Columbae Pigeon Granivorous Hand Feeding

Columbae Pigeon Granivorous Hand Feeding Formula is a follow-on rearing diet formulated specifically for the hand-rearing of chicks from granivorous columbiform species — pigeons and doves whose natural diet is seed-based. It is intended to gradually replace crop milk from the earliest days of life through to weaning.

How It Works in the Rearing Process

This formula is not a day-one diet. It is designed to be introduced progressively as a replacement for crop milk, which chicks receive in the first days post-hatch. Continue feeding until the chicks are fully weaned and capable of independent feeding. The coarse-grained texture of this product reflects the natural dietary shift as the chick develops.

Preparation

Mix with lukewarm water at 35–38°C (95–101°F) to achieve a creamy consistency, targeting approximately 20–25% solids concentration. The water temperature and texture are important — too thin and the nutritional density drops; too thick and crop transit slows. Prepare fresh for each feeding session.

Feeding Guidance

The rapid growth rate of columbiform chicks means feeding frequency needs to be assessed individually rather than by a fixed schedule. Crop transit speed varies between birds and should guide how often you feed. Columbiformes have a notably large crop capacity, which creates a genuine risk of overfeeding — always check that the crop has fully emptied overnight before offering the first feed of the day.

Nutritional Analysis

• Crude protein: 21.0%
• Crude fat: 9.0%
• Crude fibre: 5.9%
• Crude ash: 5.9%

A straightforward, purpose-built hand-feeding formula for keepers working with granivorous columbiformes. Used correctly, it supports healthy crop development and steady growth through to weaning without the guesswork of improvised diets.