Squab found! Please help.

Where are you located? There may be a rehaber or a member in your area that could help you out.

Ohio, West Salem.. I had my parents call a nearby rehab, they won't take it.

Can you have a look at this link

http://www.speedpigeon.com/baby_racing_pigeon.htm and let us know roughly how old you think the baby is?



Cynthia

Maybe 3-5 days.

Thanks. I'm going to try some soaked chick starter

I have a rehabber for you and I will email it you.

I have just emailed you the rehabber's information.

Thank you so much for being such a kind human and saving this little baby. You Rock!

I have another contact if the one I emailed you doesn't work out and I will eamil it to you as well.

Thanks so much. Is it 100% necessary to send it to a rehabber, though? I finally got some Kaytee exact, and I've been feeding it. I can't find a perfect heat source yet though. If it is necessary I will send it.

No it isn't but it would be a good idea to call and talk to them. I can tell you that the proper heat source is critical to the little bird's survival. If he/she isn't kept at the right temperature, the food won't digest and may remain stagnant which can lead to serious problems and even can be fatal.
I'm not saying you can't do it but there is a lot to raising a baby pigeon.

Ok. Well, I am trying not to bring too much attention to the bird right now, I will probably call soon. Thank you so much.

All I want is for this little baby to survive and so it needs to be in the care of whomever can help him/her do that. If you honestly feel you can do the very best job, then do so with my blessings. If you honestly feel you can't, then don't wait before turning the baby over because every day is critical.

Well, I've successfully raised baby mice, a few baby birds (Never this young, usually worm eaters.), and a squirrel.. I have confidence. It is eating well, it's droppings are normal, its warm, and its crop fills and empties very well. I'm going to try on my own. I figured out that it is actually 7-10 days old. I check on it every 2 hours and feed it every 5, 15 mls, Kaytee Exact formula.

This is a thread http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showthread.php?t=8070&referrerid=560was started by someone who knew nothing about pigeons but had rescued two hatchlings, so like you she came to the forum for advice. She raised them successfully. You might find her thread and others by the same member interesting as you are in a similar situation.

Please keep us informed as to your progress.

Cynthia

Yes, do keep us posted.

I'm going to get some pictures soon, and get your opinions on the age. Also, what age can you tell gender, and how? (Probably when fully grown, right?)

I have the bird in a foam cooler, with a head lamp, 100 watts, about a foot above the bird. The bottom has a hand towel in it, and a stuffed duck animal.

I'm still not positive on how much and how often to feed, also.. I have been feeding around every 5 hours.

How I'm feeding is I cut off the tube of the syringe, and he puts his beak in that hole, and sucks the food as I pushthe syringe. I think I'm doing everything right.. I'm pretty positive.

One thing that I am sure of: The squab will live.

Thanks for the update! You certainly sound reassuringly competent as well as caring!

If you are in doubt about how much to feed and how often then let him feed from the syringe until his crop is squishy, like a 3/4 filled balloon. Then wait until it is empty before feeding again. If you weigh him daily you will be able to judge whether he is thriving.

Once we have establsihed how old he is we can advise you on how often the parents would feed him in the wild. We will also be able to tell you how much longer he will need the lamp. What you can do once he is 10 days old is position the lamp in such a way that he can regulate his body temperature by moving closer or further away from the heat.

As for gender, I am afraid the only way that I can tell for sure is when a pigeon shows he is a cock by running around sweeping the floor with his tail or shows she is a hen by laying an egg.

Cynthia

You know...you always can call one of the rehabbers, whose numbers I sent you, and ask questions about feeding and such. Maribeth, at the first number I sent you has some Pigeons and even one that was hand raised, by an individual and so imprinted she was unable to successfully release the bird. She uses him for educational talks. I know she would be happy to answer any questions.