Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hiya,

Just picked up some 1 month old rock pigeons. They are so sweet! Ahhh tube feeding what a joy to learn. I also learned how to sub-q Next weekend I learn extensive splinting techniques. I will post pictures of them once they get settled.

Ah yes, I've raised many a baby pigeons in the past. Little sweeties aren't they? Seems like they never get full. Has your mentor taught you the signs and symptoms of trichomonas (trich) protozoan infection? It's not uncommon for baby pigeons to have/get that. Check mouth and throat for whitish patches. Crops that are slow or won't drain are a symptom too. Easily treated with Flagyl (Metronidizole) and sometimes Spartrix. I always let the crop drain to almost empty before feeding with all the baby pigeons. Otherwise some get impactions. Have you tried Kaytee Exact powder? Diluted with warm water to pudding consistancy it's a complete nestling pigeon and dove diet. They always grow up healthy on it. The diluted powder is fine enough to go through very small feeding tubes too. When it comes to weaning, you may have to "get mean" with stubborn ones. Some seem to want to never wean. Have fun with them.

Don't become frustrated with the splinting techniques. Practice, practice, practice. That's what it takes. Easiest if you have a bird holder to help. If not, use a towel wrap to secure the bird. Practice splinting on your friendly little pigeons while you have the chance. Not all the birds that have breaks will heal to be released but many do quite well. I don't think there's anything more satisfying than watching a bird with a healed wing fly off back into the wild. I've released birds like that myself many times and I still get kinda choked up about it.

:

We used to breed pidgeons when I was younger. I always thought they were kinda, um, dirty until I got to hand raise an orphaned baby. I fell in love with him. Keep us updated on how they are doing.

Anna

p.s. I contacted the Wildlife Center you told me about. I am going to Mexico soon but when I get back I am going to start taking some classes. I want to work in the Triage next summer.

Hi,

If you are, that is awesome!!! I am learning so much. I just started all this in September of this year and have completed a couple courses and am signing up for all I can I don't have a specific animal I want to work with necessarily cause I want to look at all of 'em! Birds, mammals and even reptiles. I met a really sweet lady at the WCA's Wildlife First Aid class this last weekend, she is going to attend the Squirrel Seminar in January here in California too so that was neat. Already have someone to buddy up with. Did I tell you about that? Wild Again is putting on a seminar completely about Squirrels There is a link to their site below they have a lot of information. I have been reviewing the manual they are going to give out then, paid to have it sent early. Anyhow have fun in Mexico!!!!
Wild Again

Yep, that's the place. I e-mailed you a couple of weeks ago and you let me know about it.

I really wanted to go to the First Aid class this weekend but they recommend another class first and my son had a soccer game. So I am hoping to start with a class in December I will let you know when I am going to see if you will be there.

I am not sure if I will have time to handle any of the babies that need 24 hour care so I am hoping to work with injured adults. I have some experience with birds from the doves and pidgeons we used to raise. I currently have a whole collection of reptiles so I wouldn't mind working with them either.

Anyway, thanks for turning me on to a great opportunity. I will check out the squirrel seminar information that you provided.

Anna