squeaky needs help!

[sprat605]

I live in an aptment complex in South Dakota. The owners of the apts were bothered by the pigeons and filed for a permit to poison them and I had a nest on my patio.It had two eggs in it and the mom and dad were great parents! The eggs hatched abot 3 weeks ago... about and the chicks were doig great. They were born about 5 days apart. BUT about 2 weeks ago the mom stopped coming and then about 4 days ago the younger one died... I think because Both parents died!!!! So I have started feeding the older one(squeaky) I read on one of the threads on here to use a baby bottle and grind up bird seed and mix with quick oats and warm water. It seems to be doing the trick....YAHOO!! Squeaky is alive and well! BUT I have some questions....

1) How long do I keep feeding him? I have been feeding about 3-4 times a day.

2) When will he start to fly?

3) Do I need to teach him to do anything to help him learn to fly?

4) When he starts to fly will he be old enough to fend for himself?

5) Can I bring him somewhere else to live when he starts to fly? I don't want him to be poisoned!

Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

[Pigeonpal2002]

Hi Sprat, thank you for looking after this youngster and welcome to the forum

It does sound like the building super was sucessful at killing the parents with poison and this could possibly explain why the younger baby died I hope this one continues to do well and didn't get any poison via the parents.

In any case and regarding your questions...You will need to continue to feed him for however long it takes him to learn to peck and eat seeds on his own. At 3 weeks old, he's nearly ready to start eating by himself. So, offer a pigeon feed, dove mix or wild bird seed and show him. Start pecking at the seeds with your finger to stimulate interest in the bird.

He should start practising very soon with his wings, flapping on the spot and "helicoptering". Pigeons fledge at around 35 days old and around this time they are flying. You don't have to teach him anything, it's all instinctive for them When they fledge, they are generally self sufficient and can fly and eat fine on their own but still may beg for food from their father at times.

How is the bird, tame at all, trusting? This could be a deciding factor of whether or not the pigeon should be released back into the wild or if he should be kept permanently in someone's care. Can you keep him if needed? They are lovely animals and become enchanting pets.

[Trees Gray]

Hello and welcome to Pigeon Talk,

Thank you for helpping this lone little survivor.

I'm so sorry your apartment pigeons have become the victims of murder, which the managers/owners are allowed to do legally with a permit. Poison is a horrifying death for those pigeons and any other birds who succumed to the poison lace seed.

If you plan to release him, you should look for a rehabber in your area and see if he can become part of a group release, other youngsters that are fledging, or find a permanent home for him with a rehabber. There may be other wild life care groups available.

I myself would keep the youngster, as life isn't very good for most street pigeons.

You should put a small bath out for him in a warm location and allow him to bathe. The youngsters just love it, and it helps build the powder that is necessary to make them somewhat waterproof in rainy weather.

Here is one resource you might try:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA.htm#il

Here is some release criteria to think about:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=10874

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=11919

[sprat605]

squeaky is doing well today> I took him out to the ground floor today when I took out my dog. He didn't seem to enjoy it at all! Jake, my dog, is very curious as to why this squeaking thing is so important. Jake is a Lab and loves to chase birds... but has been very kind and gentle with squeaky... he gives him tongunge baths and kisses... like "its ok buddy". The babe is not real tame... he still shys away and beeps alot when I come around. He will come to me if I have a bottle for him. But inbetween feedings I leave him out on the porch during the day. Because it is nice and warm outside yet. I have been bringing him in at nites because it is a bit cool out. Not sure if that is right... but it seems to be working. I just put out a bowl of water for him and I think I am going to go to the pet store today to see if they have any formula. Im wondering if that may be more healthy for him? I'm not sure how much of the "soup" that I have been feeding him he is actually eating. Because it is runny it pours on the floor when he stops sucking. So Im thinking maybe something with a bit more body to it will be easier to make sure he is eating enough. He must be doing pretty good.... he seems healthy? How do I find out about a rehabber in my area? I am not sure about being able to keep him for a pet. Can they stay out side? or do they need to be brought in and how about the winters? Just wondering? Thanks for all you guys help!

Jackie

[Trees Gray]

Hi Jackie,

He may be hungry, how much are you feeding him & how often?

Do you keep him in a safe carrier when he is outside by himself?

yes, bring him in if it is cold outside.

Please check the resource provided in my earlier post, if there are none there check this link:

http://www.pigeon-life.net/prd.htm

You should also call local pet stores, avian vet offices and see if they keep a list of rehabbers in the area, that is how I found mine.

[sprat605]

Thank you Treesa.... I just returned home from the pet store and I purchased some "hand feeding formula" by ZuPreem called Embrace and I am going to try the "baggie method" to feed him. Looks less messy and easier to tell if he is acually eating all of it! Wish me luck! I think I will mix in some crushed up seeds to the mix. We'll see how that goes.