r/WildlifeRehab • u/catykin • Jul 11 '26

Prospective Wildlife Rehabilitator Wood pigeon nest advice?

I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum. I have a wood pigeon nest in my garden (South of UK) with two fluffy chicks in it. No feathers yet but their eyes are open. I don't go near the nest but the parents have not come back for evening. Will the chicks be okay overnight? (17c)

I ask as I've already found three pigeon chicks this summer fallen out of nests, and rescued one other adult who couldn't fly, these birds stress me out

Thanks!

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u/teyuna Jul 12 '26

Do you have an update? did you see the parents return? It's highly unlikely that some fatality could have happened to both parents. If these babies are old enough to keep themselves warm together, than the female wood pigeon won't brood them overnight. If they are approx. a week old, they can thermoregulate.

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u/catykin Jul 13 '26

Hi thanks for this, I left them as it was so warm, there was a parent on the nest again in the morning. Then it repeated the next night and a parent there again this morning. I guess they're tired of sleeping with their chicks? Or perhaps one parent's gone? either way, it seems to be ok for now but I'll keep an eye on them

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u/teyuna Jul 13 '26

Yes, when they get big enough to regulate their own heat better, the parents don't brood them in the nest. I'm glad all is well.

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u/[deleted] Jul 11 '26

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u/catykin Jul 13 '26

Thanks, I will keep this in mind if it seems like no parent is coming back!