Found an injured pigeon – what to do?
A pigeon that lets itself be caught is ill, injured or completely exhausted. Healthy pigeons fly away.
What to do now
- Grab it from behind with both hands or a cloth, holding the wings against the body.
- Put it in a box with air holes and a towel and place it somewhere quiet and warm.
- Add a dish of water and grains (bird seed, uncooked rice, oat flakes).
- Look for a ring on its foot and note the number.
- Call a town pigeon rescue, a wild bird rescue, a veterinary practice or us.
Please do not
- Do not drip water into its beak.
- Do not feed it bread.
- Do not tear threads off its feet by force – the toes are often already constricted; that belongs in experienced hands.
Who helps
Town pigeon projects and wild bird rescues. Racing pigeons (ring with letters and numbers) can be reported by ring number to the Association of German Racing Pigeon Breeders (Verband Deutscher Brieftaubenzüchter).
Report an emergency Animal rescue near you
Frequent questions
Are pigeons dangerous to my health?
According to the specialist authorities, no more than other wild or pet birds. Washing your hands is enough.
The pigeon just sits there, fluffed up.
That is a sign of illness. Please secure it and take it to someone before it becomes too weak.
Related
This page gives general advice. It replaces neither a vet nor legal advice.
More guides
- Wild animal foundFound a wild animal – who helps?
- Finding an emergency vetEmergency vet – how to find one at night and at the weekend
- Hedgehog foundFound a hedgehog – what to do?
- Bird foundFound a young or injured bird – what to do?
- Dog foundFound a stray dog – what to do?
- Cat turned upA cat has turned up or been found – what to do?
- Pet run awayDog or cat has run away – what to do?
- Collision with wildlifeCollision with wildlife: deer or wild boar hit – what to do?
- Dog in a hot carDog in a hot car – what to do?
- Report animal crueltyReporting animal cruelty or neglect – how does it work?
- Poison bait foundFound poison bait – and what if the dog has already eaten some?
- Fawn foundFound a fawn or young wild animal – what to do?
- Squirrel foundFound a squirrel – what to do?
- Bat foundFound a bat – what to do?
- Young hare foundFound a young hare or wild rabbit – what to do?
- Injured swan or duckFound an injured swan, duck or goose – what to do?
- Cat hit by a carCat hit by a car or found at the roadside – what to do?
- Abandoned animal foundFound an abandoned animal – what to do?
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