How to Feed Orphaned Pigeons

Pigeon squabs are initially fed milk by their parents, which is derived by cells in the adult's crop. Orphaned pigeon squabs must be kept warm and dry and require regular feeding throughout daylight hours. High-quality rearing formulas are available through pet dealers. If the person responsible for the orphan's care is cautious not to get food into the squab's lungs, these little pigeons can normally be reared successfully.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoebox with lid
  • Pen
  • Heating pad
  • Soft tissues
  • Plastic butter tub
  • Warm room, with door
  • Baby bird formula
  • Clean saucer
  • Teaspoon
  • Syringe, 5-cc
  • Hot water
  • Cup
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Seek veterinary attention immediately if the orphaned pigeon is injured or ill. Sick and hurt babies will not feed correctly or may not feed at all.

    • 2

      Locate a quite and warm room in which to keep the orphaned pigeon. Place a shoebox or cardboard box on a table or similar surface. Place a heating pad under one-half of a cardboard box so that the chick can move from the heat if it gets too warm. Turn on the heating pad.

    • 3

      Use a pen to punch about 10 holes into the box lid.

    • 4

      Remove and discard the lid from the plastic tub. Layer a number of soft tissues onto the bottom of the tub.

    • 5

      Place the pigeon squab into the tub and place the tub into the box.

    • 6

      Place the lid on the shoebox. Close the door to the room to prevent pets and small children from interfering with the squab, if necessary.

    • 7

      Mix 1 tsp. rearing formula with water in a clean saucer. Add the water a few drops at a time until you have a consistency that is thin and almost runs off the spoon.

    • 8

      Draw up the mixture in a 5 cc syringe without the needle.

    • 9

      Add hot water to the cup and place the syringe into the cup for about one minute.

    • 10

      Drip a few drops of formula onto your wrist to gauge the temperature, which should be body temperature.

    • 11

      Place a thick towel on the table. Put a paper towel on it. Close the door to minimize distractions and noise. Place the squab onto the paper towel.

    • 12

      Pry open the squab's bill gently and drip one or two drops of formula into its mouth. Allow the baby pigeon to swallow before dripping in additional formula. Do not to squirt the formula into the pigeon's mouth and do not drip it too far back to ensure it does not enter the windpipe. Stop feeding once the squab's crop becomes distended. Feed 2 and 3 cc of formula for very young squabs and increase this amount slowly as the chick grows.

    • 13

      Replace the soiled tissues in the plastic tub with new ones.

    • 14

      Place the squab back into its box. Offer five feedings per day. It is not necessary to feed during the night as the squab will sleep during this time under natural conditions.

    • 15

      Discard the plastic tub after about two weeks and place the squab directly into the cardboard box. Place paper towels on the bottom of the box.