Apparent importance of pigeon " milk " for hatchlings

[av8torcrj]

I thought I'd share this recent observation for those who might be considering raising young pigeons from hatch. I realize it can be done but I think the attached photo exemplifies the importance of the highly nutritional early feelings by the parents or at the very least having on hand a very close substitute.
The bird on the left ( the small one ) is actually two days older than the bird on the right. The smaller bird was hand fed from hatch a kaytee product with some puréed purina pigeon pellets for two days until I was able to establish a suitable foster parent. I've subsequently observed the hatchling daily to assure he was accepted and being adequately fed, which appears to be the case. None the less, he seems stunted in growth, obviously. Granted there could be other variables ( genetic) but the parent birds are of the same size.
I've raised some birds by hand after they were a week or so old with success. They become very friendly to the point I suppose some might describe them as imprinted. Anyway, and again, the only purpose of this post is show what has validated in my mind the importance of real pigeon parents during the early days. Perhaps a more squab specific substitute product would have made a difference
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[laughingdog]

Was it or have you used: kay-tey exact, for hand rearing hookbills finches etc?

 

[av8torcrj]

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[jak2002003]

Unfortunately that squab continued to fail to thrive and ultimately expired. On a more positive note, several of my pairs have really gotten the hang of things and are being great parents. I think we can all agree that when nature takes its course the outcome is generally to the benefit everyone involved.

I agree 100 percent with you about NOT hand rearing a pigeon squab from hatching out of the egg.

I have hand reared many birds.. seed eaters, fruit eaters, etc. And, if you get the correct food, they will all thrive and grown.

BUT THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH PIGOENS.

They NEED the parents crop milk. Its essential for them in the beginning.

There is no man made substitute for it that works as well and nature.

On a positive note... once a pigeon squab is over a week old, its one of the easiest birds to hand raise and feed. Thriving on almost any diet!

I have advised people NEVER to raise a pigeon from hatch themselves.. warned them it will end in heartache and suffering for the pigeon. But many people just will not listen.. and think they know better. And every time the pigeon has died or survived to become s stunted weak bird.

 

[av8torcrj]

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[jak2002003]

Yes... people can make themselves believe that they can do anything with 'love' and 'fairy tale ideas'.

I used to work in a pet shop.. which sold all kinds of animals. Many people would not listen to advise.. we could tell them that some kinds of animals are not good for children, some don't like being handled or cuddled, some will fight with each other, some need heat, special lighting, a special cage size, etc

But some people would just say they would be fine.. they would handle them and love them and get them tame., or introduce the animals gradually so they would get used to each other and be friends....

Then they would come in a few weeks later and want a refund, or abandon the pet.. saying it was biting the kids, or fighting with other pets, or even come back angry saying the animal had died and wanted their money back!!!!

We tried never to sold any animal to people who would not care for it properly... but most times the people would lie, and it was only when they bought the animal back we found out what was going on.

I like the example of someone buying a baby crocodile and saying they were keeping it in their house to roam freely around as company for their cats and dog. It would be fine so long as they handled it every day and got it used to people and other pets.. and showed it lots of love and affection..... but 'normal' people would know what the outcome would be!!!!!