Rescued bird

[Bonebreaker777]

Hi

Not sure where to put it, so here I go:

We had 3 days ago a 'thing' caught in the chimney. Initial examination revealed nothing close enough for me to grab and rescue. Once in a while could hear wings flutter. This morning we couldn't stand it any longer (the suffering of what was clearly an animal) undid the fireplace and pulled out a fairly dirty and exhausted but otherwise unharmed pigeon (fairly big too, like a small chicken).

The Mrs is now worried that may not survive the night outside in our garden (despite surviving 3 days in the chimney). Any ideas? We tried to give it water and some food (water in a low bowl and crumbs), but so far no luck.

Should I attempt to put it in a crate and feed it until it is strong enough or ...?

[satrow]

Mmm, squab

Sounds like a young Feral Pigeon, from lost homing/racing stock, reverted to nesting in cavities as their wild brethren, Rock Doves, still do in cliff faces - except the cavity is likely an internal shelf inside your chimney.

I don't think pigeons generally have a very strong parental bond, unless it's placed very close to the original nest, it's very unlikely that it's parents would feed this youngster. Placing it up high (strapping the crate to the chimney?) might work - but it might only place it at greater risk of predation.

As many squab eaters might say "C'est la vie".

[Splash]

stale breadcrumbs, fresh water and release. It may not make it, but it'll certainly not be your fault.

[Bonebreaker777]

All good now. Looks like just needed some rest. Few hours later it flew away. Dirty but lively.