Pigeons are capable of surviving through the winter without any struggles. However, this doesn’t mean that you can completely ignore them during winter. You still need to have a clear understanding of what to feed your pigeons during the winter season. Continue to read this article and we will share answers to all questions that you have. So what do pigeons eat in the winter?
What do pigeons usually eat?
Pigeons, which predominate in our cities, will consume practically everything, including insects and leftover food. Wild pigeons will consume anything that comes their way. Insects like ants, worms, fruits, berries, and vegetables, fall under this category.
These pigeons have evolved to flourish in modern communities, particularly towns and cities, despite having originated in coastal regions, woods, gardens, and other similar places. However, pigeons will encounter a variety of struggles when they are about to consume food during the winter season. This is why you need to think about providing appropriate foods to pigeons during winter. By doing this, you will be able to support the overall health and wellbeing of pigeons throughout the year.
What do pigeons eat in the winter?
Here’s a list of foods that you can give to pigeons during winter. All you have to do is to go through this list and get ready with the most appropriate foods that you can provide.
Nuts
Nuts are among the most favorite foods of pigeons. When it comes to nuts, you will have numerous options to consider. They include peanuts, beechnuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, acorns, almonds, and Hickory nuts. Nuts are actually healthy for pigeons as well. That’s because they are in a position to provide essential fats, vitamins, and protein to pigeons.
Seeds
What do pigeons eat in the winter, seeds? Along with nuts, you can also provide seeds to the pigeons that you raise. There are multiple options to consider here as well. Some of the best varieties of seeds that you can provide to your pigeons include squash seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and thistle seeds. You will not come across any challenges while you are trying to obtain these seeds during the winter season. If there is not too much snow, you will be able to locate them under the plants or inside leaf litter. Or else, you can easily buy these seeds from amazon.
Fruits
You can provide numerous types of fruits to pigeons that you raise as well. Some of the best fruits that you can provide include apples, grapes, cherries, blueberries, and raisins. Pigeons will encounter challenges when they are trying to locate these fruits in winter. However, it will not be impossible for you to get these fruits from your local grocery store. You just need to visit the grocery store, get these fruits, and provide them to your pigeon.
Grains
What do pigeons eat in the winter, grains? Most birds including pigeons prefer to enjoy grains. While keeping that in mind, you may also provide grains to the pigeons that you raise. However, finding the best grains to give to pigeons can be overwhelming. This is why we strongly encourage you to pay attention to grains such as white millet and cracked corns. These grains can provide a large number of nutrients to pigeons, including magnesium, vitamin, calcium, fat, fiber, and protein. You can use pigeon feeders and put the grains in them.
Insects
Pigeons are omnivorous animals. Therefore, you can also think about feeding them with insects. However, pigeons will encounter challenges as they try to find insects during winter. In fact, it will not be possible for them to find flying insects during the winter season. Some birds such as woodpeckers are capable of finding insects.
However, pigeons will still face difficulties as they try to do it. Therefore, it is up to you to find the insects that you can easily locate and provide them to the pigeons. Two of the most popular options available to consider here include snow bugs and mealworms.
Tree Sap
One of the surprising facts about pigeons is that they are in a position to live based on tree sap. While keeping this in mind, you can go ahead and provide tree sap to the pigeons that you raise. It is among the best foods that a bird can have. Pigeons will not complain about getting tree sap during winter. That’s because they are not capable of finding tree sap on their own during the winter season.
Nectar
Another outstanding food that you can provide to pigeons during winter is nectar. Most people know that hummingbirds love to eat nectar during winter. Similarly, pigeons also prefer to live on nectar during winter. You will need to provide nectar to the pigeons whenever possible. By doing this, you can provide some of the nutrients that are needed by them to ensure healthy growth. Finding nectar would not be a challenge during the winter season.
Wheat
Wheat 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 can also be found, with the last being particularly beneficial during molting. Wheat grains with a tougher texture are preferred by pigeons. Softer kinds, especially freshly harvested grains that haven’t had a chance to dry, are usually passed over.
Wheat should ideally be combined with other 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.
Final Words
What do pigeons eat in the winter? You now have a strong understanding of the foods that you can provide to pigeons during the winter season. While keeping this in mind, you can go ahead and feed pigeons in an appropriate way. Since we shared numerous options, you will not come across any major challenges while you are trying to locate the perfect meal combination to give pigeons during the winter as well.