It's not wet and manky. It just smells bad. Like a rotten fish smell. Rest of the loft is ok. I could maybe put a sprinkle of shavings in next time I check them over.I never swapped out bedding myself. I did clean out once they were out. The smell and sanitation is only a problem for us humans. I do not think it bothers pigeons. Maybe just add some dry bedding a little at a time so they do not resort to mud wrestling.
That is basically the route I follow for every week the squabs age I feel the danger decreases. By the time they are 3+ weeks of age they in most case can survive on their own. I personally will not risk it now I wait until they are able to fend for themselves. My nest boxes are however 2+ square feet or more which does make a difference.
They feel threatened.
This is something I have not noticed, perhaps I need to be more observant...why would they feel threatened?
mine seem quite placid early on, then q lot of squeaking and wing flutters. They squirm when I grab them for banding until they get a firm grip on my finger or are resting safely on the towel, then they are calm. It seems like they need to feel safe from falling at this age when wings are useless. I'll listen for any 'clicks'. 
My first flights with young birds are only about ½ mile from my house every fancier has different methods. Then I always do the second release in the same direction (east) at double the distance when I feel they are ready.
