A group of 10 pigeon chicks, all at different developmental stages, were discovered abandoned in a layby in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The Scottish SPCA suspects that multiple nests were disturbed by a member of the public who then moved the chicks to the layby location.
Discovery and Rescue
The nestlings were initially taken to a veterinary practice after being found by a passerby. They were later transported to the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross on Friday, May 29. Investigators also found a dead adult pigeon in the layby, but no nearby nests or evidence to indicate the origin of the chicks.
Treatment and Care
Upon examination, the chicks were separated into groups based on their age to ensure they receive appropriate care. They were tube-fed upon arrival, with the smaller birds placed in temperature-controlled incubators. The chicks are now fed three to five times daily with an easy-to-digest hand-feeding formula to support their growth.
Once the chicks are old enough, they will be transferred to an outdoor aviary where they can build flight muscles and develop natural foraging behaviors before eventual release.
Public Advice
Chris Smith, SSPCA wildlife manager at Fishcross, emphasized the vulnerability of nestlings: “A nestling will either be fluffy, sparsely feathered or have no feathers at all. They are too young to survive out of the nest so are highly vulnerable.” Smith advised that if a nestling is found and the nest location is known, the bird can be carefully returned. If the nest location is unknown, a makeshift nest can be created using a small cardboard box lined with moss, grass, and tissue, placed in a bush or tree nearby so the parents can continue feeding it. He also cautioned that well-meaning people often disturb or rescue baby birds unnecessarily.
A Scottish SPCA spokesperson stated: “The group arrived in a box at the animal welfare organisation’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross on 29 May. They were found by a member of the public in Kirkcaldy who initially contacted a local charity for support but they were unable to help. They were then subsequently transported to a vet practice – where they were collected by a Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue Officer.”
