Posted on 07/23/2016 6:36:22 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The now thriving pigeon is ready for a home along with 100 other birds
The baby pigeon with a broken beak was found in April, barely 3 weeks old and about to be euthanized.
Instead the vet technician got in touch with Elizabeth Young at Palomacy, a rescue organization for pigeons and doves in San Francisco. It had somehow survived after being attacked by an animal, though its wounds were infected and its beak was split. It had been living on the ground at a gas station, fed by its parents despite its injuries.
Today the pigeon is thriving though with its crooked beak it can never be released into the wild and is available for adoption. It has taught itself to eat pigeon feed, but needs a deep dish and extra time. Its beak is as fixed as it can or needs to be, Young said.
And though named Prince after the musician who had just died, the pigeon is now thought to be female.
"She does great," Young said. "She's completely self-sufficient."
Palomacy had lots of interest from people interested in the birds on Saturday, during NBC's Clear the Shelters pet adoption drive, but the birds need large cages or outdoor aviaries so their adoptions take more time.
"We're planting seeds and starting the process," Young said.
More than 650 shelters across the country took part in Clear the Shelters, and in all more than 44,000 animals were adopted. Most were dogs and cats, but iguanas, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits and toads also found homes.
Palomacy -- shorthand for pigeon diplomacy -- has more than 100 pigeons and doves in foster care. They are domestic birds, survivors of pigeon racing, raised for sport or show, or like Prince, wild birds that for whatever reason cannot be released.
"We always have a waiting list of new birds that need our rescue help," she said. "We can never keep up."
Young founded Palomacy nine years because no one in the area was helping the birds and they were routinely killed in the shelters. They are meticulously clean and do no transmit diseases easily to people, she said. "They make amazing pets," she said. "They've very smart, they're very emotional, they're very loyal, they're easy to care for."
NBC 7's Dagmar Midcap speaks with a San Diego family who went to the San Diego Humane Society during Clear The Shelters on July 23, 2016 with the intentions of adopting one dog, but happily left with two new pets. (Published 4 hours ago)Hundreds of animal shelters across the country will come together July 23 for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide push to place deserving animals in forever homes. Use #ClearTheShelters to join the conversation on social media!
I’d like to see as much expensive care given to children, veterans, and the aged.
This is over the top. Thanks Molly. We agree.
Hmm. I wonder why the beak can’t be fixed better than that. Is the beak formed of keratin, like horns?
What’s stopping you?
And you?
I had a neighbor who was part of a oppossum rescue. Unbelievable.
My chiminey is a target rich environment.
It’s a rat with wings...
I do other charity work, but thanks for asking.
It’s a rat with wings...
............................
Far from true.
I’ve saved two pigeons that had hurt wings and couldn’t fly. Didn’t know what to expect when I approached the first but they are the living definition of docile. Pigeons weigh next to nothing. They tuck their head into their feathers and go completely still once in your hands as though just begging you not to hurt them.
Somehow I don’t think a rat would react the same way. Rats do things like get in front of large crowds and say, “Vote your conscience”.
You are insulting rats. I have to report you to PETA.
Thanks for your wonderful animal threads!
Thank you.....
In the spirit of Murrow, et al, this is.... A GREAT MOMENT IN LOCAL NEWS!!!
Sweet baby!
My Uncle had a pigeon coupe on his farm. He loved those birds so much. He passed on and the family placed the birds with other pigeon fanciers.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.