My pigeon can't stand, legs weak, breathing fast, not drinking. Help!

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.

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. There are concerns the leg has become injured, either a sprain, dislocation or fracture. Even an injured toe can be painful enough to not allow weight bearing. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Removing perches and providing a soft towel on the bottom of the cage can give comfort. Ensure that food and water are within reach. If there continues to be blood on the toe, gently clean with a moistened warm water on a washcloth. Keep the environment clean to prevent standing in feces and contaminating any wounds. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bulbul and including photos, although the photos do not include the legs. A loose leg is likely a fracture, dislocation or neurologic problems, each requiring a veterinary visit to treat. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to weak bones, more likely to fracture. Veterinary intervention sooner than later can improve prognosis and recovery. Provide supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range, as young birds have difficulty thermoregulating. Offering food and water via a syringe might give some hydration and energy. 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.

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.

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.