Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 5/23/2006

Question
They were cleaning a neighborhood store sign because of birds nesting there.  Unfortunately the worker had to destroy the nests.  He put the baby birds on the ground.  Apparently they are baby pigeons.  I saw four smaller ones with a few fluffy feathers and two bigger one, about 6 inches tall. They were huddled together by a pillar close to the store.  The worker said that the parents would come back after he left and care of the birds.  I am concerned for their fate.  If I go back later and still see them on the ground, what should I do?  I would hate to see them die; however,I am concerned about potential diseases they could cause my family and the potential for bugs.  I would only take care of them until they were able to fly on their own and then left them go.  Am not interested in keeping them as pets as I have cats.

Answer
Hi, Jan.  Thanks for posting.

The parents may or may not come back to care for their babies.  Pigeons are excellent parents to their babies, but if the babies are located on the ground, they may not care for them.  In addition, each pair of pigeons only has 2 babies maximum per clutch (if both survive).  If there are more than 2 babies, there are several pairs of parents involved.  This may play a factor in whether the parents will come back...I'm sure the parents will definitely hang around the area though.  Sometimes a pair of parents will care for more than just their babies and sometimes not, especially if the babies are on the ground.  

I recommend you pick the babies up and take them to your local humane society or fish and wildlife service, county animal welfare organization, etc. (or find a local person who raises/races pigeons).  You can try using the below website to help you find pigeon people in your area:

http://www.pigeon.org/bandlistings.php

Click on a year and find your city.  There should be a point of contact listed who you can call for assistance.  Your local telephone book will have numbers for local humane societies, fish and wildlife, etc.   

Pigeons do not harbour illness, disease, and bugs that your family can be affected by.  Our species are so genetically different that diseases and such can't be passed back and forth.  There's a lot of myth/erroneous information "out there" about pigeons, especially now with the bird flu scare.  Therefore, don't be afraid to handle the baby pigeons.  

Thanks for being concerned about the welfare of these little guys.  I wish you success in finding a home for them.

Chrys