Quick question on release

I have these 2 PMV pigeons that have been inside since mid-February, Mocha and Phoenix, that are good to go now, but as far as getting them acclaimated to the outdoors again, how long should I put them in my outdoor transition cage that can be wheeled into the garage for the first few nights, if necessary? Or is it not any big deal, and they could go straight out?

The weather here (Spokane Washington) is spring-like, not summer yet, so it's still a little chilly at night, not freezing or anything. And they'll be going back to their old wild flock.

What's your advice on this, anyone?

Thanks,
Stacey

[dano7]

If they functioned as adults previously out in the world, they will take up the wilder life without a hitch if they are fit. It might be kind to let them see the sky a day or two prior.

One consideration is where to release them. If you release them from home, you might see them again. If they had a good habitat before they will be well oriented if you release them where they come from, but they will not likely know the way to your house.

[Feefo]

Hi Stacey,

Have you been misting them or providing a bath to ensure they retained their waterproofing?

I put mine last 2 releases in the outdoor aviary for a week before release. That was they had assured shelter and food while they readjusted to outside temperatures.


Cynthia

Cynthia, what I have as a transition cage is a large 3x4x4 foot wire mesh deal on wheels about 2 feet off the ground, with a covered roof. I put the juveniles in there for a few weeks before release, and I just visited them at this same flock I'll be releasing these guys back to and they were flying with the group! Even though they still have 3-4 flight feathers missing out of their wings it doesn't seem to hinder them at all. I'm thinking since the weather is so weird here this time of year, it'd be nice to let them get re-acclaimated, plus they just gave up on their old nest and already busying themselves with a new one. They will be released back to their original flock. So they'll be happy about that I'm sure!

Thanks,
Stacey

[Feefo]

Hi Stacey,

I am certain that they will be delighted to return to their flock! I am going to have to do some releases myself, but I worry so much about the food situation. I saw 50 pigeons from the flock I feed every day fighting over a single piece of dry bread! That distresses me so much! I have to remind myself that being hungry doesn't mean they are starving to death, and that they all got some good seed afterwards, but I wish I were more confident of their ability to find sufficient food on their own.

Cynthia

I give them a pan of water in their apartment all the time and they're so cute, both of them laying down in it together. The little husband and wife taking their bath together!

Right now, they've given up on this nest and they're both sitting on perches looking out the window longingly. So, I better get that cage cleaned and ready to go!

Stacey