My backyard pigeon is still, won't eat. Is it sick? What should I do?

It's possible the bird may be injured or ill. If he still doesn't recover, even after eating and drinking and resting some, it is a good idea to contact a local wildlife rehab in your area. They may be able to come get the bird (or have you bring him to them) so he can be examined, treated for any issues, and safely re-released.

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.

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.

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.

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!

If he is able to fly and eat well I would not advise too much intervention. Perhaps the best thing you can do for him is provide a safe place he can rest and some bird sees appropriate for pigeons. Make sure he can come and go freely though. Best of luck and please feel free to post any more questions you may have.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Thanks for caring about this little bird. There is not much you can do for it if it cannot be caught. Even then, wild birds often do not do well in captivity. Bird often do well with only one leg. If you are feeding the pigeons, try to ensure that this one is eating well and isn't being bullied away from the food by the other birds.