I love my pigeon babies. Need advice.

[ruffian]

Hello everyone,

Two adult pigeons nested on our balcony on May 29 with the first of two adorable babies hatching on June 20, the other on June 22. I apologize if they are not called "babies" but I am not well-versed in pigeon lingo. Perhaps they're "chicks".

At any rate, I fell madly in love with Lucy and Ricky, the parents, and enjoyed watching them tend to their nest. They nested right under my container tomato plant and never seemed to mind my watering the plants and flowers out there. It is no surprise then that I fell even more in love with the two little babies. I named them Chester and Frankie. Last Saturday, July 19, they made their first flight. Chester came back within an hour and rested the remainder of the day. Frankie, however, did not come back until late Sunday night. I was sick with worry.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night they came back to sleep in the tomato plant and I rested easy as well knowing they were safe and "at home". Last night, however, they did not come back at all. I'm worried. This is my first experience with feral pigeons, or any pigeons for that matter! Is this normal that they leave the nest so soon? By leaving the nest I mean they did not come back last night. Am I jumping the gun and worried for no reason? Will they come back to rest at night?

Please let me know what's normal or not. I know all pigeons are different and this is most likely an impossible question, but what have other people experienced? Should I leave pigeon food out during the day? I don't do this right now.

I appreciate, in advance, your assistance. Take care,
Worried "pigeon human-mom" in NE".

Sounds to me that they have graduated into another phase of their life. Typically they don't stay at the nest after this much time. They are flying and will now venture into another phase of their life. And in several months, they will be building thier own nest.

It doesn't mean they are gone forever. If you put seed out for them, they will most likely visit you everyday. I'm sure they are close by. I fed ferals for four years at my old place and i would see the same ones everytime and sometimes, they'd bring friends.

Hey, if you ever want a pet pigeon, this is the place to ask for help!

[Feefo]

But since they found such a good nesting site the parents will probably soon be back to start another brood!

BTW baby pigeons are called squabs, but I still call them babies


This is a site that you will enjoy.
http://www.pidgie.care4free.net/pphome.htm

Cynthia

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All beings are fond of themselves, they like pleasure, they hate pain, they shun destruction, they like life and want to live long. To all, life is dear; hence their life should be protected.

-Mahavira

I have a hard time too with technical names, squabs, hens, cocks, etc.. I prefer to call them babies too...because that's what they are.