Carmine

On 12/2, I got an email about a baby king pigeon at the Hayward ACC who was suspected to have an injured leg and was at risk of being euthanized. We were fortunate to get the help of a Hayward neo-natal kitten rescuer, Susan, who delivered the baby right to my house.

While here, Susan met baby Gypsy.

And the new baby pigeon, who I named Carmine for his big shouldered, tough guy attitude (despite being only 4 weeks old and incredibly vulnerable) joined baby king Pearl. (Seen below on the left with an improperly bandaged leg just before her return to the vet.) He was very sweet and good with her, unlike Gypsy who hadn't been nice at all (very unusual for a baby pigeon).

His leg (Carmine is on the right) was sore and bruised (likely from being roughly grabbed and handled at the live poultry market) but healed with time and cage rest.

Here my pet dove Lily encourages the baby pigeons to eat their breakfast...

Handsome Carmine...

Carmine was a devoted friend to Pearl and accompanied her to every vet appointment (for her dislocated knee).

And he kept her company as she healed and was able to move out to the aviary.

Carmine is a hard-working bird. He's also attended a number of outreach events to introduce people to the beauty and character of these overlooked and underserved birds.

Below he stands proud for SF Chronicle photographer Doug Duran at the East Bay SPCA's Egg-stravaganza event on 3/31/12.

And has a visit with his special friend Susan.

Carmine is now courting Vivian (seen below on the left). (Pearl took up with an older bachelor in the aviary until she became ill and was brought inside to recuperate.)

Carmine and Vivian are available for adoption. These beautiful, smart, charming birds are domestic and can't survive in the wild. They need an adopter and would love an aviary home.

You can learn more about king pigeons here- Gentle Kings Need Help to Escape Cruel Fate, you can apply to adopt MickaCoo's foster birds here or visit our DONATE page to support the work MickaCoo does to save birds like Carmine.

Thank you.