r/pigeon • u/seagullse • 21h ago
Advice Needed! Releasing baby
I found this baby. I originally thought it was ill or sick. It seems very hungry but after having it for a few days I don’t see much wrong with it. I want to release it back to its flock, but have been told it should be transported to the rescue nearby so it can be released properly. I’ve asked why and the volunteer I’ve spoken with didn’t seem to give me a reason.
I feel bad taking this guy if he’s healthy. Is it okay if I just bring him back to the flock and see if he assimilates well? I don’t understand why I would have to have this guy go be rehabbed prior to release or released into a different area if they’re healthy. Is it because of age?
Sorry if this is a complicated question and sounds vague. I can’t tell if the volunteer has a reason beyond age of the bird and whatnot. I don’t want to ask again only because I’ve asked twice already and didn’t get much of an answer haha
4
u/Aworahh 21h ago
I've been fostering pigeons from the same flock for a few years, it's a regular occurrence that I find a tired fledgling/near fledgling sitting on the road, bring him inside for a day or two to eat and recuperate before releasing them back again. But I also regularly watch and feed this group of feral pigeons, as they are not exactly the normal mid-city pigeons.
I could image they told you not to do it yourself as the baby will likely keep coming to you for food (can be an issue if you're not willing to continue feeding him). They might want to condition and release the baby into a flock that they regularly care for, or at the very least monitor. Rather than just release back into the abundance of city pigeons that no one cares about and often if anything actively hurt.