How to Hand-Feed Pigeons

Pigeons will often walk right up to you to feed.

Some people refer to pigeons as "rats with wings" because of pigeons' ability to endure and prosper in dirty, urban environments. Pigeons are often undeserving of the disdain with which many people view them. Pigeons are very willing and indiscriminate feeders. In fact, feeding pigeons is a wonderful way to connect with the animal kingdom. And, feeding pigeons by hand is quite easy once you gain their trust. Sometimes, however, the only way to feed pigeons is by hand because the pigeons either lost their mother and have no way to feed on their own or they are too ill to feed themselves.

Things You'll Need

• Syringe
• Tubing (1/8 inch in diameter, 4 to 6 inches in length)
• Hand-feeding formula

Instructions

1. Attach tubing to the end of the syringe. Use tubing that is 1/8 inch in diameter and 4 to 6 inches in length. Tubing of this diameter will be able to snugly fit around the portion of the syringe that the needle fits into. You can either leave the needle on or break it off for safety.

2. Insert the hand-feeding formula into the syringe. Hand-feeding formula is a special food designed specifically for young or ill birds.

3. 

   Let the pigeon perch itself on your hand with its feet.

   Pick up the pigeon gently below the chest and place it in your non-dominant hand. The pigeon will then perch onto your hand or fingers.

4. Raise the tubing up to the pigeon's mouth. When the pigeon opens its mouth, slowly press down on the moving portion of the syringe to insert the food into the pigeon's mouth. If the pigeon turns away or closes its mouth, then you will know that the pigeon's mouth is full.

5. Feed the pigeons three times a day for a total of about 25 grams of hand-feeding formula. Give them their largest feeding in the morning and reduce the amount that you feed them for lunch and dinner.

Tips & Warnings

• Give all your feedings at the same times each day to develop a routine that the pigeon's can rely on.

• Fish tank tubing is ideal because it pliable yet ultra resistant to cracking or breaking. It also helps keep bacteria and germs out of the food.

• You can purchase hand-feeding formula from your veterinarian or a pet supply store.

• Do not overfeed the pigeons, especially if they are very young. The moisture in the feed will cause their lungs to aspirate and they will likely die.

• Never grab a pigeon by the head.

References

• WWings Aviary: Hand Feeding
• Tailfeathers Network: Hand Feeding Your Regressed Bird

Resources

• Pigeon Cote: Info