Pigeon drama. What to do?

[JustWing]

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?

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

Cloths and spade.

@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/

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!

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

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

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!

And it may survive.

So glad you rang them and they're coming out @JustWing

I hope they can save the pigeon but worse case at least they'll know the kindest way to do it if there's no chance.

With a broken spine? ok options are spade it or drive over it idk but come on please don't just leave it

i had to do it to a cat once it was horrific but seriously the best thing to do for the poor animal that had been hit by a car and left to die by someone who didn't stop.

I am not a vet. I suspect but it started moving the head...so maybe it is not the spine

Option is now: wildlife rescue volunteer is coming

Yay that's great news!

If it laid out all night without moving anything other than its head then it's really not likely to have a survivable injury.

Anyway, at least the pigeon experts will be there soon and help it, either way.

I was also going to say wildlife rescue. Well done OP

This thread has made me feel a bit sick... other than the 10 year rescued pigeon. I just could not bring myself to do any of those things!

I'm glad you got in contact with a rescue. They will at least deal with the bird humanely.

If you call your vets they will usually have a recorded message telling you who the emergency vets are. You can call them and either they'll take it or give the contact details of a wildlife carer/rescue who will help.

Its awful isn't it. Folk advocating cruelty wirh spades.

Birds often do this, fly into things and are stunned for a bit then perk up.

Glad the wildlife folk coming, they aren't usually interested in birds. If there's a next time just leave it to recover, if it doesn't pop in shoe box so it can die peacefully without being tortured by a cat.