Are they just stressed?

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

So, as many people know, I have two new pigeons. Thing is, I haven’t seen them get off the perch or eat at all. The water is on the floor, so I put them there, and they just fly back up to the perch. Should I be worried? I really don’t want them to get sick or anything.

 

[sourland]

Have you checked their crops to see if they contain feed ?

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Have you checked their crops to see if they contain feed ?

Sorry for my lack of knowledge, but, how do I do that? Now as I went out to check on them this morning, there was footprints on the dirt floor and their bowl was dirty. Maybe they're just shy? I'm just worried.

 

[sourland]

Birds of all sorts hate change. It generally takes them time to adjust to a new environment. Sounds as if they are eating. Are you using the same feed as the previous owner ?

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Birds of all sorts hate change. It generally takes them time to adjust to a new environment. Sounds as if they are eating. Are you using the same feed as the previous owner ?

I didn't ask what they were feeding them, but i've been giving them seed with the occasional fruit.

 

[biophiliac]

I didn't ask what they were feeding them, but i've been giving them seed with the occasional fruit.

Seed is not very specific a description. Are you getting a seed mix designed for pigeons and or doves. They are not fruit eaters, try offering a romaine leaf to see if they want that. They definitely need grit, either specially purchased for pigeons or from the environment. Fresh water every day. I like to add a spoonful of ACV- apple cider vinegar to the water. Disregard the bold type, still using a borrowed device. :-/

Edit added- Could be helpful to know what they were eating like @sourland pointed out.

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Seed is not very specific a description. Are you getting a seed mix designed for pigeons and or doves. They are not fruit eaters, try offering a romaine leaf to see if they want that. They definitely need grit, either specially purchased for pigeons or from the environment. Fresh water every day. I like to add a spoonful of ACV- apple cider vinegar to the water. Disregard the bold type, still using a borrowed device. :-/

Edit added- Could be helpful to know what they were eating like @sourland pointed out.

I've been feeding them chicken seed. Ill offer them some greens, and I'll buy grit as soon as I can, as well as ask the previous owner what they fed them. When I bought them, they said "I feed them pretty much anything." Which obviously wasnt very specific. That's a great idea, adding ACV. Iv'e never really thought about that unless a bird is sick. Is it ok to feed them chicken seed? Hope you get a new tablet soon!

 

[biophiliac]

I've been feeding them chicken seed. Ill offer them some greens, and I'll buy grit as soon as I can, as well as ask the previous owner what they fed them. When I bought them, they said "I feed them pretty much anything." Which obviously wasnt very specific. That's a great idea, adding ACV. Iv'e never really thought about that unless a bird is sick. Is it ok to feed them chicken seed? Hope you get a new tablet soon!

Suggest you go to to Foys.com and look at the feed section of their online catalogue.

 

[biophiliac]

Cont. ... You will be able to see the listed components for each one. Most pigeon mixes contain some type of dried peas along with other seed. some people feed their pigeons chicken layer pellets or the all-flock type pellets.

 

[jak2002003]

What is chicken seed? Do you mean chicken pellets or crumble?

If they are used to eating seeds they might not eat the chickens feed, as they don't realise its edible!!

They should be fed large seeds and grains meant for pigeons, or at the very least chicken scratch / mixed grains, together with grit.

They will NOT eat any fruit, and most won't eat vegetables or greens either.

They might be eating, they only need to eat once or twice a day, and might be eating a lot in one go when you are not there, then resting to digest it.

If they are still pooping normal looking poos then they must be eating. If its just mostly water or green, they are probably starving.

I suggest you do an internet search to see what pigeon feed should look like. Good luck with you new pets.