Help needed please - two days ago I received a beautiful white young bird that was rescued from an attack by a dog or fox and was in shock. I got her interested in eating again within 2 hours, and over the past 48 hours she's looking like a pigeon again instead of a ball of white puffed-up fluff, eating merrily, drinking greedily, even interested in test flights - great progress. However just this evening, the back of her head has started to swell up under the feathers into a large ridge about 50% the size of her head. It's sensitive to the touch. I think her cheeks on the sides of her face just below her skull are fuller as well. I transported her tonight for an hour in the car to a conference I'm attending with work so I can continue to care for her - don't know if that made a difference. Has anyone seen this happen before? Should I continue feeding/watering as normal and wait it out, or is it something that needs immediate attention? Many thanks for your help and advice. Tiffani

By Tommakowecki on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 - 07:54 pm: Edit

I am guessing of course but pigeons are as tough as cats...they can heal from amazing injuries. Judging from what you have written...as long as it continues to eat and drink it will continue to improve...if it stops eating or drinking an injection of an antibiotic might help....but I "think" it should be getting better...Good luck!

By Mreyesign on Wednesday, December 12, 2001 - 11:38 pm: Edit

To Tiffany. It could also be what is known as a turn crown. I don't know how old the bird is but, you may find it is nothing more than a ridge of feathers which grow against the grain of the rest, and form a band around the back of the head. If it's eating and drinking it's going to be O.K. Thanks for your trouble.

By Davebooth on Thursday, December 13, 2001 - 12:03 am: Edit

HI TIffani ,do you know if a air sac was puncutered ,this some times causes swelling which is only air buildup under the skin .if this is the problem ,just take a sharp needle and puncture the swelled area and if air comes out the swelling should go down .you may have to do this a couple of times . hope this helps if that is the problem