What to do with injured wood pigeon

[Burnt0utMum]

Yesterday evening we discovered a wood pigeon in our garden. It was bleeding quite a bit and couldn't fly. DH managed to get hold of it and applied pressure with a cloth to stop the bleeding. We think it's been attacked by a cat and it's wing is damaged. We got a box for it and have brought it inside, given it some food and water and it seems to be doing well. Called a few local vets who weren't much use. Then called the RSPCA who said they would send someone out to collect it. This morning someone called from an unknown number to say they'd be here in about half an hour to collect it but then just didn't show. I've called the main number back throughout today but they don't seem to have a way to contact the collection person other than leaving messages. So almost 24 hours later, the pigeon is still with us and I'm not sure what we're supposed to do now. We also have a cat (she was indoors asleep at the time of the incident as she's old and slow now) and she's had to be put outside since last night (with a bell on) so isn't very happy with me. Any ideas what I can do with the pigeon now? It can't be put back outside as it can't fly and will just be instant prey for the next cat to spot it. It just needs it's wing to heal and it should be fine but I don't feel I can care for it much longer as I have no expertise with birds and we are a cat household. Please help.

Unfortunately the longer you leave it, the more pain it will be in and the lower its' chances of survival.

I would go to your nearest vet when it opens tomorrow (normally 8am or so) and just drop it off before work.

I found a pigeon that had been hit by a car and clearly had a broken wing. I took it to the vet (my understanding is that they have to take in wildlife). They pts which I was expecting- it was in a bad way. But at least it didn’t linger with an injury.

If you're on fb there's a great page called pigeon protection UK or similar. They'll find you someone.
Or ring a local wildlife rescue just search (town) wildlife rescue. Ring any, if they can't take it they'll usually know someone who can. As others have said it'll need antibiotics. RSPCA are about as much use as a chocolate dildo in situations like this so I'm glad they didn't turn up, they'll have just killed it.

This paid OP.
Also if you're a Facebooker, join some vegan or wildlife orientated groups, someone will know someone.

Not sure exactly which area in the NW you are, Google Pigeon Rescue for your area rather than wildlife if that hasn't worked.
Failing that there are pigeon groups on Facebook that are knowledgable but you have to join as they are mostly private groups.
They can be helped with medication and the right care. I know a bird rescue, but sadly not in your area.

This might help
www.pigeonrescue.sirtobyservices.com/rescuecentres/

We had a poorly pigeon in our garden last year and the local animal rescue was fantastic - didn't bat an eyelid at us ringing about an injured pigeon and took him straight in. Every feather and bird wildlife rescue in Bolton? 07899 031 447

RSPCA Cheshire branch?

Bleakholt animal sanctuary possible? Unsure if they take wildlife. Give them all a ring and ask for their advice, they'll be able to signpost you hopefully to somewhere useful. We got our pigeon into a cardboard box fairly easily bless him. Good luck and bless you for being a kind human

Local vets may also be able to advise!

Not RSPCA or RSPB, they do PTS. So do vets as I discovered over the years. I am the go to around here for any injured or lost creature as I once took in a pigeon and word got around. I try to save or rehome any little soul that needs help.

Some ignorant comments. They can survive after breaking a wing but will need to go to a rehabber and have it splinted or similar. They do pretty well actually, depends on other factors though. If you ring a big rehabber like the London one listed they can help and may even send someone to collect, they are a bit of a network as well with other rehabbers. Not read whole thread but what county/area? If near me I’ll dm contacts that rehab birds.

Don’t just drop it at the vet. They will kill it. If the bleeding has stopped try rehabber first; in particular the Pigeon Protection group.

A local vet will take the bird in. Inevitably they will euthanise it. It will be suffering.
I've had similar issues before.

Not all vets euthanise, it will depend on the vet and condition of the bird.

A wild bird that has an open wound caused by a cat is highly unlikely to survive anyway. Keeping it alive and infected/in pain for days is bordering on cruelty.

I've called dozens of numbers and finally got through to a 24 hour vet who have taken it. We've just dropped it off. I'm not sure whether they'll put it to sleep or not but I'll have to accept whatever decision they make as they're more knowledgeable than me on this. Would've preferred a proper rescue centre but the local ones just went to voicemail saying how busy they are so I doubt they'd have had room for it.

Well done OP. You’ve done your best. They’ll either look after her or PTS if necessary so no more suffering. Thank you for being kind and taking the time to help. ❤️

Facebook group called something like Pigeon Protection UK. People who keep or rescue pigeons all over the country. I have always found it extremely helpful for any wild bird in need. Always try a rescue over a vet - it is the vet who will euthanise. How can they keep and feed and rehabilitate a wild bird for a week or more? That's what only rescues do, or people who help birds at home

Oh, I love you OP. I'm not a bird fan, but the fat wood pigeons that waddle around our garden are adorable.
Please would you keep us posted. Thanks.

Oh sorry, have just read the update

Awful and ignorant thing to say. Ex vet nurse here. Each and every wildlife injury case was assessed, including x rays if necessary. They will do the best thing for the bird.

Well done OP, at least it's hopefully got a fighting chance now 🤞

@halfsiesonapotnoodle sorry but that’s mine and other rehabber’s experience so not ignorant.

A vet will always take it in and do what is best for the bird or indeed any other animal, you will have done all you can.

Correct. Vets have a duty of care to all animals?

@childofthecorn absoloute rubbish.

We do all we can for wildlife. Medicate, X-ray, surgery if indicated, keep them until they have a rescue space etc etc.

Nobody pays for the time, experience, care or medication either it just gets lost in a sea of other expenses.

Rescues do not have the legal right to give the animals any medication either so it needs a vet regardless.

Yet once again vets are out to just put everything to sleep 🙄