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GIVE WATER SAFELY
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general tips
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~> ~> For safety, always let the pigeon drink water on his own. <~ <~
offer water
You can encourage the pigeon to drink by holding the water bowl to his beak. His water bowl should be at least 2.5cm (1 inch) deep for his beak, which he uses like a straw. He may prefer to drink warm water.
pigeons who are not moving
In an emergency, hold the pigeon on his side, and place one drop of water at a time on the outside of his beak using a q-tip, cotton swab, or eye-dropper. You can also soak a q-tip or cotton swab in the water and ‘paint’ his beak. Always give him time to swallow the drops on his own. Also, be careful to avoid his nostrils.
pigeons who are not eating
Pigeons who have not had water in a long time may take up to a day before they are interested in eating food again.
dizzy or stumbling pigeons
If the pigeon is stumbling, place him on a thick folded towel to protect his head in case he falls. Do not leave a stumbling pigeon alone near water.
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types of emergencies
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diarrea, pooping water, or "pee"
~> ~> !! Diarrea is a life-threatening emergency, due to the water loss. Focus on giving him water safely right now, before you do anything else !! <~ <~
For safety, always let the pigeon drink water on his own.
electrolyte water recipe (for emergencies only)
Diarrea may be caused by coccidiosis or another illness.
hot weather
In hot weather, a pigeon may show symptoms of dehydration and overheating such as being very tired or breathing with his beak open. He may only need a drink of water and offering a bath. Leaving out a large flat dish of clean water may prevent him from becoming overheated again. You can also spray or mist a pigeon with water from a clean spray bottle.
emaciation, bone visible in chest, or very extreme starvation
Water and food should always be given slowly in order to prevent the pigeon's body from being overwhelmed. Giving food and water too quickly may kill him.
To help him digest his food, use a heat pad on "low", a microwaved sock of rice or hot water bottle wrapped in a thick towel. Your hair dryer may contain a piece called "teflon", which is toxic to birds. Keep him at a comfortably warm temperature, and do not overheat or burn him.
electrolyte water recipe (for emergencies only)
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