After weeks of preparation the squabs (young pigeons) are finally here!
Arne put the last changes in the pigeon tower loft last week, changing the roof from a flat one to one that can be opened (cut in the middle), for easy access to the birds.
He also installed 2 removable protective boxes to the doors on either side of the loft. These will stay there for the first two weeks, allowing the squabs to have a look outside but preventing them from attempting to fly off before they are ready and used to their new home.
In the morning we installed a small spy cam in the loft. This will allow us to check on our young pigeons, observing their behaviour and making sure they are doing okay.
Jos Voortman arrived at noon with a large wooden box in the boot of his car & a 25kg bag of bird feed. From the box we pulled out four beautiful young pigeons, two sets of siblings, two males and two females.
Jos taught us how to pick them up and hold them, and instructed us on how to take care of them.
Feeding schedule for the first 2 weeks:
- 2 spoonfuls of feed per bird per day. Less if they are not eating all of it, its important not to spoil them and teach them to eat everything and not only the grains they like the most.
- Rinse the water bowl and replace the water every day.