A simple 'Warm-House' for Squeakers

[pdpbison]

Hi all...!


I have sometimes referred to my method of provideing a simple 'Warm-House' for Squeaker Columbiformes.

As I was taking Tater's warm-house down awhile back, to clean and so on and put the elements away for the next time it is needed, I snapped a couple fast images to show the idea and the form.

See...

http://community.webshots.com/album/512124277uXlSSR


Showing a small Arts-and-Crafts era side Table, with a Box on it's side and the flaps open...inside which is a smaller size Electric Heating pad, and a towell covering it and some non-it area of the Box's bottom, and extending out onto the little Table top.

Inside also I has a little rumpled "U" Shape Towell, but Tater's use of it changed it's casual form.

The ready for laundering but pressed into service for this architecture of Shirt, is draped so that the Collar forms a natural entrance and exit, but of course a light cloth similarly draped would work well also.

Anyway, in case some of you may not know, Squeaker Doves and Pigeons variously tend to quite happily stay 'put' on whatever they construe to be their Nest. Inside I sometimes use a six inch Cake Pan with a soft cloth in it, and then all the poops pretty much will be found outside of it's perimiter. A "U" rumple Towell is ambiguous for them so the poops somewhat occur outside the Box proper with some happgning inside it's boundry.

This arrangement, when they are very little, lets me reach inside to pick them up, or to pull their Nest Pan out with them in it, or, as they get a little older, for me to merely call them for them to come trotting out for chow-time or for me to offer a drink of water.

Too, once ambulating, they will tend to lay about on their sides and so on, day dreaming, napping, preening or just watching things from the Towell part outside the Box, to seek the comforts inside on their own as the mood recommends or typically for their night sleep.

A little larger Table of course if excellent also, especially if one has more than one Baby.

This has worked well for me, and for them, and eventually, they outgrow it and begin to fly on to near by things and to explore and climb and so on, just as they are meant to do.

By then, they are competant self feeders...and endothermic and no longer seek the conforts of the Heating Pad even if it is cold in here.

This may also be used in a pinch for older Birds who are ill or injured, but for them it is prudent to tuck the light drape-front under the Box and over the top to gently constrain them from wandering out, while not excludeing all ambient light, untill some other arrangement may be started for them.

Best wishes for happy Squeakers...!



Phil
Las Vegas

[Trees Gray]

Hi Phil,

Looks simple enough to make, but very effective. I'm sure Tater and other youngsters spent some quality time warming up and resting there.

Thanks for sharing.

[Lin Hansen]

Phil,

Nice set-up, but seeing that shirt draped over the top, gave me a chuckle. The collar is perfect for the entrance/exit and knowing how involved you are with these birds, the draped shirt gives the impression that "you" are always there "hugging" these babies while in their little shelter. Sweet.

Linda

[Lady Tarheel]

Phil, Lin is right. Those little babies probably think "Daddy" is always there to protect them.

Maggie

[TerriB]

Very ingenious and functionally approaches what a parent pigeon would hope to provide for their squeaker. It also provides a wonderful excuse not to iron a shirt - "Sorry, the pigeon's using it."

[pdpbison]

I just wanted to bring this up from the oblivion of being buried SO deep in past pages...! I had a heck of a time finding it!

Love,

Phil
el ve