Sitemaps

There was an injured Pigeon on my stepI was worried my kids would injure him more so I took it to th2007-11-24 17:16:53

Animal hospital. they said if they couldn't get wild life to come and get it they would uthinize it. Was I wrong to leave it there? He hopped around my house for several days and all his pigeon friends seem to have left him behind. I feel guilty now.

Answers:

You did fine, but the Animal hospital could have suggested another place for you to take him if you were able to, instead of the answer they gave you. You did what was right for you at that time. You don't need to be that hard on yourself. The next time you find injured wildlife have some numbers on hand and save yourself this grief. Go ahead and find those numbers. Call a couple of vet hospitals and ask if they have any numbers for wildlife rescue groups. That way, the next time you will be prepared. All of us learn by experience. We don't always have the answers the first time around. Be kind to yourself. You did what you felt was right and that is enough.

---

Euthanization for a bird who cannot fly was probably the kindest thing. An injury like that would have made him more vulnerable to predators like cats and dogs, and hawks. Also, it would have likely starved to death otherwise.

Next time, try to find a wildlife rescue group in your area by checking online. You will be better prepared for injured wild critters.

Be aware that injured animals can carry rabies if they are bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks and the like, and should never be handled! Birds just tend to have alot of parasites, (and avian influenza).

---

We share our home with 4 pigeons that we rescued from various situations; 2 were raised by us and the other 2 suffered severely broken wings. The 2 with broken wings have been healthy and happy with us for a year now and can even fly short distances.