Found a pigeon?
Not every pigeon or dove you see will need intervention so how can you tell if one needs help?
In captivity, pigeons and doves can live up to 20 years. Sadly, in the wild, most of them will only live a few years.
Pigeons and doves breed all year round and it is not unusual to see baby birds early in the year. Baby birds can still look vulnerable even after fledging and it is important not to interfere when it is not needed.
If you see a baby bird that you think is in trouble start by observing it from a distance. If you stand too close its parents will stay away.
Is the baby bird sitting in a tree? Are the parents around? If yes to either of these questions, please leave the bird as it should be OK.
When to contact a rescue centre?
Does the bird have an obvious injury? If yes, it needs help – secure the bird and contact the nearest rescue centre.
Is the baby bird on the ground and is it in danger eg is it on a road or is a cat or dog showing it too much attention? If yes, it needs help – secure the bird and contact the nearest rescue centre.
A baby bird up to four weeks old will not survive on the ground. Although it will have some down feathers it will suffer from the cold, and it will not be able to get away from predators.
Caring for a pigeon
A pigeon should be placed in a covered box with air holes and soft, dry bedding - the box should be large enough for the pigeon to move around inside. The pigeon should be kept somewhere quiet and warm until you can get it to a local rescue centre.
Handling should be kept to an absolute minimum.
Never force a bird to drink - if anything, offer it some water in a shallow bowl. Do not give a bird water through a syringe or push its head into a bowl of water to encourage it to drink as this could kill it.
Please remember that wildlife rescue is best left to people with experience, so always contact a local rescue centre for help
