A MOTHER from Chester says her family are ‘devastated’ after their pigeon Squidge, who they took in as a baby, escaped from their home on Thursday (April 18).

Wood pigeon Squidge fell from his nest as a hatchling, injuring his wing, and was taken in by Katie and Stuart Browne who hand reared him at their home on Saughall Road, Blacon.

A beloved pet, Squidge had hopped out of their home on Thursday last week as Katie returned home after picking up her son from school at around 4.30pm, but loud noise from nearby roadworks spooked the bird who promptly flew away.

Katie said: “He hopped out the door when we came home from school but then got spooked by the roadworks and noise outside our house. We have wild wood pigeons in a tree on the driveway and as I ran out to catch Squidge the wild ones took flight too. In the chaos we didn't see where he went.”

She added: “We've walked miles looking for him. He can fly but we rescued him as a baby who fell from his nest, and he damaged his wing. It healed but it always sticks up compared to the other and so he looks wonky and twisted when he flies.”

Squidge also has a blue leg ring, which has Katie’s phone number on, and he may have ‘tatty’ looking neck feathers, as a result of some over-preening by his partner, Squodge.

Chester and District Standard: Squidge's partner, Squodge, and their nest which they fill will items from around the house.Squidge's partner, Squodge, and their nest which they fill will items from around the house. (Image: Katie Browne)

Katie said: “We rescued a second pigeon from my husband’s warehouse, and they became a bonded pair. They mate for life.

“She was sitting on eggs - she lays 2 eggs and we swap them for fake eggs as we don't want to breed more - but she's stressed now he's gone and has abandoned the nest.”

Squidge and Squodge share a nest at the family’s home, which they tend with pens and other small items from around the house, instead of twigs.

The family have handed out fliers in the local area and have searched extensively, but so far have not been able to reunite the pair.

They say that they have been left ‘heartbroken’ and are asking for anyone who may have seen the pigeon to contact them as soon as possible.

If you’ve seen Squidge, you can contact Katie on 07766106549.