How to release a young Wood Pigeon (1 Viewer)

[sharon long]

Hello everyone i have just joined and would like some advice about a fledged wood pigeon. I was driving into my estate and saw a cat pounce on a wood pigeon so i stopped and got the cat out the way but the pigeon was in severe shock so i took him home and kept him in the hallway with a heater for 12 hours. The next morning he seemed a lot better and later started to eat and seemed anxious to be off but when i let him out he couldn't fly so i assumed the cat had injured him so i took him to the vet and was told he was fine but was a young one probably with parents somewhere (in october?) but said they won't bother with him now and risking putting him back where he came from with at least 6 cats around here they suggested putting him in a large room where he can learn to fly so he is in my garage. He's eating ok but i've not seen him drink yet. My main concern is whether he will survive once i release him, how will he be able to find food if he hasn't been shown by the parents. Could anyone give some advice please Thankyou

 

[delia todd]

Hi Sharon and welcome on behalf of the Staff and Moderators

We have guidelines for you here. Good luck and let us know the outcome please

D

 

[Kits]

Hey Sharon

Welcome to Birdforum! I hope all goes well with the wood pigeon.

 

[a.dancy]

Hi and welcome to birdforum. I hope all goes well.

 

[Mark Bruce]

Hi Sharon, a warm welcome and good to have you with us :t:!

 

[robinm]

Hi and welcome to BirdForum :t:

 

[pauco]

Hi, and welcome to BirdForum from me too.

 

[Fritz73]

Hola Sharon! :hi: Welcome to Birdforum.

 

[sharon long]

Hi all just like to update you on the wood pigeon. He's been in my garage for 6 days now and delighted to say has learned to fly but would only eat if i put food in front of him but the last 2 days he is coming down for the food by himself. Although the garage is a large double garage he cannot interact with other birds so i have put him in the shed although quite small compared to the garage and sort of made it into an aviary and as we have wood pigeons come into the garden i thought by watching them he might learn a few things. I would like to release him soom maybe but worried he won't survive! Will he be able to find food for himself? Will he hopefully stay around here for a while so i can continue to feed him? And being october now is this the wrong time of the year to let him go? Would appreciate any advice please Thankyou Sharon

 

[Raptor 01]

Hello Sharon and welcome to BirdForum.

Geoff. |=)|

 

[Apodemus]

If he's flying, the best thing you can do is release him. Either he'll survive or he won't, but you can't keep him for ever. You did well in saving his life once and it's up to him now.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Mike