Pigeons as meat.

[Royd]

I've looked through several pages of posts, and this does not seem to be a topic.

I know that squabb is used, but how about adult birds?

What about luring wild pigeons, as a source of meat?

What would be the conversion rate?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Pigeons can be eaten at any age, but young ones are more tender.
Many catch or shoot wild ones for food

 

[Towman72gmc]

Pigeons are just a big dove. So eating them should be fine. Just be careful. Some areas where pigeons are considered pests poison them.

 

[yardbird tx]

Here are my birds. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=204998

 

[OzawkieBantams]

Get some show Kings they are not as big as runts but pretty dang big and gooooooooood eatin

Here is one of mine next too a small 12" grill

 

[Timmy]

White utility kings are the most common meat bird, but there are several other breeds that produce well also. I would stay away from show type birds because they don't produce as well or mature as fast as production birds. Also the white birds are more desirable. You usually butcher them about the time they feather out completely. I have eaten adult birds and I've shot wild pigeons while dove hunting. personally I would stick to the squab. If you are going to eat wild birds I would recommend they come from a rural area were they have bean feeding out of fields. I have no idea what the conversion rates are because I never thought to figure it out, but if you find a buyer locally for you squab witch shouldn't be to hard in Florida you might be surprised at the price you get for them. I quit raising meet birds 15 years ago and we were getting $5.00 a squab then if I remember right.

 

[Lofty Dreams]

Homers are pretty good for eating

 

[OzawkieBantams]

Quote:
Yes, but They aren't much bigger then a Show King.

 

[Timmy]

No they aren't that much bigger, but they are bigger and more importantly they mature way faster. Not to mention with the price I used to pay for show kings I wouldn't dream of eating them.

 

[OzawkieBantams]

Quote:
LOL
I gave $10 a piece for mine. I have also already made my money back on them