Dr. Pimple Popper for Pigeons?

Quick Take

• The abscess on this pigeon's face could be one of several very different conditions, and figuring out which one matters more than you'd think. Explore the possible causes →
• Urban pigeons face a surprisingly specific set of risks that make facial abscesses like this one more common than most people realize. See urban pigeon risks →
• Removing an abscess this close to the eye is tricky, and whether the pigeon fully recovers hinges on one critical factor. See the removal details →
• The pigeon's immediate reaction after the removal hints at just how much that small mass was affecting it. Watch the pigeon's reaction →

Many people have gone down the pimple-popping rabbit hole online. Whether you like the videos or not, it’s hard to deny how satisfying they are. But did you know that some animals may need their own pimples popped? This YouTube Short by @sami_loft shows a pigeon having some sort of abscess removed from around its eye, seemingly bringing quick relief to the bird. Read here to learn more about this video.

Bird Receives Relief From Facial Abscess

The video above is certainly a strange one. A pigeon has an abscess on its face, located just below its eye. While the pigeon appears otherwise healthy, the abscess is clearly causing it discomfort. Thankfully, the person handling the pigeon skillfully and quickly removes the abscess. The pigeon appears to experience immediate relief, as it begins blinking frequently.

Since the video doesn’t explicitly state what the abscess is, many viewers were left curious about its nature. Some theories suggest it could be a simple abscess, a canker, or even pigeon pox. While we can’t say for certain what it is, it likely caused discomfort. Abscesses around the eye can interfere with vision and blinking, leading to pain and inflammation. Because pigeons—especially those in urban environments—are often exposed to harsh conditions, abscesses like these are not uncommon.

Thankfully for the pigeon in the video, the abscess was removed quickly and cleanly. The mass appeared to be removed cleanly, which may improve the pigeon’s chances of healing without complications. Recovery and healing, especially near the eye, can be challenging. This sensitive area requires extra care after treatment to ensure proper healing and prevent infection. Since the pigeon’s eye appeared relatively healthy despite the abscess, and given that the abscess was completely removed, it is likely the pigeon will make a full recovery. However, if the abscess or lesion was caused by a virus, additional care will be necessary.