Injured Homing Pigeon

Question
QUESTION: This pigeon showed up outside of my garage today. It looks like it has been shot or something, there was some blood on its back. It appears to have a broken wing also. I'm not sure what to do. It has a green band around its right ankle.I have given it birdseed and some water. Right now it is in my garage (threat of coyotes). Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Molly,

Can you find an actual injury? I would try to keep the bird in a warm, quiet room. Have you noticed if it drank or ate on its own? Does it appear to be depressed or listless with its feathers fluffed up? Does it drag the broken wing? I can be more of a help when I have a little more detail about the pigeon and I will be waiting for your response.

Thank you,
Stacie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Stacie,
Everything you mentioned I've noticed or I've done. The bird is in my garage. He is eating a little birdseed, but I don't think he drank any water. I could see some blood on top of his back, by his left "broken" wing. I watched him try to fly, he fell flat on his face. I think he is both depressed and listless. He does like it when I come out and talk to him, he even let me "pet" him. I feel terrible for him! I wouldn't say he is dragging the wing, it's like he just can't lift it up. I'm just not sure what else to do for him. Is it safe for us to pet him?
Thank You!

Answer
Hi Molly,

Yes, it is safe to touch him. Since he has a band around his leg, he belonged to someone. Does the band have any numbers or letters on it? As long as the wing is not bleeding and you do not feel or see any protruding bones,I would just leave it alone. If you can find an open wound, which I know can be rather difficult with all of the feathers, you can flush it out with a diluted solution of betadine. I am going to provide you with links that may be helpful. The first is a link to a site that can help you decipher the band and maybe even locate the owner:

http://www.pigeon.org/lostbirdinfo.htm

The next link is a list of rescuers and rehabbers by location. Maybe you can find someone in your area that can care for the pigeon:

http://www.pigeon-life.net/prd.htm

If you can, perhaps take the pigeon to a veterinarian. If the wing is broken, they can give you further advice. If there is a pellet in the wing, it will need to be removed. Otherwise, just make sure he eats and drinks on his own well and he is kept comfortable. Hopefully you can locate someone who can take him if you don't want him.

I hope this helps and if you have any other questions or concerns, please ask!

Thanks,
Stacie