Hоw tо Raise, Feed, and House a Pigeon Chick?

Raising and caring for pigeon chicks can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also requires knowledge and preparation. Unlike wild birds left to nature’s fate, pigeon chicks benefit greatly from human care, especially when orphaned or injured. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know—from feeding tips, housing options, and health care to understanding pigeon behavior and deciding whether to keep or release your feathered friend.

Why Keep and Care for Pigeon Chicks?

Many people simply pass by baby birds, assuming nature will take its course. However, most orphaned or injured bird chicks don’t survive without help. Pigeons, in particular, thrive well under human care and can become affectionate pets or contribute to breeding programs.

Before ordering or accepting pigeons, it’s valuable to research their needs and behaviors. Raising pigeon chicks successfully depends on understanding their diet, housing requirements, and how to encourage natural behaviors.

Housing Your Pigeons

Pigeon housing can vary depending on your goals. Some people keep racing pigeons, others fancy pigeons for shows, and some raise utility pigeons for meat. Each type benefits from specific loft designs.

A typical pigeon loft includes:

Secure building: To protect from predators like cats and hawks.
Floor and nesting boxes: Solid floors are best as wire can harm feet; nesting boxes provide safe breeding areas.
Ventilation: Fresh air circulation prevents respiratory issues.
Landing boards and traps: Pigeons use these to enter and exit safely.
Storage spaces: For feed, grit, and equipment.

Loft size depends on the number of birds you plan to keep. Even if you modify an existing shed or build your own, studying well-designed loft plans is smart.

Understanding Pigeon Behavior and Breeding

Pigeons are social and often form strong pair bonds during mating. Understanding their behavior allows you to customize lofts for comfort and breeding success. For example, males and females preen frequently. Preening is important to control parasites and maintain feather health, so providing clean loft conditions is essential.

Pigeon chicks (called squabs) depend on parents for warmth and feeding. As they grow, they learn to flap wings and eventually fly from the nest at around four weeks old.

General Care for Pigeon Chicks

When raising or rescuing pigeon chicks, it’s important to keep them warm—especially if very young and featherless. Artificial heat sources like red heat bulbs or warm water bottles inside a lined box help maintain comfortable temperatures.

Nest materials can include folded towels or soft blankets placed inside boxes or baskets. The housing area should be quiet, dark, and low-traffic to reduce stress.

Feeding Pigeon Chicks

Pigeon chicks receive a unique food called crop milk from their parents— a nutrient-rich secretion from the lining of the crop. This milk is unlike dairy milk and is vital for their first days of life. If you raise squabs by hand, replicate this diet with commercial hand-rearing formulas mixed to the right consistency and temperature.

Feed 3 to 4 times a day at first. Use a small syringe or spoon to mimic the parents feeding through regurgitation. Begin with thin, watery food similar to skimmed milk and thicken the food over time to a porridge or paste consistency. Avoid feeding bread, worms, or dairy milk, as these can harm babies.

Recognizing Sick or Injured Pigeons

A sick pigeon may puff up feathers, appear weak or limping, or hide from others. Look for watery green droppings or signs of bullying by other birds. Injured pigeons may be bleeding or in shock.

Caring for injuries requires gentle cleaning, warmth, and possibly veterinary treatment for fractures or wounds. Shock can be managed by keeping the bird warm with a wrapped hot water bottle.

Catching and Handling Pigeons Safely

Pigeons are relatively tame and can be gently caught by distracting them with food. Soft cloths or towels work well to cover and safely handle pigeons. Minimizing stress while catching and handling is important to avoid harming the bird.

Helping Fledglings Learn to Fly

Young pigeons leave the nest before fully mastering flight, making them vulnerable. If you find a fledgling on the ground, place it in a sheltered spot nearby to see if parents return to feed it. Feeding and protecting the bird while it gains strength helps ensure survival.

Common Diseases and Preventive Care

Pigeons are susceptible to diseases like Paramexovirus and throat canker, causing symptoms like feather fluffing, imbalance, and lethargy. Good hygiene, clean water, and preventing overcrowding reduce diseases. Birds often recover with rest and supportive care.

Diet for Adult Pigeons

Pigeons eat mostly seeds, but the diet varies based on species and environment. Some species also eat insects, worms, and fruits. Providing fresh water, grit, and a balanced seed mix ensures their health.

Conclusion

Raising, feeding, and housing pigeon chicks can be a fun and fulfilling hobby if done with proper knowledge and care. Understanding their behavior, providing suitable housing, feeding age-appropriate diets, and recognizing health issues are all key to helping these birds grow and thrive. Whether you plan to keep pigeons as pets or raise them for other purposes, this foundation will increase your chances of success and create a rewarding experience with these fascinating birds.

Editorial Team

Hi, There and Welcome to BirdsNews.com, is here to help you learn and care about pet birds. and this blog is a journal of everything I’ve learned.