Found a pigeon fledgling - what to do

PoGee

It was near garden fence and its mum was close by but flew off when it saw me. I've 2 outdoor cats so watched over it for 40 mins waiting for mum to come back but she didn't. Had to bring it indoors as otherwise cats would have eaten it. I've made it a nest hay/cardboard box, waterproofed with black bags and tied it to tree branches. It's resting on a branch.
If the mum doesn't get it (it's a fat wee thing), and it starts to rain, should I bring it indoors? It can be kept in a large rabbit cage until I take it to the SSPCA (if they agree t take it) on Monday. It's been in the tree for 2 hrs now but again, no sign of mum and around 50 crows/ blackbirds screeching in adjacent trees. Would crows eat it? Any advice would be appreciated.

kimwp

I'm not sure if this will be helpful, but I think pigeons are cliff nesters, not tree nesters - their nests will be a couple of sticks- just enough to stop the eggs rolling.

Myci85

Do you have a wildlife rescue near you? They may be happy to take it in. Failing that perhaps put it out tomorrow morning if you're able to help watch for your cats, and see if parents come back or it manages to get flying. 

PoGee

Myci85 said:

Do you have a wildlife rescue near you? They may be happy to take it in. Failing that perhaps put it out tomorrow morning if you're able to help watch for your cats, and see if parents come back or it manages to get flying. 

It was too cold outside so brought it in with the idea that i'll keep the cats in tomorrow and leave the fledgling under a bush. I read that they eat defrosted peas so gave it around 7 of them which it gulped down. Hope I'm not hurting it. I'll see if any wildlife centre is open tomorrow and call for advice.

kimwp

There's some detailed guidance here about feeding, if you haven't seen this website already -

https://www.pigeonrescue.sirtobyservices.com/caring-for-a-baby-pigeon/howtofeed/peasandcorn/

PoGee

Thanks kimwp. Tried feeding it this morning but refused. The balloon thingy is still fullish so think it's got enough in its belly from last night. I've popped it back in the garden with a cage (it's large) over on top waiting to see if its parents will turn up. No joy so far - it's been an hour so think I'll bring it back indoors.

PoGee

That's the fledgling below.

billiepiper14

are you on fb ? I know a big pigeon group on there that will likely have rehabbers nearby

billiepiper14

also beware of offering a drink due to the risk of a painful death from aspiration

PoGee

I've called the local wildlife centre who may be able to take it. Mum came back while junior was in the garden - I'd taken the cage bit off. She didn't feed it, just checked on it and left. It still can't fly despite making efforts and with local cats (over and above my 2), I've had to bring it back in. My ones eat around 2 a year - evidence is usually a multitude of white fluffy and dark thicker feathers 😯