Different from baby birds, chicks that can just fly are already able to leave the nest. However, the chicks still return to the nest and are fed by the mother. Newborn chicks already have feathers and look like small adult birds, but they are still learning to fly. If you find this chick, you should not disturb it. If you find pigeons that are injured, or are breeding pigeons, you should learn how to properly care for pigeons. To care for and help your pigeons grow and develop, you'll need to feed them, shelter them, and treat their wounds and illnesses.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Feeding Pigeons
Step 1. Give the chicks special baby bird feed
One of the best feeds for pigeons is a special formula for baby birds on the market. You can buy this formula at your nearest pet store.
- You can also feed the pigeons ground chick feed. Feed the chicks and then mix it with water. You can buy chick feed at your nearest pet store.
- In an emergency, you can give the pigeons dog biscuits that have been ground and then mashed with water.
- Do not give pigeons milk or breadcrumbs.
Step 2. Mix baby bird formula with water
Read and follow the directions on the formula package to prepare it. Generally, you should mix the formula with warm water. For chicks, mix formula and water in a ratio of 1:6. As your pigeons get older, you should reduce the ratio of water used.
Do not heat water or formula using a microwave oven. Water or formula that is too hot can heat up the pigeon's crop and injure it
Step 3. Fill the syringe with the formula
Most pigeons get their food intake from their mother. To imitate this feeding process, you can use a syringe. Fill the syringe with the formula.
Pigeons should consume about 24 ml of formula 2 times a day
Step 4. Press the side of the pigeon's beak to open its mouth
Pigeons do not open their mouths when hungry. Therefore, you have to press the side of the pigeon's beak to open its mouth. Ask someone to hold the pigeon's body while you open its mouth and insert the prepared syringe. Gently spray the formula into the pigeon's mouth.
- Stop feeding birds once their cache is full.
- A crop is a food bag located in the chest of a bird. When full, the bird's chest will feel soft, like a water balloon.
Step 5. Feed the chicks by hand
You can feed your chicks by hand by putting grains and ground chick feed into their mouths. A stressed or very young chick may have to use a syringe. However, as the chicks get older, they can eat food from your hands.
Step 6. Provide seeds for the chicks
You should also help encourage the chicks to eat on their own. Place some seeds in the chick's cage. This can help train the chick to pick up food using its beak.
Once the chicks are able to eat the seeds on their own, you can stop feeding them the formula using a syringe
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Habitat for Pigeons
Step 1. Place the chicks in a box or cage
Pigeon chicks can be placed in small cardboard boxes or bird cages. Pigeons can also be placed in a cardboard box that is quite high. Because it is only used for a short time, the box used does not have to be too big. You should take the pigeons to the nearest nature reserve or release them into the wild as soon as possible.
If you are placing the chicks in a closed cardboard box, make sure the box has sufficient air holes
Step 2. Place the heating pad in the cage
Chicks should be kept warm, especially if found injured. Place an electric heating pad or hot water bottle in the cage. Cover the heating pad with a towel so the chicks get an indirect source of heat.
Alternatively, you can place a heating pad over the cage to keep the bird warm
Step 3. Make a nest using a small bowl and a towel
Try to imitate a dove's nest in the wild. Line a small bowl with a dry towel. Place the "nest" in the birdcage. Nests can help keep chicks safe and comfortable.
- Fill a towel with newspaper splinters to help keep the chicks warm.
- Change towels every day to keep the nest clean.
- Do not place the bird on a slippery surface, such as plastic. This can cause the pigeon's legs to become loose, interfering with their development and ability to walk.
Step 4. Provide enough drinking water
It is important that you provide water for the chicks. Fill a small, heavy bowl with water. Pigeons can drink by themselves.
Do not spray water into the baby bird's mouth
Step 5. Place the chicks in a quiet area
Place the chicks' habitat in a quiet area away from pets. Choose an area that is not too crowded. This can help keep the chicks calm.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for Wounded Pigeons
Step 1. Check the pigeon to make sure it is not injured
If you've recently rescued a pigeon that looks injured, it's important that you examine it carefully. For example, a chick's leg or wing may be broken. You should also look for cuts or blood in case your chicks have just been attacked by predators.
If you find any injuries or abnormalities in the chicks, immediately contact an animal rehabilitation center
Step 2. Take the bird to an animal rehabilitation center
One of the best places to treat injured or sick pigeons is an animal rehabilitation center. Animal rehabilitation centers can provide pigeons with the treatment they need. In addition, this organization may also be able to accommodate any pigeons you find and place them with other pigeons.
Step 3. Ask your vet for help
You can take the pigeons to the veterinary clinic. However, most veterinarians are not experts in caring for and treating injured birds. Because of this, veterinarians often recommend euthanizing the bird even if it can still be cured.
Tips
- Always wash your hands before and after handling birds.
- After the pigeon grows and recovers, it must be released into the wild or transferred to a sanctuary filled with other pigeons. In this way, the pigeons can live normally.
- Release the pigeons in areas inhabited by other pigeons and close to water sources.
Warning
- If you find a chick in the wild, do not disturb the bird unless it is in danger. For example, when a bird is injured, targeted by a predator, or in the middle of the road.
- Some areas prohibit residents from caring for wild animals, including birds. If you find an injured bird, immediately contact the nearest nature reserve.
- Don't overfeed the pigeons. This can cause the bird's crop to widen and produce pouches. These pouches can trap food. The food will then rot and interfere with the health of the pigeon.
