Breeder Feed Question

[FluffyFeathers97]

Hey again guys! I'm getting low on feed so was looking at some different ones, and I wanted to switch to a better breeder mix. My pair currently has 2 squabs and I wanted to know if I should worry about the large peas in the breeder mixes. Will the squabs be able to digest them if the parents feed them the peas? (The squabs are 12 days old) And what feeds do you recommend. Thanks!

 

[biophiliac]

Hey again guys! I'm getting low on feed so was looking at some different ones, and I wanted to switch to a better breeder mix. My pair currently has 2 squabs and I wanted to know if I should worry about the large peas in the breeder mixes. Will the squabs be able to digest them if the parents feed them the peas? (The squabs are 12 days old) And what feeds do you recommend. Thanks!

My basic seed mix contains peas and they appear to cause no problems for the youngsters. For the breeders/parents and also the first seeds offered to the young, I do like to add some additional smaller seeds and adding some safflower works well for me too. Just be sure to provide grit!

For smaller seeds check out a basic inexpensive wild bird mix. I found one at the dollar store with a mix of seeds that seemed the perfect size for the babys.
Short answer, yes they can digest the peas.

 

[FluffyFeathers97]

My basic seed mix contains peas and they appear to cause no problems for the youngsters. For the breeders/parents and also the first seeds offered to the young, I do like to add some additional smaller seeds and adding some safflower works well for me too. Just be sure to provide grit!

For smaller seeds check out a basic inexpensive wild bird mix. I found one at the dollar store with a mix of seeds that seemed the perfect size for the babys.
Short answer, yes they can digest the peas.

Thank you! I was worried about getting the cheaper brands since they have a lot of corn in them.

 

[Old-clucker-55]

Adding a little safflower is really good when the birds are molting also. I used to buy the pigeon breeder mix with no corn and they did fine on that.And like bio said make sure you have grit.

 

[biophiliac]

Thank you! I was worried about getting the cheaper brands since they have a lot of corn in them.

The wild bird mix varies as to ingredients, I found one w/o corn at the dollar store. It also doesn't have sunflower seeds in their shells which I think are too big for the young ones, and even my adults don't care for them much. The pigeon mix I get locally in 50 pound bags offers 2 options : with corn or without corn. I have been getting the 'without corn'mix and just add corn when its cold in winter. As I mentioned, I also add safflower and sometimes xtra peas or small seeds ... mostly just on my intuition as to what would benefit them. Lol

 

[biophiliac]

Also, in winter I try to remember to give them some romaine lettuce.. Another thing that's good for them is those pinkish mineral salt licks they sell for rabbits.

 

[FluffyFeathers97]

Also, in winter I try to remember to give them some romaine lettuce.. Another thing that's good for them is those pinkish mineral salt licks they sell for rabbits.

Thank you so much for all the info! I've tried to give romaine before but they've never been very interested. I could try again and maybe chop it fine. Probably a very silly question, but do you just give them the salt lick whole? Break it?

 

[biophiliac]

If you get the round ones with a hole in the middle you can hang it on a wall where it doesn't get rained on. Its kind of comical to watch a bird lick at it.

Do not bother to chop the romaine. Offer it afew times and if they don't take to it then stop. Most will enjoy it once they try it.

 

[Old_Strain_Lover]

No problem with the peas... it's the main protein source. The babies grow really fast so by the time the parents are transitioning them over to the seeds/grains it's not a problem. When they just hatch the parents are feeding them solely with the crop milk. I was always amazed how the parents could stuff themselves with seeds, and then go on the nest and just regurgitate the crop milk without seeds for the babies haha. Fascinating creatures