The diet of city pigeons is quite different from that of wild pigeons. As you raise pigeons, it is better to be aware of the diet of both city pigeons and wild pigeons. Then you can pick the most appropriate foods available out there and feed the pigeons, but what do city pigeons eat?
Wheat
This cereal grain is a mainstay in the diet of the cooing pigeon. Wheat, which is easy to consume and provides a good mix of nutrients, may account for up to 25% of a pigeon’s diet. Wheat seeds are densely packed with protein, fiber, and fat. Manganese, phosphorus, niacin, and Sulphur are also present, with the last being particularly beneficial during molting.
Wheat grains with a tougher texture are preferred by pigeons. Softer types, especially freshly harvested grains that haven’t had a chance to dry, are usually passed over. Wheat should ideally be combined with other, more nutrient-dense foods. Although it has a good fat-to-protein ratio, too much of it might cause birds to develop an excessive amount of weight.
Corn
What do city pigeons eat, corn? Some pigeons eat corn as a primary meal, and they seem to love it. It has the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and fat, yet too much maize can fast lead to weight gain. However, that extra insulation isn’t such a bad thing in the winter, and maize is a wonderful winter meal. It also contains magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamins B1, B9, and C.
City pigeons like raw corn kernels, but they also like popcorn. However, don’t use any salt or butter because it’s bad for the birds’ health. Corn that has been cracked should be avoided. Mold and fungi thrive in the exposed inside of the kernel, and shattered portions can harm the pigeon’s crop, causing canker sores.
Sorghum
These spherical, red, or white grass grains are certainly familiar to anybody who has purchased a bag of birdseed. Sorghum, often known as milo, is a common food for pigeons. That isn’t to suggest it isn’t a popular menu item. Sorghum is nutritionally light, mostly providing quick energy through carbohydrates, with iron, fiber, and a tiny bit of calcium thrown in for good measure.
Many other birds struggle to digest this grain and choose to avoid it in favor of more nutritious morsels. Pigeons will also choose higher-quality meals over sorghum, but if it’s available, they won’t turn their beaks up at it. However, a diet that is overly reliant on this feed might result in nutritional shortages. Sorghum is mostly used as a filler. Barley is a frequent pigeon diet, but it is not one that the birds enjoy. In fact, because of the amount of indigestible fiber in this cereal grain, some people think of it as more of an intestinal cleaner than a meal.
It is not, however, nutritionally bereft. Iron, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and a little quantity of calcium are all present in the digestible fraction.
Rice
What do city pigeons eat, rice? In the past, feeding rice to pigeons was a contentious issue. Raw rice, it was thought, would swell fatally in the stomach of the bird. Fortunately, this has been proven false. Pigeons are one of the few birds that can digest uncooked rice, so it’s not only safe for them to consume it, but it also provides them with some nutrients. There aren’t many nutrients there, unfortunately.
Rice has more than 80% carbohydrates. Rice has a little quantity of protein as well as trace levels of iron, calcium, vitamin B6, magnesium, and fiber, but not enough to make it a significant portion of a pigeon’s diet. It doesn’t matter if the rice is white, brown, or quick. Raw rice has a few advantages over cooked rice, but it’s another food that pigeons can — and will — consume when there’s nothing else to eat.
Flax seeds, usually known as linseed, are an oilseed variety. Pigeons appreciate these seeds, as they do other fat-rich foods, and the oils they contain are helpful. Flaxseed oil, in particular, is beneficial to feather health. In reality, pigeon racers are frequently fed flax to improve the oily waterproof covering on their feathers.
Peas
Vitamins A, B-6, C, and K are abundant in peas. Iron, magnesium, manganese, folate, and low calcium levels are all present. They’re also a good source of protein. Because the fat level is minimal, they can make up around 20% of a balanced diet without causing harm. They also don’t have to be straight from the garden. Split peas, as well as other dried peas, are excellent.
Green Leafy Vegetables
The majority of leafy greens are enjoyed by pigeons. To protect their cabbage patch or spinach plants from a ravenous flock, gardeners frequently use netting. Greens include a wide range of nutrients not found in seeds or grains. Calcium, vitamins C and K, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants are all greater in them.
Cabbage
What do city pigeons eat, cabbage? Pigeons on all seed diets suffer from calcium insufficiency. Birds can maintain good mineral levels by eating greens such as spinach and kale. Pigeons also benefit from greens because they keep them hydrated. Because these birds require more water than the majority of birds, they like chomping on fresh, damp leaves like lettuce and cabbage.
Snails Surprisingly, pigeons will eat snails on occasion. Some speculate that pigeons mistake the snails for seeds or grit, although this behavior is particularly prominent during mating season, implying that it is intentional. In order to get extra protein, many birds diversify their diets during mating season. Snails are a fantastic choice since they are high in protein and minerals.
Snails
Complete proteins, healthy fats, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamins A, B-6, B-12, and K, as well as folate and beneficial amino acids, are all found in snail meat. In the meantime, the shell is made up of 99 percent calcium carbonate, making it an excellent supply of this essential mineral. The shell, along with other dirt, maybe broken down in the pigeon’s crop, which aids digestion in general.
Final words
What do city pigeons eat? Now you know what city pigeons eat. If you are raising pigeons, it is fine to provide any of these pigeon foods as well.
