Diet for Pigeons

Simple grains are essential in a pigeon's diet.

Pigeons are no strangers to people, and chances are if you live in a big city you've seen your fair share of these birds. Although pigeons can run free in the wild, they can also be pets and are easy to feed. If you have a pigeon or live near some you'd like to feed, learn what they need to eat in order to stay healthy.

Commercial Feed

You can usually find commercially manufactured pigeon food at most pet-supply stores relatively inexpensively. These foods are usually made of simple grains, which are essential in a pigeon's diet. Pigeons will eat wheat grains, rice, corn and peas, to name a few.

Homemade Feed

Homemade feed is another option for feeding your pet pigeon. Grains should be the main part of the diet, so throw in corn, dried peas or brown rice for a simple mix. For minerals you'll also want to add greens, like spinach, into the feed. The important thing to remember with homemade mix is not to cook it; pigeons eat their food raw and dry.

Treats

Like any other pet, pigeons enjoy the occasional snack or treat between meals. For this you can give your pigeon a piece of whole-grain bread. You can also try various dried fruits such as berries or raisins. Try to limit the amount of snacking you allow your pigeon to do to once every other day.

Hydration

Water is integral to your pigeon's well-being. Always ensure that you have a small dish of fresh water for your pigeon around the clock. Make sure the bowl is not too small, but small enough so your pigeon cannot mistake it for a bathing area and jump in. Change the water two to three times a day for freshness and to avoid germs and bacteria from generating.

Amount

The amount you feed your pigeon can be tricky, but it's important not to overfeed these birds. Generally, you'll want to fill your pigeon's feeding bowl with about half a cup of feed twice daily. If he eats the whole bowl quickly (in around five minutes), add a little more food; you can eventually find the right amount to feed your pigeon based on how fast and how much she eats. Also talk to your veterinarian about how much, and what, you are feeding your pigeon. Your vet can give you advice based on your pet's individual needs.

References

• Animal World
• Humane Society of the United States