Young pigeons, also known as squabs, require special care and feeding in their first few weeks of life. As baby birds, squabs have very specific nutritional needs that must be met for them to grow and thrive. In the wild, parent pigeons feed their babies “pigeon milk” which is produced in their crops. However, when raising domesticated or rescued young pigeons yourself, you’ll need to provide an appropriate substitute diet. Read on to learn what and how to feed very young pigeons.
What do baby pigeons eat in the wild?
Baby pigeons are called squabs and are completely dependent on their parents for food and care in their first weeks of life. In the wild, parent pigeons produce a special substance called crop milk which they regurgitate directly into their babies’ mouths. Pigeon milk contains essential proteins, fats, and immune factors that help squabs grow and develop. It is high in protein and fat compared to the seeds and grains adult pigeons eat. Without this nutrient-rich crop milk, squabs would not survive.
Wild parent pigeons also gradually introduce seeds, fruits, greens, and insects into their babies’ diet as they grow. By two to three weeks of age, squabs are eating mostly solid food from their parents while still receiving some crop milk. By four weeks old, they are completely weaned onto the adult seed and plant diet.
What to feed very young squabs
When hand-raising domesticated pet pigeons or caring for rescued feral squabs, you will need to provide an appropriate substitute for pigeon milk. Very young squabs have sensitive digestive systems and must be fed slowly and carefully. Here are some guidelines:
Weeks 1-2
For the first week or two of life, squabs should be fed a formula specifically designed for baby pigeons. This can be purchased online or from pet stores. Mix and warm the formula according to package directions and use a small syringe without a needle to slowly feed each squab. Gently open the beak and place a few drops of formula at a time into the back of the mouth. Feed very young squabs every 2-3 hours.
Do not feed cow’s milk, soy milk, or other mammal milk – this can cause diarrhea and dehydration in pigeons. Stick to a reliable commercial squab formula.
Weeks 2-4
As squabs grow past two weeks old, they can be gradually transitioned to a mixed diet of hand feeding formula and solid foods. Here are some healthy options to introduce:
- Small seeds such as millet, safflower, hemp
- Cooked rice or whole grains
- Chopped greens like kale, spinach, lettuce
- Chopped hard boiled egg
- Pigeon pellets or crumbles
Moisten any dry food with formula to create a mushy consistency that squabs can swallow easily. Feed every 2-4 hours, allowing crops to empty in between feedings. Weigh squabs daily and adjust feeding amount based on weight gain. Healthy squabs will steadily gain weight each day.
Weeks 4-Weaning
By four weeks old, squabs can be fed larger seeds, pellets, and greens. Mix their diet with water instead of formula now. Weaning is complete when squabs can peck and eat independently, usually by 5-6 weeks old. Provide a deep dish of food and fresh water for them to practice self-feeding.
Monitor for normal weight gain and watch the consistency of droppings to ensure the diet is digesting properly. Adjust diet gradually if squabs develop diarrhea. Vary the diet for complete nutrition.
Transitioning to independence
Raising squabs to independence requires carefully tracking weight gain and changes in diet. Here are some tips:
- Weigh daily – target 10-20% weight gain daily
- Adjust formula or food amount based on weight changes
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals for young squabs
- Gradually introduce new foods from weeks 2-4
- Shift to mostly solid food by 4 weeks old
- Provide deep dish of varied food and fresh water at 4-5 weeks for self-feeding practice
- Monitor dropping consistency and adjust diet if diarrhea develops
- Weaning complete when squab can self-feed independently, around 5-6 weeks old
With attentive feeding and daily monitoring of weight and health, rescue squabs can grow into thriving juvenile pigeons ready for release or a healthy life as a pet. Pay close attention to their unique nutritional needs in those critical first weeks of life.
Common feeding-related health issues in squabs
Caring for a baby pigeon is a big responsibility. Without proper nutrition and care in their earliest weeks, squabs can easily develop health issues. Here are some common feeding-related problems:
Malnutrition
If squabs are not fed enough protein and calories or are fed an inappropriate diet, they may fail to grow and gain weight normally. Signs of malnutrition include lack of weight gain or weight loss, lethargy, weakness, and poor feathering. Ensure squabs are eating an adequate amount of the right foods at each stage of development.
Crop Stasis
The crop is the expandable pouch where pigeons store and soften food before digesting it. Squabs fed too much formula or inappropriate foods can end up with a blocked, stretched out crop that does not empty properly. This crop stasis can lead to sour crop if food sits and ferments. Signs include a swollen crop and regurgitation of smelly, undigested formula. Correct diet and smaller, more frequent feeds can resolve crop stasis.
Aspiration
Improper hand feeding technique can cause squabs to accidentally inhale fluid into their respiratory tract. Signs of aspiration pneumonia include coughing, sneezing, noisy breathing, and lethargy after feeds. Feed very slowly drop by drop into the back of the mouth to prevent aspiration.
Diarrhea
Loose droppings can occur with abrupt diet changes, overfeeding, or unsuitable foods. Reduce feeding amounts, provide electrolytes, and correct diet gradually. Dehydration is a serious risk with prolonged diarrhea.
Dehydration
All sick squabs are at risk of becoming dehydrated if they are not absorbing enough nutrition or losing fluid from diarrhea. Weakness, sunken eyes, sticky mucous membranes, and skin tenting are signs of dehydration. Oral rehydration with electrolyte solution can treat mild cases but severely dehydrated squabs need vet care.
Proper feeding, weighing, and attentive monitoring will help avoid these common problems in growing squabs. Be prepared to make adjustments and consult a veterinarian if primary care at home is not resolving an issue. With good nourishment and care in their earliest weeks, rescued baby pigeons can grow into healthy juveniles ready for release or lives as pets.
Housing and Environment Considerations
In addition to diet, ensuring proper housing and environment is key to raising healthy squabs. Here are some tips:
- Keep squabs in a clean nest bowl lined with paper towels or soft rags
- Use a heat lamp or heating pad set on low to maintain air temperature at 85-90 degrees F
- Keep squabs separated from adult pigeons to prevent injury
- Provide nest in a quiet, low traffic area away from loud noises
- Do not place squab nest in drafty areas or direct sunlight
- Keep surrounding environment clean to prevent illness
- Handle squabs gently; wash hands before and after feeding
- Once feathers emerge around 2 weeks, can lower temperature slightly
- Transfer to cage around 4-5 weeks old once self-feeding
Proper housing and care early in life is just as important as diet for raising healthy squabs. Monitor their environment daily and make any adjustments needed to help them thrive.
Weaning and Beyond
Weaning is a major milestone in a squab’s development. Here is what to expect as they transition to independence:
- Weaning begins around 4 weeks old
- Place dish of varied solids and water in cage for self-feeding practice
- Squabs will pick up and swallow larger seeds and pellets
- Parental feeding decreases as squab begins eating independently
- Fully weaned once squab can self-feed entirely, around 5-6 weeks old
- Provide fresh seed mix, pellets, greens, grains, and fresh water daily
- Monitor weight and droppings weekly to ensure squab is eating enough
- Healthy juveniles keep gaining weight and grow bright feathers
- Transition to outdoor coop or aviary around 6-8 weeks old once fully feathered
Weaning and transitioning to independence is an exciting milestone! With proper feeding and care, rescued squabs will continue to grow into fully fledged juvenile pigeons ready for release or life in your home. Keep providing fresh food, clean water, and health monitoring as they grow.
Signs of Healthy Growth in Squabs
How can you tell if your rescued squab is thriving? Watch for these signs of healthy growth:
- Steady weight gain – should gain 10-20% of body weight daily
- Clear, full crops – after a feeding, crop should feel soft and squishy
- Firm droppings – well-digested food results in solid dark green poop
- Increased activity – moving around nest, wing flapping, sitting up
- Good feathering – soft down emerges around 5-7 days old
- Bright eyes and attitude – alert and interested in food and surroundings
- Good appetite – enthusiastically eats offered food
If your squab is hitting these growth milestones, you know your feeding and care is resulting in a healthy baby pigeon! Weigh daily, offer fresh appropriate foods, keep detailed notes, and consult a vet if anything seems off. With good nutrition and attentive care, rescued domestic or feral squabs can grow and thrive.
Conclusion
Caring for very young pigeons is a rewarding but serious responsibility. If you have taken on rescue squabs, be sure to research proper care and nutrition thoroughly. Offer an appropriate diet at each age, monitor growth and health diligently, and make careful adjustments as needed. With attentive, informed care in those critical first weeks, you can give orphaned or abandoned squabs the best possible start on a healthy, happy life. Raising baby pigeons is no small task, but with dedication and preparation, you can give rescued squabs the care they need to grow and flourish.