How to Rear Pigeons

Pigeons have been reared for thousands of years by multiple cultures.

For thousands of years people have bred pigeons. Centuries ago, breeders came from all levels of society, from peasants to emperors. Today, all kinds of people continue to participate in this activity. Rearing pigeons may not be for everyone, but for those who love them, these birds are easy to please, especially when their basic needs are fulfilled. However, rearing pigeons requires following a well-organized regimen.

Things You'll Need

• Pigeon feed and supplements
• Large box
• Water bowls
• Feeding tube
• Paper bags
• Heat lamps
• Color correct fluid
• Absorbent towels

Instructions

1. Weigh the young pigeons (also called squabs) frequently in order to measure growth. Balance the amount of handling to prevent overly stressing the the chicks. Provide squabs with a supplementary fluid to prevent dehydration. Place squabs inside a cardboard box.

2. Design an artificial nest from a round container, such as plastic tube lined with paper towels. Place the nest in a large box and cover the floor with pine needles or absorbent paper. Allow light into the habitat with a net cover. Maintain a maximum temperature of 95 degrees using a heat lamp. Make sure the ventilation within the box is sufficient.

3. Monitor the progress of each bird with identification markers such as color-marked feathers or a lightweight leg band for larger birds.

4. Provide young pigeons with the appropriate feed containing a mix of 13-percent protein. Feed young birds a canary-rearing food such as whole grain or pellet mix. Supplement the diet once a week with pigeon grit consisting of salt, calcium and minerals.

5. Hand-feed the young squabs if necessary. Place food in a plastic tube or a paper bag. Punch a hole in the side the bag large enough to accommodate the beak of the young pigeon. The squab should be able to suck the food out the bag's side or the opening of the plastic tube. Open its beak to place food inside its mouth, if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid disease, provide your pigeons with clean water and food as well as dry living conditions. Disease problems occur when permanent dampness, such as leaky water containers or soggy-floors due to poor design, are an issue. Overlooking such conditions could cause a pigeon's sickness and death.

• During breeding seasons, give your pigeons feed containing 18- to 20-percent protein.

• Before hand-rearing wild squab, make sure they are orphaned, injured or unable to take care of themselves. Hand-rearing will take considerable time and effort. Feeding must be done every 30 minutes. Moreover, In order to protect your own health, you must think about getting vaccinated against Pigeon Parmyxovirus-1(PMV). Frequently feeding young pigeons by hand can damage their the beaks.

References

• Widelifeinformation: Hand Rearing Pigeons and Doves
• Angelfire: Basic Pigeon Care Information, Mosca, Frank