How to Hand-Rear a Baby Pigeon

Some people call 'em flying rats. Some shoot 'em during annual competition in Pennsylvania. But some people do champion pigeons. They served as messengers during both world wars and are raised by pigeon fanciers who enter them in homing competitions. Ironically, white pigeons are called doves -- and everyone loves a dove, the international symbol of peace. If you like pigeons and have found a baby pigeon in trouble, you have some decisions to make.

  1. Check Your Statutes

    • A white pigeon is a mutation, and called a dove.

      Before deciding to hand-rear a baby pigeon, research your state's laws to determine if releasing a pigeon back into the wild is allowed. Some states discourage the practice of releasing non-native birds into the wild and some species of pigeons fall into that category. Some people keep them as pets, others release them and hope for the best. Since birds are flock animals, a lone pigeon is at risk of harm by birds of prey, among other dangers. Pigeons, if released, should be released to an existing flock so they will be safer. If you feel you cannot keep or release the baby pigeon once it is raised, take him to your nearest wildlife sanctuary.

    The Expert Says

    • David Hitzig is a wildlife rehabilitation expert with more than 30 years of experience working with sick, injured and neonatal feral birds and other wild animals. His advice is to always try to find a seasoned wildlife care center first. Failing that, if you decide to take on the project of hand-rearing a baby pigeon, Hitzig advises you understand that baby pigeons may have been pushed from the nest for a reason. Parents will do that from time to time if they sense there is something wrong with the baby. So don't feel too bad if you try hard but the baby pigeon doesn't make it. "We've seen lots of pigeons at our hospital," Hitzig says, "But even with expert veterinary care, antibiotics and rich nourishment, some baby pigeons still fail to thrive."

    Squab Care

    • So you've decided to be a hero to this baby pigeon and give it a chance at life. This is great news for the pigeon, to be sure. Tread carefully, because the squab will need particular care. Keep it warm; it cannot maintain its own body heat and cold is the number one killer of baby pigeons. Unless the bird's eyes are open, it is not necessary to attempt to feed it. A baby pigeon takes about two full days to be fully born, and the only thing it needs at this point is rest and warmth. Place the squab in a box lined with soft fabrics and make sure there are no drafts. Place a heating pad set on low under the box, or in the box under the fabric. If you are without electricity for a short time (such as during transport), use an eight-hour thermo pad designed for backaches. Don't use a hot-water bottle as a hot water bottle does not stay hot for very long and and the resulting cold water will chill the baby.

    Feedings

    • Baby pigeons don't open their mouths wide like other birds, so you have to gently pry their tiny beaks apart to open their mouths. Prepare to feed the baby bird three or four times a day. Pigeons in the wild are raised on "pigeon milk" which is actually regurgitated food mixed with the parent's saliva. Since you obviously cannot provide that, prepare a substitute by mixing some protein such as boiled egg, mashed very well and mixed with warm water. Commercially prepared baby-bird rearing products are available in some stores. Wheat bread soaked in warm water, porridge, grits, and oatmeal, all finely mashed will help nourish the squab. Using a syringe, gently guide the tip of the syringe into the baby's beak and slowly discharge the solution until the baby turns away or loses interest. Be careful not to gag or choke the squab Never squirt water directly into a baby pigeon's mouth.