How to Feed Wild Pigeons

Feeding wild pigeons can be a great way to get these interesting birds to hang around your garden, home or apartment. It may also keep them healthier than they might be and give them a longer life expectancy. There are some things to keep in mind though as you feed wild pigeons.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Realize that you shouldn't feed wild pigeons scraps such as bread crumbs. Most wild bird experts feel that bread offers birds no nutritional value and a constant diet of bread may actually starve birds to death, since they won't be able to get the nutrition they need for survival.
2. Feed your pigeons a mixture of grain products such as corn, sunflowers, sorghum (kafir), and dried peas. These items should not be cooked, though drying these products is fine.
3. Make sure you don't give wild pigeons just one kind of grain or food. Make sure the food you provide has variety in it to help the pigeons be as healthy as possible.
4. Go to your local pet store to purchase a pigeon or dove grain or a mixture of seeds. Wild bird seed is okay, but try to get to get feed specifically tailored to the needs of pigeons.
5. Spread the pigeon feed out onto your deck or grass. You probably won't need to use a hanging feeder since those tend to be made for smaller song bids. Before you know it, you'll have a number of pigeons eating the feed. If you use a deck, be prepared to have to clean it periodically since pigeons can be very messy.
6. Provide a water source for your pigeons such as a bird bath or even a bucket full of clean, fresh water. Pigeons require a great deal of water for survival.

Tips & Warnings

• Since many people consider wild pigeons to be a pest, let your neighbors know you're feeding wild pigeons. In addition, your city may have rules against feeding wild pigeons. Check with your city before you start feeding the pigeons.