What Do Wildlife Rehabilitators Do With Pigeons?
What is wildlife rehabilitation?
Wildlife rehab is the medical treatment and care of wild animals, that are injured, sick, or baby animals that have lost their parents. Vets and rehabilitators treat the animals and take care of them until they can be released back into the environment.
What do wildlife rehabilitators do with birds?
Wild bird rehabilitators provide the same care to wild birds that have been injured and are unable to fly or orphaned baby birds. They have been licensed to do so by the provincial/federal governments.
What do wildlife rehabilitators do with pigeons
Baby pigeons require a specialized diet to enhance their growth, specific housing that is suited to their species, and if they are injured, a professional vet's care. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained to provide this to wild birds, in a way that will make it possible for them to be released back into their natural habitat. I.e., they are not made dependent on human care, and babies are taught the necessary skills that their mothers would have taught them, to prepare them for surviving in the wild.
When the pigeon first arrives at the center, it is provided proper nutrition and hydration. If it takes solid food such as oatmeal, well and good, otherwise liquid nutrition is provided, which contains the specific nutrients pigeons need, around 6-7 times per day.
Birds have very high nutrient requirements which increase when they are injured. Typically they eat 10-20% of their body weight every day.
If a bird is injured, it is given proper medical care by a vet. It's heartbeat and body temperature are regulated. If injured, it may need surgery. If it has been hungry for a long time, it will be given glucose fluids.
Once fully healed, birds are released back into the environment, provided that they are physically and mentally fit, and are the appropriate weight and size for their age and height. Usually, pigeons are not released in winter unless they are strong enough to bear the cold temperatures.
What should I do if I find a baby pigeon?
If you find a baby pigeon that has been stranded by its parents, before you pick it up and take it away, make sure it is truly lost. Wait for a few hours, its mother or father might find it. If it is still there, pick it up in a soft cloth and put it in a cardboard box in a quiet, dark place, while you contact the nearest wildlife rehabilitation company. In most states, it is illegal to keep a wild animal in your home for longer than 48 hours. Understand that you will not be able to provide the professional care that a wildlife rehabilitation will. So you must drop it off with them.
Also read our other bird tip:
How To Use Metal Netting For Pigeon Prevention