Pigeon Talk

[casportpony]

Ok, sounds good. I just rewatched the second one (to the end this time lol) he was doing every 4 hours for a larger bird. I’ll mix up some new stuff now and do again before bedtime.
That way is definitely easier than tubing, especially since they are able to manage it more on their own.

So glad it's working for you! Remember @caesargirl? She might have posted a bunch on how she fed hers.

 

[biophiliac]

Darnit, I tossed it before I saw this



That worked great. Even little Brewer actively ate. I need to make it thicker next time though. It was pretty sloppy.
How often should I try?

Video number 2 is how I do it. It always sloppy, lol. Keep a paper towel handy to wipe little faces.

Ok, sounds good. I just rewatched the second one (to the end this time lol) he was doing every 4 hours for a larger bird. I’ll mix up some new stuff now and do again before bedtime.
That way is definitely easier than tubing, especially since they are able to manage it more on their own.

About the consistency of ketchup is good. Try to fill the crop and wait til it empties before feeding again. I would usually end up getting in two feeds per day.

 

[casportpony]

I would usually end up getting in two feeds per day.

Only two?

 

[biophiliac]

Only two?

Yep, you don't want to feed again while they still have very much in their crop. It depends on how much you feed each time of course. When I first tried I fed smaller amounts perhaps 3x day, but squabs crops hold quite a bit and once I was able to get them eating around 2oz at once then twice was perfect. Trying to aim for a full crop in the evening of course.

If you feed on top of food I have heard they can get crop problems, slow crop, etc....

 

[biophiliac]

If you think about it- pigeon parents have to accumulate a full crop to bring home to regurgitate for the young rather than bringing back worms or insects one by one all throughout the day like other birds do.

 

[casportpony]

If you feed on top of food I have heard they can get crop problems, slow crop, etc...

Yes, this is true.

 

[casportpony]

Once mine got bigger I fed them twice a day, but when they were younger, it was at least four times a day, or at least that's what I remember.

Disclaimer - I've only done this with 10 or fewer squabs, so I am far from being an expert on the subject.

 

[biophiliac]

Yes, this is true.

With young squabs the full crop appears to make up a third of the body mass!

 

[casportpony]

With young squabs the full crop appears to make up a third of the body mass!

I know, right? They have huge crops compared to other birds!

 

[biophiliac]

Once mine got bigger I fed them twice a day, but when they were younger, it was at least four times a day, or at least that's what I remember.

Disclaimer - I've only done this with 10 or fewer squabs, so I am far from being an expert on the subject.

My experience is limited to babies 10days plus. I think the main thing is to wait for the crop to empty. With younger ones that might mean more feedings.