Pigeon rescued after being found covered in vegetable oil

A pigeon that had an oily mishap has been given a much-needed bath.

The adult bird was found in Ilfracombe harbour in Devon, England, with his feathers covered in vegetable oil.

Oil can be incredibly damaging to birds as it affects their plumage and their ability to stay warm and dry.

The pigeon was taken to the RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton, Somerset and given a wash and brush up.

Staff used normal washing-up liquid and warm water to help remove the sticky oil from the feathers of the wild bird.

The poorly pigeon was admitted to the centre on September 17 and has been given a number of baths to clean him up and bring him back to full health.

RSPCA veterinary nurse Natalie Stahl said: “This poor pigeon has really been through the wars. He was found in the water at Ilfracombe harbour covered in a thick layer of cooking oil from head to toe.

“Luckily apart from the thick coating on his feathers and appearing thin he seems quite well. After a few washes and some TLC he is now is eating and is bright so we are hoping that he is well on the road to recovery.

“He is looking much better and seems much happier now that he is cleaner. We are hoping he makes a full recovery so we can release him back into the wild in the coming weeks.”