My pigeon laid eggs, now not eating or drinking. Is she okay?

Thanks for reaching out. A crop or other gastrointestinal infection, metabolic disorders or just plain individual preferences are possible. If acting ill, a veterinary visit is recommended. Otherwise, try limiting people food to see if this stimulated appetite for other food. Good luck.

Unfortunately, it would be hard to say without an exam. It's possible that she injured the leg, has an issue with poor nutrition if she's not leaving the nest to eat enough, or there is something else ongoing. Making sure she's eating and drinking, and checking the leg for injuries is a good first step. If you suspect an illness or problem, a vet visit is needed to treat it. Pigeon eggs should also hatch in about 20 days, so if it's been longer than that and not hatched, it is likely not viable and should be removed so that she can get back to eating and drinking normally.

Thanks for reaching out about your pigeon. Egg binding is a common cause for inability to utilize the legs, if an egg is still in the uterus or has damaged a nerve while passing. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. If can not stand, remove perches and provide a soft towel on which to sit. Ensure that food and water are easily accessible. Review diet to include vitamins and minerals, best in the form of fresh vegetables. Good luck.

You may see a larger than normal amount of stool a day before or after a bird lays an egg, but it should not be diarrhea nor should it last a week. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. If you supplement the diet with fruit or vegetables, discontinue temporarily and offer a commercial pelleted diet until the stool is normal. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or continued loose droppings. See or recheck with your veterinarian if necessary.

Thanks for reaching out about Sheephony. Grit is for the grinding of food in the stomach and does not provide any nutrients. Oyster shell or cuttlebone can supply some calcium, generally lost in the forming and laying of the egg. Green vegetables will also help with calcium. If she is weak, a veterinary visit is recommended for caloric, nutrient and fluid administration. Give heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. Good luck.

3 hours without eating isn't a major concern, but if Pepper is continuing to worsen and isn't improving with home care, it sounds like she needs to be seen by a vet. Unfortunately, you already seem to be doing all of the at-home care that would help without further examination to determine what is going on with her. If she just laid the eggs, that is a stressor on the body so she could just be quiet and recovering from that, however if she doesn't perk back up, or seems to worsen, then trying to find a vet near you is best, even if they don't specifically see birds.

Unfortunately, lethargy/sleepiness is a very vague symptom that may just indicate she isn't feeling well, but not what is causing her to feel that way. A good step would be to bring her to the vet, especially if you note any other signs of illness such as changes in weight, acting listless even when you're not interacting with her, not eating or drinking, stool changes, etc. If she checks out healthy, or seems normal and healthy otherwise when you aren't trying to pet her, it could just be that Pidgey is getting more used to you, and is actually enjoying your touch enough to relax and rest around you. This can be a good sign of bonding! However, if she seems ill or you are concerned, a vet appointment in person is best.