Alex And All The Animals

11/08/2026

Squabs, squabs and you guessed it, more squabs!

The amount of pigeons, young, adult and baby that have come into the rescue recently have been nonstop. 2 more came in today after their nest had been destroyed.

The catapulted pigeon has had an x-ray today and it seems like rehabilitation is still on the cards. I was sat in the waiting room trying to not have a panic attack from worrying about the outcome.

The fact this precious creature was targeted in such a barbaric attack in the first place is devastating enough, but for their life to be taken as result would be even more so. This was entirely avoidable and this bird could still be living free if it weren't for catapults.

Every life matters, is precious and deserves to be protected. They are not targets, nor is their pain part of any cruel games.

We're not out of the woods yet, but I hope this little one does survive, is successfully rehabilitated and can be released back into the wild.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and keep everything crossed for them.

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

A huge thank you to The Retreat Animal Rescue for giving some of the pigeons I've recently hand reared a forever home back in the wild where they belong.

They will be safe, have somewhere to live on the grounds, or fly away if they want to. As I said in the previous post, release days make it all worth it after some difficult times recently.

Last night was one of those difficult times. I received a slingshot victim who will be taken to the vet tomorrow to be x-rayed and assessed.

At the moment, it's uncertain if the poor little one's injuries are too severe to be able to be successfully rehabilatated, due to there being a fracture and exposed bone on one of the wings.

Like every rescue that comes in, they will get every possible chance. That being said, even if a bird has survived the intital attack, there's usually long term, unfixable and irreversible damage which sadly results in euthanasia being the only and the kindest option.

As I was sat treating the pigeon, I apologised on behalf of humans and reassured them I was there to help in a soft and calm manner. I know they can't understand me, but I do it anyway.

It breaks my heart. How anyone can look at an innocent creature and want to do them harm is entirely beyond my comprehension.

Be kind to all living beings. It's their first time living too.

If you see anyone selling catapults, slingshots or any similar devices used to deliberately harm animals, report it. If you see anyone using these devices, report it and get video evidence if you can.

Sign the petitions and do your part. We MUST work together to end this barbaric cruelty.

08/08/2026

It has been an insane year for birds this year. There's been at least one dropped off to the rescue every single day.

Some of them have made it, some of them haven't.
Whatever the outcome, release days make it all worth it.

These collard doves came in a few weeks ago after being abandoned by their mother and left in the nest.

I've hand reared them by syringe feeding a special formula made for young birds until they were ready to eat and drink by themselves.

Once they were independent, they were left alone to avoid the risk of imprinting.

Today they were finally ready to go back to the wild where they belong. 🙌🏻

Every release is a victory.

30/07/2026

Pigeon day today! A squab who'd fallen out of the nest was happily reunited back with their sibling. Earlier this afternoon I picked up another squab who'd been abandoned and I'm currently waiting for another young squab to be dropped off, who's mother has sadly passed away. It's all go! 🐦 Sorry for the lack of posts recently and anyone I still need to reply to. I haven't had a chance to update socials. 🙏🏻

23/07/2026

20/07/2026

What a difference a week makes! 🐣

The photo on the left was taken on the 12th of July and the photo on the right was taken exactly a week later on the 19th.

Wendy was brought to me after s/he and their sibling were attacked by another bird. Unfortunately, the other sibling sadly succumbed to the injuries, but Wendy is thriving! Pictured on the left is Wendy with treatment on the head wound sustained.

As mentioned in my previous post, hatchlings (squabs) can double their weight in just the first two days. Within a month, they transform from blind, featherless hatchlings into fully feathered juveniles that are almost the same size as their parents and ready to leave the nest. What incredible little things they are!

18/07/2026

Would you answer? 🤔

17/07/2026

The squabs are thriving and growing up incredibly quick!

Did you know? 💭 Columbidae (the bird family that includes pigeons and doves) have the fastest rate of nestling growth of any birds. A baby pigeon (squab) can double their body size in just the first 2 days of their life.

I'm currently hand rearing 9 of these wonderful little creatures and I'm sure there will be more in soon. 🐣

11/07/2026

"Substrates cause impaction"

It's a statement that's been repeated throughout the reptile hobby for decades. But is it really true?

When many reptile species first became popular in captivity, our understanding of their husbandry was still developing. Since then, we've learned an enormous amount about the importance of appropriate UVB, correct heating and thermal gradients, balanced supplementation, hydration, nutrition, enclosure design and reducing unnecessary stress.

We now know that these factors all play a vital role in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

A healthy reptile, kept with appropriate UVB where required, correct temperatures, suitable supplementation, good hydration, proper nutrition and an environment that allows it to thrive, is well equipped to pass the small amounts of appropriate substrate that may be accidentally ingested during normal feeding or exploration.

In many cases, impaction is a symptom of an underlying husbandry issue, rather than the substrate itself.

Of course, this doesn't mean every substrate is suitable for every species, life stage or enclosure. Choosing the right substrate and using it correctly will always be an essential part of responsible reptile keeping.

As our understanding of reptile care continues to improve, perhaps it's time to move beyond the idea that substrate alone is to blame.

What's your view? Do you think substrates have been unfairly blamed over the years, or do you see it differently? We'd love to hear your thoughts below, and if you found this useful, share it with another reptile keeper.