pigeon w/bum leg ready for release,need advice!!

[Ridnhi]

Hey Pigeon people,
1st of all I wanted to thank all of you for helping me a couple of weeks ago, when I listed about a pig w/ a bum leg. He is now walking on it, he is definitely feeling much better, eating and drinking a lot, and much more energetic. He is in the bathroom, so I have been letting him out of his cage to stretch his wings. He has gotten quite friendly, I can touch my hand to his chest and he jumps right on. I think he is ready to be released, but I didn't know what the protocol was for this. If anyone could enlighten me on this I would really appreciate it. It there a certain time of day to do it? Also, this is just a regular old feral "feed me in the park" pigeon. What are the odds that he will home here? I have grown fond of the little guy and would love to keep tabs on him. Just a thought, I guess after all of the time and energy spent, I would hate to think I let him loose too soon, or at the wrong time. Sorry for being so long winded.

Thanks again,
Maggie

[Feefo]

Well done!!!

If the pigeon came from a relatively safe place where people feed them and where there is a water supply then I would return him there. I would do it early in the morning so that he has time for orientation and I would bring the flock down for food before doing so, so that he can rejoin his flock immediately.

If he was found in a dangerous area then I would find a soft release spot instead, but I would ensure that there was a flock there for him to join.

If there is a flock that visits your garden then you could try releasing him there.

If he is released on his own with no flock to latch on to he could fly off and would be vulnerable to predators and starvation.

As he has been indoors during his time with you he is unlikely to recognise your place as his home and return there.

Cynthia