Emergency..need some help.

[matcho]

Okay

Here is the story,


Have been out, had a couple of frothy coffees, tonight is garbage night, front door open. Next thing I know down the hallway into the living room is a spotted dove squab. Think the local alley cats may have stirred it up. It is healthy as all buggery. I have put into a small carry cage and covered it up to sleep. Reckon tomorrow morning, on dawn I might put it out into the front garden in the bush, the cats will be gone by then. Am I doing the right thing? I have a pair of spotted doves that I feed every morning after doing the finch feed so I think that it is their offspring. I will watch but if it turn to s..t what do I need to help along? I have plenty of space in cages etc, etc.

Ken.

[matcho]

Just had a rethink,

I will take the squab out of the carry cage at dawn and put it into a wire budgie cage right where I feed the pair of doves every morning. They come like clockwork. If there is any reaction from them then all is good. If not... what do I need to do?

Ken.

[jonno0383]

You're going to want to feed it before putting it out otherwise it may not make it through the day. Being a pest species re releasing it is not the best option but the least effort. Also having gone the whole night without their young there is a good chance the parents may not take it back. How developed is it?

[matcho]

Jonno,

I came in well after dark, about 8.30 or so, so it was well into the night thing. I have just given it some water by syringe just to be sure. I think the time frame is good in regards to food. Dawn will tell the story if the pair dont feed then I will try and do my best.

Ken.

[jonno0383]

If it's past the 1 week of age a basic hand-rearing formula for granivores will suffice. It's in the early stages that the crop milk is of utmost importance. If they only lost it after dark it may be alright. time will tell. best of luck

[matcho]

Fully fledged, and can fly quite well.

Hopefully it will go well

Ken.

[finchbreeder]

If fully fledged, the odds are pretty good if it is the offspring of your "regular visitors" that it will go and bug them for food.
LML

[matcho]

All good, happy family reunion. Then up, up and away.

[finchbreeder]

Nice to hear, even if they are not natives.
LML

[gomer]

Nice !! glad everything went well and a happy reunion.