Feeding pigeons a high protein pellet with corn, free choice is gaining popularity, although the extra cost of providing the corn to pigeons limits the use of this option. Young pigeons are totally helpless and must be raised by the parents, adults pair bond for life, and pigeon parents produces “crop milk” high in fat, a substance fed to the young during the first few days of life. These three peculiar characteristics further complicate the feeding management of the pigeons.

       Optimum performance and squab production in pigeons can be attain by feeding a single LP (low protein, 16%) diet.  Diets with no supplemental fat would not support squab production, although egg production, egg fertility, and performance of adult birds were not adversely affected by the absence of supplemental fat. A supplemental fat level of 3%, and hence ME of 2900 kcal., was as good as 6% fat level (3100 kcal/kg). A single 15 or 16% protein diet with ME of 2900 kcal/kg is best for squab production. Further more, it appeared beneficial to supplement squabbing pigeon diets with fat. Both animal and vegetable fats resulted in similar responses (Table 2).

 Common Grain Mixtures For Pigeons

 Common grain or seed mixtures are prepared for pigeons. One commonly used is a cafeteria-feeding mixture:

Corn                39.5%              Peas     22.7% 

Wheat              19.8%              Milo     18.0%

            A self feeder needs 4-5 compartments. This use of compartments eliminates the most serious criticism of the self-feeder, which is the scattering of grain by the birds in search of some select morsels.

            Cafeteria-feeding is generally considered unadvisable for any kind of air-performing bird. With food before them at all times, these birds are sluggish in performance, slow to trap when desired, and obedience to the breeders wish is nullified. So many pigeon producers prefer feeding twice daily; however, each operator has his reasons for the feeding method employed.

Pellets        

        High-energy duck-starting feed pellets with iodine have been used with success, although some producers feel that a pigeon feed without peas leads to disaster. A pigeon program should be better by feeding pellets rather than individual seeds.

 Force Feeding Squabs

            Force feeding is a very old practice and a proven method of finishing squabs. The labor requirement is great but the carcass finish is excellent. The young squabs, after 10-12 days of age, are put in batteries and fed as follows: ordinary pigeon feed or finishing duck feed is soaked in water for 4 hr and the squab given enough to fill the crop three times per day. A small funnel is often used to intubate the pigeon. Squabs seem to have a high capacity for utilizing feed if it is placed in the crop.

 Watering Of Pigeons

     The pigeon needs water for drinking and bathing. The bath water should be separate. Pigeon should be allowed to bathe 3 times per week, and after completing their bath, the facility should be cleaned and removed form the cage. Some pigeon fanciers have reported that bathing stimulated production.

     Drinking water should be clean, fresh and uncontaminated. A pigeon will die without water, whereas some caged birds may live for a week or longer without it.