While many people have parrots as pets, very few have pigeons. Kail Marie is now one of the rare people with a pigeon living inside her home, and all parties involved could not be happier.
Marie’s relationship with the baby pigeon began years ago when she saved the bird. Saving birds come naturally to Marie, who actually runs a rescue called Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary in Kansas.
Marie’s relationship with the pigeon began five years ago.
Since Marie runs Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary, it is normal for people to bring orphaned or injured birds to her. Someone found a baby pigeon alone instead of in a nest, where she would be safe and secure.
Marie had no problem helping the pigeon, who is named “Solomah,” get the nutrition and socialization she needed. After getting strong enough, Solomah went to Marie’s barn, where other feral pigeons live.
For five years, Solomah enjoyed her time in the barn with other pigeons without a single complaint.
Recently, Solomah decided to make her way inside, regardless of what Marie thought.
There is no way to ask the pigeon why she decided to move inside, but Marie feels that Solomah’s change of heart was likely due to a hawk beginning to circle the barn. She likely felt threatened.
One day, Solomah just flew right in the front door when she got home. Since that day, Solomah has made it clear that she will remain an indoor bird and has not left the house.
Solomah is now just another family member, following Marie around the house for most of the day.
It is a good thing Marie gets along well with birds since with Solomah living inside the house, Marie has no chance of privacy. There are days where the pigeon will wake Marie up in the morning and then follow her around.
Solomah has even followed her into the bathroom to keep Marie company while she showers. Marie has no problem with Solomah’s decision to remain joined to her hip – she has always loved birds.
Before letting Solomah stay inside permanently, Marie made a vet appointment.
Due to her experience with wild birds, Marie understands the importance of veterinary visits, especially before a pigeon becomes an indoor animal. Marie confirmed with her vet that it was safe for Solomah to stay inside – for Solomah, Marie, and her family.
The vet took some precautions, such as placing Solomah in quarantine until the test results from her blood work came back. Everything was clear, so now, Solomah gets to enjoy the life of luxury as a house pigeon.
Solomah has already settled into the new house.
She has already bonded with Marie and her family, enjoying her time indoors. Solomah acts as if she has always lived indoors and shows zero interest in going outside.
Solomah has also discovered plenty of great perches inside, include the edge of an open laptop, a cabinet, a ceiling fan, and plenty of others. With these places to perch, Solomah can have a view of the entire home whenever the urge strikes.
Marie has loved birds of all varieties since she was a small child.
Marie currently runs a parrot sanctuary, but pigeons have a soft spot in her heart. According to Marie, pigeons were actually her first “bird love.” It began when she was a kid and she would go with her grandma into the city and feed wild pigeons.
Marie still looks back on those moments feeding pigeons with her grandma as some of her fondest memories.
Marie’s early love of birds and other animals led her to major in biology and become a zookeeper following graduation.
She spent 15 years as a zookeeper, helping numerous animals recover from various injuries and getting her hand bones broken in the process. Facing challenges like broken bones only inspired Marie to continue on her path. She became even more determined to help animals receive care and find homes.
Marie also gives back to human members of the community, counseling disabled adults in an independent living center program.
This is not the first time Marie has made headlines for helping birds in need.
About two and a half years ago, she saved two pigeons from euthanasia. The pigeons were considered too injured to go back to the wild, so they were going to be euthanized. Instead, a friend brought them to Marie. They now live in the barn where Solomah stayed before becoming an indoor pigeon.
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The barn babies
Posted by Tallgrass Parrot Sanctuary, Inc on Tuesday, October 2, 2018
