Soft release (SR)

Hey everyone. I have been researching SR. I've read Matilda's link in resources also, but I'm still in a dilemma. I may be adopting 2 young ferals that are releasable, but they are coming from a warmer climate than it is here. May be 20 to 25 degree difference. I think they have been housed indoors since their rescue to. I know imprinting is a concern, but could their release wait until spring? Thanks ahead for any help. Naunnie

Imprinting in pigeons is specific to the person, not to humans in general. Pigeon who would eat from my hand, will not allow any other person near him and these birds are very good in recognizing human faces.
I would wait for spring.

Waiting until Spring would give them the very best chance of survival.

Will you release them at your property?

Plamenh, thanks whew! That is good to know. I do tend to spoil!

Matilda, I wish I could release them here, but there are no feral flocks. I've never seen any pigeons in my area. I do question this though. My son lives in another small town about 10 miles away. His house is inside city limits. It's an old neighborhood with a lot of huge trees. We counted 12 pecans just in his yard! Anyway, he told me they have a lot of pigeons and doves that come feed under their bird feeders. So I'm thinking this might be a good place. Skyler and Jessa are more than willing to assist and will always provide food and water. We have about a week to survey the towns "feel" for pigeons. I'm going to town hall Mon. to see if they have any eradication programs. :eek: I 'm all for waiting on Spring to.

I've done several soft releases, but our circumstances are different.
I've never had problems with overprinting, as even spoiled birds will spend progressively more time with the backyard flock, and eventually they go off and do their own thing. It will be different for your birds if you are releasing them quite far away, because they won't have that extra security of being released into a familiar environment, joining familiar birds, or being able to return 'home' now and again for reassurance. So it might be best not to encourage them to be too dependant on you, it's safer for them.
Given the temperature differences, I think you're quite right considering keeping them in till Spring, especially as they are young.

Thanks Teresa, I am so new to all this...any and all information I can get is appreciated. I'm willing to adopt, but release will not happen until spring!! I'm convinced!