hurt piguen help!

Question
i found a piguen by my work. its hurt and i put it in a box. i want to bring it some where so it can be heal but i don't know where? what do you feed it bread and bird food?
the bird is safe,calm,and warm
thanks
jennifer schuster

Answer
Hi, Jennifer,

What a great deed you've done by trying to help this injured bird.  

If you don't want to keep this bird yourself while s/he heals, you can try a local wildlife rescue organization, your local humane society, local park and/or extension service or similar organization for assistance.  I recommend keeping the bird inside in a warm environment, in a cage or other suitable container that will allow the bird to move around some, but not too much (don't want the bird sitting/standing in its own feces and food/water need to be fed clean).  If you intend to release the bird once s/he heals, try to minimize human contact as much as possible.  Pigeons can withstand cold temperatures, but when ill, warm temps are best for healing.  

There are many websites available that can help you learn about pigeons.  Just Google "pigeon care," "pigeons," or similar to find these sites.  The ARPU website might also be of assistance (American Racing Pigeon Union, www.pigeon.org).  Lots of general avian websites can also be of assistance in knowing how to care for an ave.  

Pigeons/doves eat pigeon/dove grain that you can find at some hardware stores that sell bird food, local farm supply stores, some pet stores, etc.  Pigeons basically eat all types of grains from safflower to some wild bird mixes.  They also require lots of water, particularly after they've eaten.  They also require grit in order to help them digest the grains they consume.  

Depending on the injury the bird has, pigeons usually heal rapidly on their own.  If the bird has a cut or similar injury, keep the area clean, dry, and you might need to apply some type of antibiotic cream to the area to assist in healing.  A wing break/injury would require avian veterinary assistance.  This bird could be extremely hungry (very thin), dehydrated, and otherwise ill (bacterial or other type of infection) from exposure from being injured and not being able to find food/water on it's own.  Therefore, watch the bird closely for symptoms (not eating, drinking, lethargy, etc.) and get the bird to an avian vet ASAP if the bird's health deteriorates.

Chrys