Pigeon Feed

Before you start feeding your birds, it is very important for you to know the different components the food is composed of.

The food, in general, is composed of the following three compoments:-

1) Carbohydrates, which provide energy and excess carbohydrates are converted to fats in the pigeon body.

Examples: Maize,Sorghum(Jowar/white dari),Brown Rice,Finger Millet,Pearl millet, Wheat, Barley etc to name a few.

NOTE: Wheat should not be fed to the pigeons as it is hot and causes scaly itch mite/gangrenous dermatitis disease in chicks. Wheat, if fed, should be given in moderation to the pigeons.

2) Fats- This is also a very good source of energy. It provides thrice the amount of energy provided by the carbohydrates. But, this component should be fed in moderation to the pigeons.

Examples: Safflower seeds, Sunflower seeds, Peanuts, Mustard seeds etc

3) Proteins- This is NOT an energy source at all. It is generally used for muscle growth and for repairing the injured/damaged tissues. This component should be fed to the young birds and breeders and it is a must for proper growth of the chicks and also for repairing the tissues of the breeders that go through the stress of breeding and raising the chicks.

Examples: Bengal gram(chaney ki dal), Lentils(Masoor ki dal), Green gram(Moong ki dal), Black gram(Udat/Maash ki dal), Toowar ki dal, Peanuts etc

Grit mixture:- The breeding pairs in addition to the above three food components, should be given grit mixture. The grit mixture helps the pigeons to digest the feed and also provides many minerals needed for proper growth of the chicks.

Grit mixture consits of Red brick powder, wooden charcoal powder, and iodized salt(in small quantities i.e., only 1 to 2% in total mixture). Salt in more quantities is dangerous for the pigeons.

NOTE: Females need more calcium than males as they lay eggs throughtout their life or as long as they are fertile. The eggs are composed mainly of calcium and phosphorus minerals. The best source of calcium and phosphorus is goat milk, which is also easily digestible. Some people feed crushed tiles to provide calcium and phosphorus to the pigeons.

For supplying calcium, you can also give crushed hen egg shells. Calcium can also be given orally in the form of calcium tablets.

Multivitamins:- Multivitamins are also necessary for the pigeons. These are commercially available under the name Viseral or Vimeral (in India). Lack of multivitmains and minerals in the feed causes splayed legs in the chicks. The multivitamins can be given twice weekly dissolved in water or directly.