Is this pigeon releasable???

[screamingeagle]

Hi, just found a baby pigeon yesterday. Looks to be about 5 weeks old. It couldn't fly, and could only use one leg. Very starved. It's now in my loft (I currently have no pigeons, but will be getting some in a few weeks), and has fresh food/water. Problem: must be a baby just kicked out of the nest; it doesn't know much about pecking for food. So I've been opening the beak and sticking food in, and it's caught on because now it's billing my fingers, and will take a peanut out of them, but won't peck at it on the ground. I've got food scattered, and have been pecking my finger at it, but he/she just hasn't caught on. Seems healthy enough other than that. Leg has no cuts/injuries, might be birth defect. Also noticed middle toe on both feet is feathered (slightly). Could be an inbred bird.

Is there any possibility of releasing this pigeon once it's gained enough weight and able to fly? Or will it be permanetly imprinted with me since I have to hand feed it? I've been keeping my contact as limited as possible.

BTW, as far as the useless leg goes, I have seen several pigeons around here getting along just fine with only one leg, so that's not the part I'm asking about.

Thanks!

Suzanne