Cats who teach me to fly…

We all know that pigeons are often being culled by our authorities although our authorities often ensure us that humane measures would be taken when managing pigeons population. However, about 30 pigeons were culled at Yishun last month.

Poisoning of pigeons is still a practice in Singapore today. The kind human beings fight to save and the unkind ones think it’s the right thing to do. This group of people probably enjoy watching the process of a dying pigeon. Pigeons that were poisoned died a slow death. I remember a few years back while waiting for Acres to arrive at the pigeons’ poisoning ground, I took a few videos of them lying on the floor with their body twitching. I need not have to feel them in order to recognise their pain, I knew these birds were suffering and dying slowly.

Two days ago, while heading to Mel’s place, I saw a pigeon sitting in the rain and how long had it been raining? I think two hours. The pigeon’s eyes were covered with pus (I thought so at that point of time). She was drenched. I moved her aside and being not satisfied with only putting her aside, I decided to contact Acres. Everytime when I contact Acres, I had to beg them to pick the bird, if not I would volunteer to send the unhealthy pigeons to Acres. This time round, Acres completely refused to pick up and accept the bird even I’ve volunteered to send it over.

There was nothing I can do so I posted the pigeon on Facebook and seek for help. I didn’t know that there is another wildlife rescue team. They are called JK wildlife. I was glad that they were willing to pick the pigeon. I waited patiently for their arrival. The man who came picked her examined her. He said both of the pigeon’s eyes were infected and he opened her mouth and told me the pigeon has canker. He said there is no cure for canker and euthanasia was the best solution. Being hard-headed, I threw lots of questions to him. Before handing the pigeon to him, I did a quick search about canker etc… He tried very hard to persuade me to euthanize the pigeon. There were evidences that birds with canker were cured. Yes, it’s a virus. Covid19 is a virus too… Yes, there is no medication for viruses… but there is always a genuine quality in every true rescuer, that is we don’t give up until we try! I rejected his offer and keep the pigeon. Meantime, someone responded to my Facebook post and willing to pay for the pigeon’s vet bill and to foster her. We arranged to meet at vet clinic the next day.

The two kind ladies brought a nice carrier for the pigeon while I carried the pigeon with a carton box:). We were there at 3pm but the clinic was closed and opened at 5pm, so we came back again after 2 hours. It was a long consultation. The two ladies were new in rescuing birds but so far they are doing a good job and still learning. Me, being enthusiastic listen attentively to what the vet said. We threw lots of questions and I’ve learnt so much!

What was in the pigeon’s eyes were not pus, they were debris. The vet used 2 cotton buds to squeeze it out and finally I saw the pigeon’s eyes. No, the pigeon did not have canker. She was all skinny and lack of nutrients. Just like cats, blood testing, x-ray, culture test etc… can be done to the birds as well. The vet explained what food to give, how to take care, the ideal environment for her recovery etc… Oh, the bird is a fledgling, a new word I learned that day! Vet prescribed two types of antibiotics for her and told us that the chances for the pigeon to survive is 50/50. Yay! There’s a 50% chance of surviving.

I didn’t allow the fosterer to pay the bill. I was actually glad for they are willing to take care of her. They showed me videos of how they feed the pigeon and I can see the pigeon’s eyes are bright, just like BG!

Mel was on a holiday for five days and I had to go to her place to cat sit twice a day and do all the feedings by myself. In the midst of a tight schedule, I’m happy that I’m still able to patiently help an animal in need.

In this final stage of my life, I’ve decided to dive into Avian medicine. There aren’t many people who care about pigeons, pigeons are merely nuisance. There is hardly anyone who would take the initiative to help them. We can’t feed them. I didn’t know they are actually bony and lacking of everything. Thank you animals for helping me to grow and thank you to those who support and help me to grow and also those who have helped and still helping with my rescues. Always appreciating!

Due to the debris in the pigeon’s eyes, she was not able to see and I am glad this happened at that point of time. According to the vet, sick bird should be kept in a quiet dark room for recovery. With this picture we now know why curiosity kills a cat!