The chicks have hatched and I have seen them both in the nest feeding from Dad.
Call me soft, or stupid, if you like, but I have a contingency plan in case Mildred leaves the chicks too early over night when there may be a severe frost. I dont want to see the almost fledged squabs freeze over night again.
I have had various ideas ranging from a 75 watt soldering iron fitted into a brick and wedged up under the bird house. I nearly got a heated pet blanket, to fit around the back and under the house. But I have settled on my own version of a substitute mother pigeon.
It consists of a wad of rock wool borrowed from the loft, a 60 watt candle lamp, a pendant lamp fitting and an old sock.
It will be supplied from the shed by my variac. I have found that about 90 volts seems about right and gives a nice warm feel for the squabs to cuddle up to on cold nights.
The plan is to introduce it into the bird house and slowly move it closer to the nest so it is ready to switch on if required.
Mike
Call me soft, or stupid, if you like, but I have a contingency plan in case Mildred leaves the chicks too early over night when there may be a severe frost. I dont want to see the almost fledged squabs freeze over night again.
I have had various ideas ranging from a 75 watt soldering iron fitted into a brick and wedged up under the bird house. I nearly got a heated pet blanket, to fit around the back and under the house. But I have settled on my own version of a substitute mother pigeon.
It consists of a wad of rock wool borrowed from the loft, a 60 watt candle lamp, a pendant lamp fitting and an old sock.
It will be supplied from the shed by my variac. I have found that about 90 volts seems about right and gives a nice warm feel for the squabs to cuddle up to on cold nights.
The plan is to introduce it into the bird house and slowly move it closer to the nest so it is ready to switch on if required.
Mike
