How to Raise Doves & Pigeons for Meat

For most people, the term dove conjures up images of beautiful animals denoting peace and love -- something to release at a wedding. The word pigeon, on the other hand, has a negative connotation particularly among city dwellers tired of the mess they cause. In reality, the two are members of the same ornithological family, the columbidae. In practice, the two terms are loosely interchanged -- often those birds released at the wedding are homing pigeons. Less known than the relationship of the two birds is their deliciousness. You can raise either for their meat. Gourmet restaurants in the United States often serve young birds or squab and they are a common food internationally.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
  • Feed
  • Water
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Build or buy a cage that provides protection from direct sunlight and keeps out all drafts, wind and water. Make sure any other animals -- cats, dogs and racoons -- cannot get to the birds, and the birds feel safe from them. The birds need room to roost, nest and fly. Each mated pair needs a nest box approximately 12-inches by 18-inches with a closed back and a 1-inch by 4-inch board across the bottom of the front. Each bird needs a separate perch made of a 1-inch by 4-inch board or a one-half-inch dowel. Also, you need an open area for the birds to fly.

    • 2

      Keep the cage clean. Maintain good ventilation and clean the cage daily while wearing a mask. This will protect the birds' health and yours.

    • 3

      Provide clean water every day.

    • 4

      Feed the pigeons and doves daily with commercial feed or home-made feed as long as it has whole grains and vitamins and is free from mold or weevils. You can use corn, sorgum, soybean, rice or legume seeds. Place the food in a place where they can feed at all times during the day.

    • 5

      Quarantine for 30 days newly purchased birds or those looking sick.

    • 6

      Provide a bathing container in the morning two to three times a week. Remove the bath when they have finished.

    • 7

      Sell the birds when they reach 24 to 30 days in age, when lactation has ceased and the birds have a full array of feathers. Broilers must be sold within 50 days.