My pigeon won't eat or drink and refuses to sit. Is she seriously ill?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. An immediate check up at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about your pigeon. Crop problems can be infections (bacterial, fungal, yeast), a crop foreign body or other problem, so a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor appetite and water consumption. If you look into the mouth, can you see a white film, do you smell anything? Good luck.

When wild animals no longer try to escape from humans, it generally means they are very sick. You may go online to see if there is an Audubon society or a zoo that will accept wild birds for treatment. Try to keep it warm and in a safe location. Put trays of food and water nearby. Offer birdseed and some fresh fruits and greens. Keep in mind, birds are very fragile and it may not make it. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

She is probably drinking water. I am sure you are not looking at her 24/7 so I would assume she is drinking when you are not watching. If she is not drinking or eating well then she is probably sick. She may have a vitamin/mineral deficiency from laying the eggs. I suggest you review her diet and husbandry and make sure you are doing everything 100% correct. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pigeons-and-doves-feeding

It appears that this pigeon is extremely ill. It is best to bring him to the vet you have in mind ASAP, or to a local wildlife rehab center that can see him as soon as possible and provide help. If you've already tried home treatment and he isn't improving, then seeking care ASAP is needed. Keeping him in a cage separate from other birds, with low perches and easy access to food and water may help, as well as keeping the area cool and dark to help avoid any undue stress until he can be seen by your vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Pukki and including photos. There are multiple causes of acute loss of legs including: spinal trauma, metabolic concerns (liver, kidney), infectious diseases (circovirus, aspergillosis), and more. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. For now, remove perches and provide a soft towel on which to sit. Ensure that food and water are within reach. Continue to syringe feed if needed. Good luck.

If you've found a wild bird, the best course of action is to try and find a wildlife rehab near you that can take the bird in, especially if it is ill. Seeing if there are any vets that see wild animals near you is also a good idea. Since the bird is showing signs of illness, making sure to keep it separated from any other birds in a hospital cage, and washing hands and clothing coming into contact with it is best to prevent the spread of any illness. You can try to offer a mashed up baby bird food diet, however if it is unable to keep any food down, there could be an issue with the crop (infection, illness, obstruction) or GI tract that needs to be seen by a vet in person.