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Squabs

What a cutie! If it's an ash red, though, it's a male. Sounds like a typical recently-kicked-out baby. He's plenty old enough to be eating on his own, though he'll most likely expect you to feed him!
 
A boy? If so he's the most lovely soft pinky-brown colours. He can't fly yet, hence the horrid child kicking him. I'm away 'til Monday so my youngest boy will be force-feeding him pigeon mix until then. As with the last squabs, when Scruffy is feeding himself and flying around he'll be released.
 
Scruffy's head healed up nicely, I used a cream we usually poke up people's nostrils to combat MRSA, the sore area was soon less inflamed and the new feathers were just starting to grow. He's been driving me mad with timing his flapping and flying practice just as I wanted to sleep after nightshifts, and after an escape proved he really could fly (all around my bedroom), it was time for another release. @7 this morning I took him to the same park I used last time, and he was away to freedom:)
He didn't get as tame as the last squabs, but learnt that banging his feed bowl repeatedly in the morning (again as I was trying to sleep) got it filled quickly
 

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Not at all! I'm back on nights next week and the week after, so knowing my luck I'll find a magpie that needs fostering!
 
I've raised and released quite a few birds over the years, I feel privileged to be able to help when I can. This is the first time I've had so many squabs though, I always keep some ground steak in the freezer for songbirds and I've not had any to raise for a couple of years. Now I'll keep some pigeon peas and poultry corn just in case I get another pigeon or dove.:)
 
those birds are so adorable!!!! too bad you couldn't keep them :(.
I have a parrot and when he is outside with my cats... they feel indifferent looking at him. my cats are like angels! they don't care about my dog nor the parrot, they are just dropped in the grass all day long thinking about nothing.
 
Thanks Daniel, they do get quite tame but I like seeing them flying free and living their lives, pooping on cars! I know they are considered a nuisance where they nest and make a mess, but I like their characters, they way they've escaped from being kept and exploit man's habitats. In some cities here there are now peregrin falcons nesting on tall buildings and living off the feral pigeon flocks, which is great news when the natural habitats of the falcons are under threat from egg collectors and disturbance.
 
Thanks, Nanci, Wade. I've got various spare cages etc cluttering up the top of my wardrobes and the shed, just in case they're needed. Giving the squabs and other birds a chance is great when it works out. I don't live near enough to any rescue centres and have too varied a shift pattern etc to commit to any formal rehab programs. I do have back-up with the boys, especially my youngest, all prepared to hand-feed any waifs and strays if I'm away or on a hectic shift pattern.
 
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