Rescuers Needed and Found

July 29th UPDATE:

Gatsby spent a couple of days with me and now is at his Foster Home with a Pigeon Talk member who has also become a MickaCoo volunteer. His trip to the vet (possible because of donations from MickaCoo and Pigeon Talk members) revealed a fracture in his left ankle that is expected, in this still-growing phase, to heal well on its own with only a little antibiotics, pain medication and nest rest as supportive care. He (?) is a feisty young bird who has a good appetite and did some nice wing flapping to stay in shape while he convalesces. He let me stand him in a soak of barely warm epsom salts three times a day and, while I don't know for sure that it helped, he was a very good sport about it. I'll post an update from his Foster soon. Gatsby is available for adoption.

July 24th UPDATE:

Thank you all so much! We've gotten several donations towards vet care and promises of more if needed (and if it's not needed for this one it will be for the one that comes right behind it so please, keep 'em coming). We have a foster standing by and I've picked up the pigeon from SF ACC.

I don't know that toe-amputation is going to fix this- the entire foot and leg is swollen from infection. He may just need some debrieding and a good course of antibiotics. He's a young bird, still squeaking when scared, and looks OK otherwise. He's eating and pooing and has been started on antibiotics and pain medication. He's had two foot soaks in warm salt water and is resting comfortably in his basket under the heat lamp. He goes to the vet tomorrow morning.

He is, of course, precious. This stuff is very hard and eats up time and money and energy and I keep thinking I can't keep doing this and then I think I can't stop doing this. I REALLY appreciate everyone's help. Without it, this bird, named Gatsby by a shelter volunteer, would have been euthanized. I'll update again when I get the vet's feedback.

July 22nd POST:

This young king pigeon at the SF ACC shelter needs a foster home (or adopter) and vet care to amputate an injured and infected toe. This bird is at high risk for euthanasia. If you can help, either with a donation towards vet care or as a foster or adopter, please contact Elizabeth at AdoptKings@gmail.com ASAP.