How to Feed Homing Pigeons

Raising homing pigeons is an interesting hobby that teaches kids about animal care and raising young. Homing pigeons can do everything from carry messages to race and don't require much work. Just be sure you're feeding your homing pigeons the correct diet.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Give your homing pigeons a mix of grains. You can buy premixed sacks from any local feed store in a range of sizes. This mixture should contain at least 13 percent protein.

2. Buy pellets for mating homing pigeons as they are easier for the young pigeons to digest when given by their parents.

3. Provide your homing pigeons with grit. This gives them access to minerals salts and calcium that they need. This is especially important when parents are raising their young.

4. Add more protein to the feeding mix during mating season. Homing pigeons in season need 18 to 20 percent protein in their mix to grow new feathers and produce eggs. Racing homing pigeons also need 18 to 20 percent protein.

5. Provide homing pigeons with clean water while they are feeding. Pigeons need water to be at least an inch and a half deep in order to drink it. Cleaning out the waterer at least once a week is a must.

6. Feed your homing pigeons only what they will eat in 10 minutes. If they are leaving pieces of food, you're probably feeding them too much.

Tips & Warnings

• Never allow pigeons to leave food on the floor or other areas. This food will quickly become moldy and can lead to many diseases.