Pigeon Food: What Do Pigeons Eat

What Do Pigeons Eat

Pigeon is a domestic bird as well as a pet bird. The simple answer to the question of what do pigeons eat first comes to mind is that pigeons eat seeds and grains. However, pigeons are opportunistic feeders and eat a variety of foods depending on their environment. A complete food list for your pet pigeon is discussed below.

What To Feed Your Baby Pigeon

Right from the moment the pigeons hatch, it is very important to take care of the pigeons and feed them properly. Feeding Schedule:

• 0-7 days old: Feed every 1.5-2.5 hours (no overnight feeding). Use a very thin formula.
• 8-14 days old: Feed every 2-4 hours.
• 14+ days old: Feed every 4-6 hours. Gradually thicken the formula as the baby grows.

At this time the baby pigeon can be fed some homemade food. Here are the home made foods Warm water, Baby cereal or ground oats, A small amount of bird-safe probiotics, Unsweetened applesauce, etc. Moreover, there are many types of food that can be fed to baby pigeons commercially.

Essential Nutrients for Pigeon Food

Pigeons have several essential nutrients in their diet that can be deficient in pigeons. They are Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins and Minerals, Seeds, Grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Insects, Fresh Water, etc. These foods should be added to your pigeon’s diet in moderation for good health.

Small Seed Pigeon Feed

Nuts and seeds are usually a favorite food of pigeon birds. These are essential foods for their good health. Some nuts and seeds for pigeon are here:

• Millet
• Hulled Oats
• Niger Seeds
• Flax Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pine nuts
• Tiger nuts
• Pistachios
• Peanuts

Here are some small seeds for pigeon food:

• Millet
• Canary Seed
• Flaxseed
• Sesame Seeds
• Niger Seed
• sunflower seeds

What Do I Feed A Pigeon

Pigeons should be fed with nutritional quality in mind. Following is a short list of foods that can be fed to pigeons:

• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Fats
• Vitamins and Minerals
• Seeds
• Grains
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Insects
• Fresh Water

What Can Pigeons Eat

Pigeons have a diverse diet and can eat a wide variety of foods, whether they’re wild or domesticated. However, ensuring they receive the right nutrients is key to their health and well-being. This guide breaks down the foods pigeons can safely eat and highlights the ones they should avoid. Pigeon can eat Seeds and Grains, Legumes, Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Commercial Pigeon Feed, Kitchen Scraps (in moderation), Supplements, etc. Toxic foods must be avoided from feeding pigeons. They are Avocado, Chocolate, Caffeine and Alcohol, Salty or Sugary Foods, Milk and Dairy, Raw Beans, Apple Seeds and Fruit Pits, etc.

Do Pigeons Mate For Life

Yes, pigeons are generally monogamous and mate for life, unless separated by death or accident. They are highly praised for their especially loyal behavior. 

Survival Strategy: Monogamy improves the chances of their chicks surviving and guarantees steady parenting.

Efficiency: Pigeons can begin each mating season with the same mate, eliminating the need for a protracted courting.

Compatibility: During nesting and raising chicks, cooperation is easier when the partner is well-known.

How to Feed Young Adult Pigeons Food

Here are some tips for feeding young adult pigeons:

1. Avoid feeding pigeons foods high in salt, sugar or fat, as these can be harmful to their health.
2. Always provide fresh water when feeding pigeons and change the water periodically to attack bacteria.
3. Be sure to add protein and calcium as needed in their diet.
4. Wash fresh food thoroughly to remove any pesticides or contaminants before feeding it to your pigeon.
5. Consult a veterinarian regularly to get a list of the best foods for your pet pigeon and follow his recommendations.

How to Feed a Teenager Pigeon

By teenager pigeon we generally mean pigeons between 21 and 42 days of age. Feeding juvenile pigeons requires care and attention to ensure proper nutrition and growth. Some Tips for feeding a teenager pigeon:

Crop Check: Ensure the crop empties between feedings to avoid sour crop (a fungal infection).

Warmth: Keep the pigeon warm, as cold birds struggle to digest food.

Patience: Some fledglings take time to learn self-feeding. Continue hand-feeding as needed but encourage independence.

Observe Health: Look for signs of illness (lethargy, refusal to eat, or unusual droppings) and consult a vet if necessary.

Can I Feed Cooked Oatmeal Pigeon With Injured Jaw

Yes, you can feed cooked oatmeal to a pigeon with an injured jaw, but you’ll need to prepare it carefully to ensure it’s soft and easy to swallow. Pigeons with jaw injuries may struggle to peck at or chew solid food, so providing a mushy, nutrient-rich diet is essential.

Can Pigeons Eat Bread

Although pigeons can consume bread, it is not the best or most nutrient-dense diet for them. Even though pigeons may be content to nibble at bread, it is deficient in vital nutrients that are necessary for healthy growth and vitality. Pigeons can be fed bread on occasion, but it shouldn’t make up a large portion of their diet.

Can Pigeons Eat Rice

Yes, pigeons can eat rice, and it’s a healthy food for pigeons. Feeding rice to pigeons has many functional benefits. Some of the beneficial aspects of feeding pigeons with rice are:

1. Rice contains a lot of carbohydrates so pigeons should be fed rice for energy.
2. Rice is easily digested so pigeons should be fed rice.
3. Rice does not contain fat so pigeons need to be fed rice as a supplement to a balanced diet.

Do Pigens Eat Bees

No, pigeons generally do not eat bees. A big reason why pigeons don’t eat bees is that pigeons are herbivores. Some species of pigeons want to eat bees but cannot eat bees due to the swiftness of the bees. 

Do Pigeons Eat Insects

Yes, pigeons can eat insects, but it is not a major part of their diet. Pigeons generally prefer to feed on grain at first. However, some pigeons occasionally eat insects. 

Insects that pigeons can eat are: 

• Ants
• Caterpillars
• Small beetles
• Grasshoppers
• Flies
• Worms or larvae

It can be said that birds are very peaceful creatures and they always fascinate us with their behavior. So, As a responsible bird owner, acquiring the necessary knowledge about birds is of course very important. Every bird owner should understand and review accurate information about birds and guide birds properly. Hope we have helped you enough to know pigeon food or what do pigeons eat​. Stay with us to learn about the right bird selection, Birds care, birds nests and all things related to birds. May the relationship between you and your pet become stronger. Follow to learn about the lifespan of pigeon birds.