. Because actually knowing something was sitting out there, potentially terrified and in pain, is worse - and more guilt-inducing - then finding a way of killing it.

I could maybe use an implement but no way could I wring a neck

EmmetEmma · 29/06/2024 14:23

Those saying you couldn’t do it - yes, you could. Because actually knowing something was sitting out there, potentially terrified and in pain, is worse - and more guilt-inducing - then finding a way of killing it.

NotSoHotMess24 · 29/06/2024 14:23

Make sure to "double tap" so it's definitely dead.

NotSoHotMess24 · 29/06/2024 14:22

If it has a broken spine, you really must put it out of it's misery poor thing. I'd probably use a shovel.

DCINightingale · 29/06/2024 14:17

There will be a vets nearby who will take it. Many are open on Saturdays and all will have some sort of out of hours number. Or post on Facebook and ask if someone can put it out of its misery if you can't bring yourself to do it (I know I couldnt). It is the kindest thing to do, please dont leave it to die in its own time, what a horrible way to go if it is suffering

Sookafatwan · 29/06/2024 14:17

Are those advocating a spade meaning to sever the head or to crush it?

Spinal GIF by Synergy Manufacturing
Anythingforcake · 29/06/2024 14:15

I was once in a similar situation where one of my cats had made a terrible mess of a pigeon. It was clearly suffering and no chance of rehab. Like you I couldn't bring myself to kill it with my hands and I didn't want the trauma of moving it all the way to a vets.
What I did was gently move it so that it's head was lined up with my car wheel and then a quick blast on the accelerator.
I'm sure I'll get some judgemental comments but it was instant for it and saved it from dying with its guts hanging out.

If you're sure this bird will die and the kindest thing is to kill it then I'd argue my way is the fastest way if you can't bare the shovel or wringing it's neck.

Againname · 29/06/2024 14:14

@JustWing

Phone number here: 07909 795064

Pigeon Rescue Team (London) is part of Wildlife Protection Team, a volunteer-run wild bird rescue

https://m.facebook.com/PigeonRescueTeam/

Log in or sign up to view

See posts, photos and more on Facebook.

https://m.facebook.com/PigeonRescueTeam

RosesAndHellebores · 29/06/2024 14:13

Cloths and spade.

JustWing · 29/06/2024 14:13

MissMoneyFairy · 29/06/2024 14:01

So what's the alternative, you can't just leave it till Monday. Are there no wildlife rescue centres nearby.

I sent just a text to the wildlife rescue in my area because that is what they say to do on their answering machine.

OP posts:
PoppyCherryDog · 29/06/2024 14:10

Local vets. My dad is a vet and they frequently take in wildlife.

fedupandstuck · 29/06/2024 14:09

If you think it's got severe spinal damage from what you can see, and the fact that it hasn't been able to move for many hours now, then really it is going to die whatever happens. Even a seriously dedicated pigeon rescue isn't going to be able to keep a quadriplegic pigeon alive for long and it would have no quality of life.

So, make it comfortable and safe for the moment, and then either find a way to kill it yourself or take it to someone who can kindly euthanise it for you.

Againname · 29/06/2024 14:09

IchWill · 29/06/2024 13:25

Please post in this group for help.

www.facebook.com/groups/PigeonProtection/?ref=share

@JustWing

Definitely try these people.

Not sure if same group but here's some info too. They have an emergency phone number I think.

www.londonwildlifeprotection.org/found-an-animal/pigeons-advice/

Inthemosquitogarden · 29/06/2024 14:07

No advice but I hate this, it’s so awful. It’s happened twice with our bedroom window : once the bird died instantly and nature took care of it overnight, the second time the bird was just stunned and eventually flew off a few hours later. You’re in the horrible limbo in between.

Viscoelasticity · 29/06/2024 14:03

Agree with PP suggestion of covering with a cloth and applying shovel or spade to the neck. Is there somebody else you can ask to do it for you, if you can’t bring yourself to?

MissMoneyFairy · 29/06/2024 14:01

JustWing · 29/06/2024 13:58

But I am worried that if I may completely kill it...

So what's the alternative, you can't just leave it till Monday. Are there no wildlife rescue centres nearby.

NotTheMrMenAgain · 29/06/2024 13:59

Have you got a spade or a shovel? Quick, hard downward pressure on the neck should finish it off? My super kind DF would have gently wrung its neck to end its suffering, but I couldn’t face doing it with my bare hands.

JustWing · 29/06/2024 13:58

WiddlinDiddlin · 29/06/2024 13:22

You take it to an emergency out of hours vet. All vets are obliged to relieve suffering, either via pain medication or euthanasia, whichever is appropriate.

But I am worried that if I may completely kill it...

OP posts:
EmmetEmma · 29/06/2024 13:53

Don’t leave it for a fox or a cat

MichaelFabricantsSyrup · 29/06/2024 13:41

Secateurs or a prompt neck snap. You can't leave it suffering.

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