Pigeon Talk

[cavemanrich]

This is what I purchase usually about 6 to 8 bags at a time. (when on sale I end up with an extra bag or 2 over regular price) I feed my feathered friends, as well as give as scratch to my chickens,, and pigeons got a helping of it along/besides their regular pigeon grains.
Often I sweeten the mixture with BOSS. I buy a bag of BOSS $20 for 50 LBS. Squirrels get that during winter also.

 

[CCUK]

Great! Thanks for all the quick help. I chose one that looks like it will work well. I’m not totally out of the pigeon feed, so if they don’t like this new stuff, I’ll have time to get somewhere else.

You guys are the best!

One thing as well that I've found out is that the more choice of seed in it the more picky they get! I've tried a couple of different feeds and there is always something they won't eat! Last week it was corn, this week it is linseed, next week it'll probably be the peas! It's like feeding a child!!

 

[WVduckchick]

This is what I purchase usually about 6 to 8 bags at a time. (when on sale I end up with an extra bag or 2 over regular price) I feed my feathered friends, as well as give as scratch to my chickens,, and pigeons got a helping of it along/besides their regular pigeon grains.
Often I sweeten the mixture with BOSS. I buy a bag of BOSS $20 for 50 LBS. Squirrels get that during winter also.

That looks a lot like the bag I bought. It was labeled “Farm Mix” but the contents look like that pic. They ate some of it, so I’m sure it’ll be fine. I did see some peas left in the feeder from the prior bag. I don’t like peas either.

 

[Hokum Coco]

Are there particular ingredients that are more important for them to have?

Pigeons seem to eat different seeds at different seasons or times. I suppose it is a kin to cravings the same as humans.

One thing seems to be always in season SHELLED UNSALTED PEANUTS.
The sure way to any pigeons heart.

 

[Thepigeonguy]

So what grits/minerals are you guys giving your birds? And where are you buying them? I want to know the more experienced people use, because I've yet to settle on a certain brand/mixture.

 

[WVduckchick]

Pigeons seem to eat different seeds at different seasons or times. I suppose it is a kin to cravings the same as humans.

One thing seems to be always in season SHELLED UNSALTED PEANUTS.
The sure way to any pigeons heart.

But as a treat, right? I saw peanuts listed on CL as I was searching for some birds to begin with, and also saw some in TSC. But if they are the way to their heart, I’ll definitely buy some next trip.

 

[backyard pigeons]

I just use chick grit and thats it.

So what grits/minerals are you guys giving your birds? And where are you buying them? I want to know the more experienced people use, because I've yet to settle on a certain brand/mixture.

 

[CCUK]

So what grits/minerals are you guys giving your birds? And where are you buying them? I want to know the more experienced people use, because I've yet to settle on a certain brand/mixture.

Versele laga columbine mixture.

 

[Hokum Coco]

So what grits/minerals are you guys giving your birds?

My birds fly every day practically. They look after grit themselves for the most part. I noticed them picking grit in my drive way and on the shoulder of the road in front of the house. I do have a container there with some of the same grit from the road but to be honest I never seen them use it even through the winter months when girt is scares. They do pick girt off asphalt roof shingles as well.
Plus even though most fanciers frown on the practice and do not recommend it for an assortment of reasons I have had a few feral pigeons in my flock (none now at the moment). Feral pigeons can teach your flock a lot on how to survive in the wild. This knowledge is easy to carry around for any pigeon and can become an asset that my save it life and get it back to your loft.

But as a treat, right? I saw peanuts listed

Exactly they can ingest them whole but when introducing them to shelled unsalted peanuts it best to break them up and even crumble a few. Especially to young squeakers.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Here's the turkish tumblers. They're in blue and silver bar. I'm going out to get some old german owl pics. Those eggs didn't hatch.
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Oh they are beautiful!!

Had my first Cooper's attack today. As I was giving the loft a quick scrape one of my two youngest birds squeezed past me and out the door. I lowered the landing board and he immediately flew for it, landing on the wire aviary beside it and sort of shuffling onto the board. In a matter of seconds a big female Cooper's slammed my pigeon and took off across the yard. Luckily the squeaker was smart, he dove under the cage and under the loft, and when I inspected him he didn't have a mark on him. I don't think the hawk even touched him, instead I believe it smacked the wire cage then took off.
He's none worse for wear thankfully and actually ran right into my hands when I went to scoop him up and place him back inside

Im so glad he's safe and unharmed!

I moved the group into their new pen today. They seem to like it ok. When I went out at dark, the Satinettes found a roost to sit on, and the parlors went back into the original cage, which I just sat on the ground and opened the gates. I left for a couple hours, looks like they explored a little. Tomorrow they will have more time to get comfortable.

The Satinettes can hover-fly! So cool.

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That looks awesome! They look quite happy with the new digs..