Substitute, got any ideas?

Question

I'm thinking of hand raising a pigeon, I've already got some of the basic supplies:

eye dropper

ajustable desk lamp (for heat)

rag towels

(I'll add on to it)

I also know of some sites with info on hand raising.

I've heard most pigeons who are hand raised are fed kaytee exact. Does anyone know of a substitue when you don't have kaytee?

Got any ideas?



Would like advice, thanks!

I'm willing to care for this bird. I DON'T have it or an egg right now. But I'm planning on getting it later this year from a friend.

Answer 1

I am a wildlife rescuer and trainer. I usually use doves and pigeons to teach new carers how to handrear birds because doves/pigeons are very easy to raise, and are fairly hardy. They grow quickly, and will thrive on most any bird rearing formula. I typically use Wombarro Granivore rearing mix. If possible it is better to leave the chick with it's parents for the first week. There are special things in the crop milk such as antibodies that are difficult for humans as surrogate parents to provide. They are also easier to handle at one week than tiny newly hatched chicks. You are looking at an every 4 hour feeding schedule to begin with, so make sure you have the time to commit. I would strongly recommend that you find an experience bird person in your area who can teach you the basics of handrearing before you get your baby. Things like temperature of the formula, hygiene,etc... are vital to success. Good luck!

Answer 2

You are taking on a hard task. It is not very easy to hand feed a baby pigeon even for an experienced bird breeder. If you have never hand fed a baby bird I wouldnt recommend trying it on a pigeon. Baby birds need to be fed quite often and it is a full time job. I would first ask a bird breeder to teach you the correct way, and get some practice in. When it comes to hand feeding there are no margins for error. If you make a mistake it can coast the baby bird it's life. If you feed the baby bird wrong there is no going back.

Think really hard if this is something you want to do first and educate yourself about proper care and feding before you get any baby bird.

Sapphyre
Certified Avian Specialist
http://www.borrowed-rainbow.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BorrowedRainbowAviary/


If you need any other help please contact me.

Answer 3

Unless you have told your parents about this plan, than I still say not to do it.

Last time you posted you were planning on hiding it from your parents, which means it would not get proper care. Not that you don't mean well, but you can't hide a pet and care for it properly, this includes PROPER HANDFEEDING FORMULA.