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Birds--General/handfeeding baby pigeons

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Expert: - 9/1/2007


Question
i have been feeding this little gal for about two weeks and was wondering when i should be concerned about weaning her since this is all new to me any advice will help.  we raise pigeons but this is the first time playing momma to a baby bird  help  and peace  marsha

Answer
Hi, Marsha,

I've had 2-week old baby pigeons start eating pigeon grain, but they usually don't start eating grain until about 3 weeks old.  When the baby starts pecking at things on the ground/floor/cage bottom, you can start offering small pigeon grain.  However, you should continue to handfeed until the baby is able to completely sustain itself.  When the baby starts eating grain, you can gradually reduce the handfeeding.  The more and more grain the baby consumes, the less handfeeding you have to do.  Also, don't forget to teach the baby how to drink water by dipping its beak down in a dish with water in it.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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