Help wanted on bringing up baby

[Jo_Isaac]

Hello there

I found two baby pigeons last Tuesday (14th Sept) that had fallen out of their nest in the high winds that we'd had. I brought them home and put them in a shoe box with some gerbil bedding for warmth. I think they were about 5 days old then, as their eyes were already open.

Unfortunately the smaller of the two died on Thursday evening, but so far, the other one seems to be ok. I just have a few questions to reassure myself that I am doing all the right things:

1. I am feeding him porridge oats mixed with water and liquidised slightly so it's not too bitty. Is this ok? How much should I give him? I think I overfed him slightly yesterday (he will just carry on and carry on eating until I stop him), so his crop didn't empty completely overnight. Should I stop feeding him until his crop is empty. (is having about 20mls each feed)

2. Also when do I need to think about giving him some seeds. I bought some EMP food today - should I mix this in with the porridge or put it separately in a dish or what?

3. He still lives in the same shoe box, but I have lined it with a tea-towel, then some newspaper, then some kitchen roll. Is this ok? Does he need to have some 'out' time or is it ok to just replace the lid and leave him in between feeds?

Thanks for your help

Jo