Page 459 - Hand rearing birds second

Pigeons and Doves 453

Figure 27.5 Basket set up for young pigeons or doves. Note the screened walls, flat perch, deep water
crock, and flat seed dish. Mirrors are helpful for single birds.

continue to develop well. Here again, monitor condition and crop contents to watch for the rare
bird that needs additional attention. See Tables 27.1–27.3 for tips on crucial weights that reflect
developmental milestones in three species.
A crop with seed in it is usually described as feeling like a bean bag. Palpate the crop gently, roll-
ing the skin between two fingers. A bird that is successfully feeding itself will have noticeable seed
in the crop. If it does not, monitor droppings and continue to supplement the bird’s diet with
reduced volumes of formula until the crop is consistently full of seed. If added feedings are neces-
sary, make one of the feedings in the late evening to ensure the bird has enough food to last through
the night.

Preparation for Wild Release

When the bird has been self‐feeding and continuing to gain weight for at least 7 days inside, it can
be transferred to an outside flight cage or aviary (Figure 27.6). Minimum aviary size for
Columbiformes is 12 × 8 × 8 ft. (3.6 × 2.5 × 2.5 m) (Miller 2012). Plywood, fiberglass, or hardware
(wire) cloth can be used for the sides of the cage. Having at least a portion of the ceiling solid allows