Our HelpDesk
A pigeon will definitely need help from a rescue in the following circumstances.
- They have been caught by a cat, dog, or other predator
- They have a visible wound or injury
- They have been hit by a car
- An adult bird is on the ground, fluffed up and not flying away
- An adult bird is unable to fly
- They have string or hair wrapped around their feet
A pigeon may need help if
- They have flown into a window. Place them in a box and let them rest for a few hours in the dark. If they can’t fly after resting, they will need to go to rescue.
- A baby pigeon is out of the nest. This depends on type and age of pigeon and whether you can access the nest. Always seek advice from a pigeon rescue or our helpdesk (form below).
- They have rings on their legs – they are a stray domestic pigeon. If they’re integrated with a wild flock you can usually leave them be, but if they’re alone or acting tame, they’ll need rescuing.
Help is not usually needed for
- Apparently abandoned nests of babies. The parents will only visit a few times a day once the babies start getting feathers through. Both parents feed the babies so it’s rare for babies to be totally abandoned.
- A pigeon which looks scruffy around the head and neck in late Summer. This is when they have their annual moult and they can look quite bedraggled.
If the pigeon needs help according to the criteria above, please get them contained in a box and use the directory at https://helpwildlife.co.uk to find rescues in your area.
If you remain unsure as to whether help is needed or you struggle to find a rescue placement, you can use the form below to contact us. Our volunteers are happy to advise on pigeon concerns and are generally available Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 21:00 and Sunday 14:00 to 18:00.
Please only use this form for urgent situations involving sick, injured, stray, abandoned, or otherwise at risk pigeons. For any other enquiries, please visit our contact page.