Hello all,
A small baby pigeon has been nesting in my balcony for a while now (I believe 3-4 weeks since she was born). I've been trying to protect her from crows, cats and what not, and so far have succeeded in doing so.
But as she is growing big, I'm seeing 2 big white wart/dead skin kind of thing on her left side, one around eye, and another around beak (did not find it anywhere else from a distant examination). Additionally the baby seems to be normally moving around and all, but I'd expected her to fly away till now, not sure if any of above is keeping her from doing that.
I am not sure if it a wound because once I heard a crow make some noise around her nest, and by the time i went to shoo him away, the baby had fallen down from her 1 feet high nest on a plant pot. I'm not sure if baby fell down just because of moving around with fear, or crow poked her down? Anyhow, I'd then put her back using gloves, and her parents didn't bother. They are still feeding him every day 3-4 times I guess.
My question is: I've been searching online, but I am not sure if this is Pigeon Pox, some other disease/infection or just a wound.
I'm linking the pictures here, please suggest what could be it and how could I help her somehow. Also please consider that I am a total layman for this task, and you may have to guide me with non-birdie jargon. Thanks and hope to hear back from someone!
Do you know what species the pigeon is, nja? If it's a feral species then it needs to be humanely euthanized. If it's a native species then you could consult with a wildlife rescue organisation about how to treat it.
Thanks for the reply Woko! I do not know about the species, but I believe its a native species (since its everywhere around)! And you are correct, this is the similar opinion I got from other forums so I am trying to take her to a vet.
Good news is, when I was trying to catch her yestrday, she flew away to adjacent balcony. So the takeaway is that she is able to fly and this has not hindered her flying ability. I will try and catch her and take her to a vet. Lets hope she comes back.
Just because it's everywhere around doesn't mean it's a native species, nja. Regrettably, we've introduced many invasive species to the severe detriment of native species. E.g., the Indian Mynah.
I accessed the photos, most definitely a introduced pigeon.
Wimmera mally region, Vic.
Woko, Lightuningbird thanks for your replies, and apologies for not replying promptly!
I went to a vet and got the meds for the bird, but she had already started flying, so I was not able to get a hold of her. And now after waiting for 4-5 days to see her around, unfortunately or fortunately she had not come by. Not sure if she is well, or maybe she flew far away.
As I mentioned, there were no signs of fatigue/sickness/agility loss in her, so I am hoping she is fine.
This thread could be closed for now, since I don't think I can do much for now. Thanks!