Have an urgent question about feeding a squeaker

[hicsvntdracones]

I had decided to get an actual pet pigeon after releasing a rescued feral, and due to almost no availability near me, I went to Chinatown to one of the live poultry markets and bought a squab. I didn't quite think this completely though haha, because she is a LOT younger than I had expected. Baby yellow fuzz is gone but has first feathers, a very big & oversized beak compared to its head, When I was editing pics I took on my 50" TV, she started squeaking like crazy when she saw the large her on the screen. Oh, she has a very noticeable frown on her behind, which is why I keep saying "her" of course, I don't know if that is BS or not. She also has LARGE brown & white poop, which means she is still on milk or formula right?

I didn't get any info from the market, and I doubt they weened her cuz they were probably expecting her to be fried or baked tonight. So, what should I feed her? She drinks water, ignored some fine steel cut oatmeal, though has been pecking at a few of the kernel that spilled.

Should I go buy baby bird formula? and whatstages should I start feeding her in?

I am attaching a few pics to estimate age

 

[biophiliac]

I had decided to get an actual pet pigeon after releasing a rescued feral, and due to almost no availability near me, I went to Chinatown to one of the live poultry markets and bought a squab. I didn't quite think this completely though haha, because she is a LOT younger than I had expected. Baby yellow fuzz is gone but has first feathers, a very big & oversized beak compared to its head, When I was editing pics I took on my 50" TV, she started squeaking like crazy when she saw the large her on the screen. Oh, she has a very noticeable frown on her behind, which is why I keep saying "her" of course, I don't know if that is BS or not. She also has LARGE brown & white poop, which means she is still on milk or formula right?

I didn't get any info from the market, and I doubt they weened her cuz they were probably expecting her to be fried or baked tonight. So, what should I feed her? She drinks water, ignored some fine steel cut oatmeal, though has been pecking at a few of the kernel that spilled.

Should I go buy baby bird formula? and whatstages should I start feeding her in?

I am attaching a few pics to estimate ageView attachment 1797232 View attachment 1797233 View attachment 1797234 View attachment 1797232 View attachment 1797233 View attachment 1797234

She does not need baby formula anymore. She looks like she is almost ready to eat on her own, if she does not do so already. It's a good sign that she drinks water on her own. It's also a good sign she is pecking at the oatmeal. In a pinch you can get some wild bird seed to offer her in a small dish or you can pick up small bags of pigeon dove mix at a pet store - be sure to provide some chick grit also if you don't have pigeon grit. Just leave it where she can experiment with it. Toss some on the ground in front of her and she will learn quickly. If she is not eating on her own, or not eating enough yet on her own then I would hand feed her some frozen green peas, thawed in hot water but not cooked. Just place each pea in the back of her mouth and let her swallow. With practice you can give 2-3 peas at once. About 30 peas will fill her up and stop her squeaking. Best of luck!

 

[biophiliac]

I'd guesstimate she is around 3 -3.5 weeks old.

@backyard pigeons - What do you think?

 

[biophiliac]

Alternatively, if you have chicken pellets on hand you can make a formula out of them by blending with water for bottle feeding. I find the peas more convenient if only short term feeding is needed...

 

[backyard pigeons]

I'd guesstimate she is around 3 -3.5 weeks old.

@backyard pigeons - What do you think?

I think you covered it!

But just give it peas, like mentioned above. You could get dove food in a bind. OR, go to a health food store and get some grains like wheat, corn and others. If You have a co-op, get a bag of pigeon mix if they have it.

and grit like @biophiliac mentioned.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Oh! I forget the most important thing!

Welcome to BYC!

Have a great time here! Here's a thread where pigeon keepers chat... https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-talk.1276029/

I also have a baby about your age. Just a bit older. 2weeks maybe.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Welcome aboard BYC buddy.

So, what should I feed her? I am attaching a few pics to estimate age.

I am guessing her age at a 3+- weeks. In a perfect world she should be old enough to sustain herself.
Check her crop to feel if it has food in it at least once a day.
Here is a good example of pigeon feed (not available in my area I feed chicken layer pellets along with other grains)

Here is a link to feeding squabs there are others on U-tube.

 

[biophiliac]

Oh! I forget the most important thing!

Welcome to BYC!

Have a great time here! Here's a thread where pigeon keepers chat... https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-talk.1276029/

I also have a baby about your age. Just a bit older. 2weeks maybe.View attachment 1797310

He looks so pretty! Are the mites all gone? I see he doesn't resent you for the bath. lol

I dk if OP is still with us but considering there is zero info on the origin of this bird, it would be wise to check it over thoroughly for mites, lice, canker, etc.

 

[backyard pigeons]

He looks so pretty! Are the mites all gone? I see he doesn't resent you for the bath. lol

I dk if OP is still with us but considering there is zero info on the origin of this bird, it would be wise to check it over thoroughly for mites, lice, canker, etc.

I think! Gonna check a few more times to confirm. He went outside yesterday!