feeding young pigeons

[sdoliver]

Picked up a few young pigeons this weekend and I told the guy I got them from that I had a couple of young birds die. Seemed to be eating well and then they just got weaker and finally died. He asked what I was feeding and I told him poultry laying crumbles 16% protien. He said he was told that was too high a protein content. The young birds couldn't tolerate that high a percentage. Does this seem right to any of you guys that are experienced raising young birds? If this is right what do you recommend I feed?

[aulrich]

I think the racers typically run 18% so I don’t think 16 % is too hot, I run a mix of layer pellets, wheat and field peas, but that was more because the gain is cheaper per bag and if a whole grain spilled on the floor it still could be eaten. Were they drinking? part of me thinks they may not have been fully weaned, I seem to remember somebody talking about dipping a YB beak in the water to teach them where to drink.

[sdoliver]

Not being fully weaned may have been the problem. I feed every evening after work and the young birds seemed to be doing a lot of peeping and chasing the older birds. They would peck around on there own though.

[ezzy333]

Not being fully weaned may have been the problem. I feed every evening after work and the young birds seemed to be doing a lot of peeping and chasing the older birds. They would peck around on there own though.

The 16% is good if they are eating it. I have used an 18% pellet and have had no problem. If you are not using any grain I would stick with a 16. It does sound like they may be short of water though. the babies will chase the older birds when they need water as well as wanting fed. Stick their bills in the water, then release the head and neck and see if they will put their head back down to drink. Don't worry if they don't but at least they know where the water is and will use it when necessary.

There are many reason why you might lose a couple it is hard for me to say. If you notice and runny droppings I would give them 3 or 4 days of antibiotic in their water. That is a broad spectrum cure and might solve the whole problem.

Ezzy

[Lucky Dog]

Some good advice so far.

Do they have grit?

[V-John]

If you notice the young birds blinking their eyes more then usual they need s drink of water and its time to dunk their head in water.

[ezzy333]

If you notice the young birds blinking their eyes more then usual they need s drink of water and its time to dunk their head in water.

Right on.

Ezzy