Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Feeding a nesting pigeon
• Method 2 of 3: Create a habitat for the nest bird
• Method 3 of 3: Take care of an injured pigeon
• Tips
• Warnings

Nest flyers, unlike nestlings, have already left the nest for the first time, but still return to the nest and are still fed by the parents. These birds have already developed feathers and look like small versions of the adult bird, but are still learning to fly. In most cases, you should just leave a nest bird alone when you find one. If you find an injured nest bird or are raising a tame pigeon, you must follow proper grooming guidelines. To care for a nest bird and help it mature, you will need to feed the pigeon, provide it with shelter, and treat any injuries or ailments.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Feeding a nesting pigeon

1. Feed the baby pigeon baby bird food. The best food for a baby pigeon is a commercial baby bird food formula. You can easily buy these in a pet food store.
   • You can also feed a nesting pigeon chick pellets, these can be crushed and mixed with water. These pellets can be purchased at a pet store.
   • In an emergency, you can also feed a nesting pigeon dog biscuits that have been ground and mixed with warm water.
   • Do not feed a litter with milk or breadcrumbs.
2. Mix the baby bird formula with water. Follow the directions on the package to prepare the formula. In most cases you have to mix the formula with warm water. For young birds, mix 1 part of the formula with 6 parts water. As the pigeon gets older, you will reduce the amount of water.
   • Do not heat the water or formula in the microwave as this can cause hot areas that could burn the bird.
3. Fill a syringe with the formula. Most nestlings still get their food from their parents. To mimic this feeding method, use a syringe to feed the pigeon. Fill the syringe with the formula.
   • A nest bird should eat about 24 cc of the formula twice a day.
4. Push the sides of the beak to open it. Pigeons do not open their beaks themselves when they want to be fed. That's why you have to push the sides of the beak to open it. Have someone else hold the pigeon while you use your hands to open the beak and insert the syringe. Then slowly squeeze out the formula.
   • Stop feeding the pigeon when the crop is full.
   • The crop is a pocket on the inside of the chest. When full, the breast should feel rubbery, like a balloon filled with water.
5. Feed the nesting bird by hand. You can hand feed a nesting float by placing seeds and chick pellets in the bird's beak. For very young or traumatized birds, the syringe is the easiest, but as the bird gets older it will be able to eat food from your hand.
6. Provides the nest bird seeds. Encourage the nest bird to start eating food on its own. Place a few seeds in the bottom of the cage for the bird to eat. This will help the bird learn how to pick up seeds on its own with its beak.
   • Once the nest bird eats the seeds all by itself, you can stop the spray feeding.

Method 2 of 3: Create a habitat for the nest bird

1. Place the bird in a box or cage. A nesting pigeon can be kept in a small cardboard box or in a bird cage. A young nesting bird can be kept in a high-walled cardboard box. The box does not have to be large as it is only a temporary solution. Any found nesting bird should be taken to a wildlife sanctuary or released back into the wild as soon as possible.
   • If you keep a pigeon in a closed cardboard, make sure there are enough air holes in it.
2. Place a heat pad in the cage. Nestflieder pigeons should be kept warm, especially if they are injured. Place an electric heating pad or a pitcher in the cage. Cover the heat source with towels so that the bird has an indirect heat source.
   • You can also place a heat lamp above the cage to help keep the bird warm.
3. Create a nest with a small bowl and some towels. Try to mimic a nest by lining a small bowl with a dry towel. Place the “nest” in the bird's habitat. This will make him feel comfortable and safe.
   • Fill the towel with shredded newspaper to help insulate the pigeon's heat.
   • Change the towel daily to keep the nest clean.
   • Do not place the bird on a smooth surface, such as plastic. This can cause deformed legs, which can affect the bird's development and mobility.
4. Give the bird access to water. It is also important to provide the bird with water. Fill a small, deep, and heavy bowl with water. The nest bird should be able to drink water without assistance.
   • Do not spray water into the bird's mouth.
5. Place the bird in a quiet place. Place the bird's habitat in a quiet area, away from other pets. Choose an area where not many people come. This will help keep the nest bird calm.

Method 3 of 3: Take care of an injured pigeon

1. Examine the pigeon for injuries. If you have rescued a nest bird and you think it is injured, it is important to fully examine the pigeon for injuries. For example, the bird may have a broken wing or leg. Also watch for scratches and bleeding if the bird has been attacked by a predator.
   • If you notice any injuries or other defects, you should contact a rehabilitation center immediately.
2. Take the bird to a wildlife rehabilitation center. The best place for an injured or sick bird is a wildlife rehabilitation center. They will likely be able to give the bird the necessary medical attention. It is also possible that they can house the bird in a shelter with other pigeons.
3. Ask a vet to help the bird. You can take a nest bird to a vet, however, many veterinarians have no experience in caring for injured birds. Because of this, euthanasia is often recommended, even in cases where the nest bird could recover.

Tips

• Always wash your hands before and after handling the bird.
• Once the nest bird pigeon is mature and healed, it should be released into the wild or kept in a shelter with other pigeons. In this way he can lead a life as normal as possible.
• Release the pigeon near an existing flock and near a water source.

Warnings

• If you find a nesting bird in the wild, you should leave the bird alone unless it is in immediate danger. For example, if the bird is injured or in danger from predators or traffic.
• It is illegal to care for any wild animal, including birds, without a license. If you find an injured bird, you should contact a wildlife rescue center.
• Do not overfeed a nesting pigeon. This can cause the crop to expand and form pockets for food to stick in. This food can rot and become harmful to the pigeon.