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Help!I've got a feral baby 2 weeks old living in a box around 8 feet off the ground. The strangest thing started happening around 3 days ago. The mom hadn't been around much for a day or so .. and the dad was clearly agitated ..pacing around the roof line and he seemed to be calling out for her. The dad was still feeding the baby and the baby looked to be fine.
I finally saw the mother in the nest with the baby and another pigeon in there with them who was not the dad day before yesterday!!!. I thought it was so odd. The mom was feeding the baby and the other black pigeon was pecking at her back and head.  Haven't seen the mom since.Yesterday I was gone most of the day .. I only saw the dad come once that I know of to feed... but I did see the same black pigeon hanging around the roof. When I got up just now the baby was on the ground huddled in a corner, sort of wedged between a potted plant and the house. (I've got a dog pen fence around the area...for safety) And in the box ...was that damned black pigeon!! DId he push the baby out of the nest? and take over the box?? Should I put the baby back in the nest??? UPDATE .. the dad just showed up and once again, seemed very agitated. He appeared to be searching the box and then the baby started squeaking on the ground below. The dad looked down and saw him .. but flew off without feeding him. Last edited by NewPigie; 9th July 2008 at 07:32 AM. 
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Wow - that's a tough one... a little out of my league but let me look around and see who's online that may be able to provide better advice. In the meantime I'd suggest putting the youngster back in the box/nest (assuming the black pigeon is no longer there). Hopefully the dad will come back to feed the little guy. You can try dribbling some water from your fingers onto his beek if you think he might be thirsty. I'm assuming he's not drinking on his own yet.
Other than that - hang on & I'll see if I can find someone to give you better guidance. Thanks for looking out for this little guy 
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Thank you Dez. The dad has come around twice now. He sat in the nest for a few minutes and then ...He even landed on the ground inside the pen ...but didn't feed the baby. The baby isn't moving around much .. he didn't scatter when put my hand up to him. I'm afraid to put him back because I don't want that black pig pushing him out again ...I'm going to give him some water like you suggested.
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I understand how you feel about putting the baby back in the nest. It IS a good sign that the Dad has returned though. I was just reading another thread about a baby piji - I think around the same age as yours. Some of the advice given there may be helpful - http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/f23/fe...uab-27881.html
Especially putting some seed out by the baby - although the baby won't be able to eat seed just yet, the Dad will probably appreciate & enjoy it and make it easier to find the baby too.
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Hello,
At two weeks the baby is too young for his parents to recognise him outside the nest, so the options are to take him inside and have someone raise him by hand, or to return him to the nest and hope that the black pigeon will leave him alone. Cynthia
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...while all the time your dear full-throated pigeons will be heard, and the turtledove high in the elm will never bring her cooing to an end. (Virgil)
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Hey, I'm back..............what it sounds like to me is that Mom has taken up with another pigeon. I don't know how often this happens in the wild feral pigeons, but it does occasionally happen in lofts.
I would be afraid of putting that baby back in the box if the black pigeon is still coming around. Hens usually pick the nesting spot. Well, the males PICK it, but if the lady doesn't like it, he has to go find another spot. It's very possible, and sounds like, Mom has brought another gentleman to her house. Now whether Dad will let him stay or kick his butt, remains to be seen, but you certainly don't want Junior in the midst of any fights that might take place. So..............I would try putting the baby somewhere where Dad can find it and see if he will still continue to feed and take care of it. IF the black pigeon goes away, then put the baby back in the box. IF he stays, Dad will most likely leave and the baby will be abandoned in all likely hood. This is something that you'll have to keep an eye on and see how it goes. Let us know what else takes place. You've got a regular Peyton Place going on there.
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 Renee www.lovebirdsloft.com People have the right to be stupid, but some abuse that privilege. For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. Mark Twain Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes.------ Frieda Norris
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Hi NP.
OK, so if I have it right....there is now NO baby in the nest any longer....the baby has been booted but is safe for the time being on the ground...and the dad is aware of where the baby is, has come down to it.... but has not fed the baby (or at least not that you have observed). Putting seed near the baby is a thought...since the dad would likely come down to eat the seed and perhaps feed the baby. If the baby is 2 weeks old, that's good...he/she is becoming robust enough that they can take a bit of jostling or miss a few meals without perishing. My concerns are: 1) The baby may have been injured in the fall. When the dad isn't there....go to the baby and pick her up...see if you see any signs of anything broken...a limp wing or leg. Also observe if the baby is clear-eyed and alert, or if she is close-eyed and un-energetic. If she tries to scamper away and tries to evade you, that's a good sign. If she is very lethargic, though...that's not a good sign. 2) the baby may be OK, but the dad may be giving up on raising, due to the interloper who aggressively has broken their house. In which case....check the baby's crop (this is below here beak and throat...it's like her stomach which sits in front of her chest/ribs...) If it looks like a little balloon or beanbag...then she is getting fed...you have just not seen it. But if you see no sign that there is any fleshy, puffy sort of "bag" under her chin/blow her throat...then, indeed, the dad has not been feeding her. 3) The ground is not a good place for the baby, even with the dog fence (good thinkin', though). It may keep a dog out...but it won't keep a cat out, or a mouse or rat, or another bird. So you are gonna have to change that location before nightfall.....or the baby may well be killed by another animal. 1) If visibly injured, or acting very listless/lethargic, sleepy-eyed and unalert...you should bring the baby in ASAP....because it is likely sick or injured. 2) If it is alert and his crop shows some signs of food...then that's great. Then the dad hasn't given up on him/her. Then it's a matter of relocating her new 'digs' to a safer place and letting dad keep on keepin' on (if he is willing to deal with another relocation). But you should still get her off the ground and keep observing. 3) If he seems OK but it's crop is empty....then that is something which isn't all that great. The dad may have given up on him....or maybe he's just not feeling safe enough to feed him. The birdie will need food and hydration...at this age they can last w/o it for about a day or two, tops. You can observe for the rest of the day and see if she gets fed at all.... Regardless of all 3 possibilities, regardless of her condition....the birdie shouldn't stay on the ground into the evening. The chances of something getting her is too great. So, even if dad is around, bring her in for the night at least. A small box with a towel liner, maybe a heat pad if you have one (on low) or if not, just keep the box in a warm room (sceen or wire mesh as a top). Drop some seed in the box (somethimng smaller than sunflower, such as safflower or budgie/parakeet mix)...at 2 weeks, sometimes they are beginning to peck at solids. If you see dad in AM, put baby back out there and see if he attends to her or shows interest. Keep us posted. Last edited by Jaye; 9th July 2008 at 10:18 AM.
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Thank you so much for your concern. Considering the circumstances I think I would just take the baby and raise it. The first thing I thought of was perhaps the black pigeon is a female and wants the father.
You have already been given good advice. From your description, the baby is way too young to eat on its own so you will have to feed it. If you have a dog or cat that eats dry dog/cat food, soak some of the pellets in hot water, allow to cool, then break off bits to feed the baby. It will not need any water if you do this. The ideal thing to feed a baby pigeon is Exact hand feeding formula which you can purchase at most any pet store. Just follow the directions on the package only make the formula just a bit more watery than they state. Here are some links that will show you how to feed a baby formula. With the pellets, you simply open the beak and place small pieces towards the back of the throat. In this first one, Cynthia is feeding the pigeon seed but you would do the same with pellets. http://youtube.com/watch?v=uU1SO0ZJoow In this one, Cynthia is feeding the baby Exact by the "balloon" method. http://www.urbanwildlifesociety.org/...j&DuvFeedg.htm This is the Kaytee site which has some good information. I think they mostly show parrots but the same instructions would apply to baby pigeons. http://kaytee.com/companion_animals/birds/hand_feeding/ Again, thank you so much. One last thing - a member suggested putting the baby out during the day to let the dad feed it. This is a good suggestion but you need to make sure you watch in case a cat or other predator tries to hurt the baby, or, if the dad is not feeding it.
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Maggie
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First .. thank you all so much for taking the time to help me out.
I just got back from being out for a bit ... my husband kept an eye on things ... The dad has been hanging VERY close and did come down to eat the seed we put out. I just checked the baby and his crop looks good and full .. and my husband said he was moving around well when his dad was down there. He doesn't appear to be hurt but he wasn't exactly happy about my trying to pick him up ..I thought it was good that he backed away from my hands.  I know the ground seems dangerous but truth is .. this will be our 3rd feral brood in what we refer to as the "gated community" and we haven't had any trouble with intruders. There are several potted plants to hide out behind in that corner. Uno, our first baby was on the ground after jumping out of the flower pot when he was about 3 weeks old. The dad seemed really comfortable feeding him down there and taking him out the opening for flying lessons.
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 The dad has been very vigilant ..He's chased the usual visitors away and is not letting any birds land near the pen or the roof. I have not seen the black (ADULTEROUS) pij since this morning. High drama!
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I'm sure it happens though, more that we would like to think and you just happen to have witnessed it. Now, whether Mom will actually leave or whether Dad will actually let another male take his spot remains to be seen. Either way.......long as the baby is happy and fed, you just got to let the adults do whatever.......it's all about the kids.
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Renee www.lovebirdsloft.com People have the right to be stupid, but some abuse that privilege. For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. Mark Twain Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes.------ Frieda Norris
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Hey...don't rag on Mom...maybe she came from a broken home, too....
I think we may need to get all THREE of them on Dr. Phil (since Jerry Springer is unavailable)...but until then.... It's GREAT news that the lil' one still looks active and not injured and has a full crop. That's excellent. All I can say is...PLEASE do what you can to critter-proof that area. Cats and rodents are awfully wily in their abilities to get where you think they cannot. Keep us posted.
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Ha! I thought this sort of shady sneaky stuff was limited to humans!
It's all about the kids is right! I wish I knew of a safer place to move them .. but I'm in Phoenix and it's so brutally hot and we're getting into our monsoon season too. The shady little corner seems tried and true (or as close as I'll get). Thanks everybody!
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But the most unexpected divorce happened when Jose and Josefina, a match made in heaven, had their first clutch. The babies were not yet 20 days old when Jose moved another hen into the flat next door and Josefina took up with a younger and less disabled pigeon. BTW, on the subject of "Recognition of Young", this is from Feral Pigeons by Richard E Johnston and Marian Janiga, a good but rare (and therefore expensive) book: "Adult feral pigeons do not recognize their own offspring at 10 to 12 days. More than that, the parents are markedly site-specific and will return to the nestsite rather than brood chicks that have been experimentally placed 20 cm to 30 cm from the nest (Angal't 1982)...Adults are capable of recognizing their own young at about the time they fledge and make short exploratory flights (Goodwin 1977; Angal't 1982, Cramp 1985)." If the father is feeding him, it is most probably in response to the chick begging when the father is in the vicinity...in pigeon colonies, orphaned squabs beg from the adults and are often fed. Cynthia
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...while all the time your dear full-throated pigeons will be heard, and the turtledove high in the elm will never bring her cooing to an end. (Virgil)
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