Top Secrets to Feed Baby Pigeons the Right Way

Looking after a baby pigeon can be a very emotional and fulfilling experience. These tiny birds are helpless when they are born and depend completely on someone for food and warmth if the mother is not around. Feeding them properly becomes one of the most important jobs if you want the bird to survive and grow up healthy. But this job also comes with challenges. The food has to be just right, the feeding tools need to be clean, and most importantly, the method must match the age and stage of the baby pigeon. Each small step makes a big difference. This guide will explain how you can feed a baby pigeon correctly at every stage, using a soft and safe method that supports the bird's growth.
The first thing you need to do before feeding a baby pigeon is to find out how old it is. The food and method of feeding change depending on whether the pigeon is a newborn or already a few days or weeks old. A newly hatched baby pigeon, usually between one to five days old, needs very gentle care. At this stage, the parent pigeon would normally feed the baby with crop milk. This is a thick, nutritious fluid produced by the parent birds. Since you cannot make real crop milk, you will need to prepare a substitute formula. One common option is using baby bird formula available at pet stores, or even a smooth mix of baby cereal and warm water. This mixture should be soft, warm and easy to digest. Use a syringe or dropper to feed the bird gently and very slowly. The crop, which is a pouch in the throat that stores food, should be allowed to empty fully before feeding again.
From six to ten days of age, the baby pigeon becomes a bit stronger and can take more food at one time. The formula stays the same but you can slowly increase the amount. Keep checking the crop and only feed when it is empty. The feeding should still be done with care using a soft syringe and the food must be warm but never too hot or too cold.
From day eleven onwards, the baby pigeon starts developing the ability to accept soft solids. This is a good time to introduce soaked seeds, crushed peas and corn mixed with warm water. These soft solids can be given alongside the formula in small amounts. By the time the pigeon is around twenty days old, it will begin to show signs of eating on its own. This is the time when you can slowly reduce hand feeding and allow the bird to pick up food from a bowl.
Each baby pigeon grows at a slightly different pace. It is important to be patient and observe the bird closely. If the bird shows signs of weakness, refuses food, or if the crop stops emptying, then something may be wrong and a vet should be contacted immediately.
Feeding a baby pigeon is not just about giving food. The way the food is given, and the tools used, are equally important. Most people use a feeding syringe, a small dropper or a tiny feeding bottle. All these tools work well as long as they are used gently and cleaned properly. Hygiene is very important in feeding. You must wash and sterilize all tools before and after every use. Dirty tools can cause infections that may seriously harm or even kill the baby bird.
When you are feeding the pigeon, hold it gently in a soft towel or cloth so that it feels safe and warm. Make sure the bird is upright while feeding. Gently open the beak using your finger and release just a few drops of food at a time. Never squeeze the syringe hard or push food inside quickly. This can cause choking and may even lead to food entering the lungs, which is very dangerous.
As the pigeon grows, try placing soft food in a shallow dish to encourage natural eating behavior. Let the bird peck at the food and learn to eat on its own. Keep a small bowl of clean water nearby too, though baby pigeons usually do not drink water separately in the beginning. Never feed a baby pigeon cow milk, bread or raw rice. These items are not suitable and can cause digestive problems. A proper formula, soaked seeds and soft grains are the best and safest options.
The feeding schedule depends on the age of the baby pigeon. Newborn pigeons need to be fed very frequently as their crop can hold only a little food. For the first five days, feeding should be done every two to three hours during the day. You do not need to feed during the night unless the bird is very weak or underweight. From the sixth to tenth day, feeding can be reduced to once every three to four hours. Slowly increase the amount as the bird’s capacity grows.
From the eleventh day onward, feeding can be done every four to five hours. Start offering soft solids during this time but do not stop the formula all at once. From day sixteen onwards, reduce the feedings to three times a day and increase solid food. By the time the bird is twenty five to thirty days old, it will likely be able to feed itself with a little help.
Always check the crop before each feeding. If the crop is still full or swollen, wait before feeding again. Overfeeding can cause serious health problems like sour crop or even burst crop. You also need to pay attention to the bird's behavior. A healthy baby pigeon will move a little, make small sounds, and show interest in food. A sick or overfed bird will be silent, weak or show signs of distress. Follow the bird’s body language to adjust feeding time and quantity.
Many people make small mistakes while feeding baby pigeons that can cause big problems. One of the most common mistakes is overfeeding. Giving too much food in one go can stretch the crop or cause breathing problems. Always feed slowly and in small amounts.
Another mistake is feeding food that is too cold. Cold formula can slow down digestion and may cause health issues. Always check the temperature of the food before feeding. It should be warm but not hot. Use your wrist to test the warmth, just like you would with baby milk.
Some people also feed the wrong food like bread or milk. These items are not suitable for baby pigeons. Bread can block the crop and milk is hard to digest because pigeons do not produce the enzymes needed to break it down. Stick to formula, soaked seeds and soft grains.
Improper feeding posture is another mistake. Always keep the bird upright. Feeding it while it lies on its back can cause food to enter the windpipe, which can be fatal. Never force open the beak or push food inside roughly. The bones of a baby pigeon are soft and can break easily.
Lastly, ignoring cleanliness can lead to infections. Always wash your hands and clean the feeding tools properly. A little care goes a long way in keeping your baby pigeon safe and healthy.

Raising and feeding a baby pigeon is not only about survival but also about building a bond of trust and care. When you feed the bird with love, patience and the right technique, you give it a chance to grow up strong and healthy. Every feeding becomes a moment of learning and connection. Whether you are caring for an orphaned squab or helping an injured bird recover, this journey can be a beautiful experience. Just remember to feed the right food, keep things clean and watch the bird’s signals closely. If you ever feel unsure, do not hesitate to ask for help from a vet or an experienced bird caregiver. A little support can make a big difference in a baby pigeon's life.


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1. What do baby pigeons eat?Baby pigeons eat a warm, nutrient-rich formula similar to crop milk, and later soaked seeds and grains.
2. What should I do if the baby pigeon refuses to eat?If a baby pigeon refuses to eat or shows weakness, consult a vet immediately.
3. Why is feeding the right way important? Proper feeding prevents choking, infections, and ensures healthy growth.