WilDiets Frugivorous Pigeon Hand Feeding Formula 1kg

WilDiets Frugivorous Pigeon Hand Feeding is a continuation hand-feeding formula developed specifically for frugivorous pigeon species during the weaning process. It is designed to gradually replace crop milk from the early days of life through to the completion of weaning, providing the nutritional profile these birds require as they develop rapidly in the nest.

Feeding Quantities and Dosing

Frugivorous pigeons grow quickly, and transit speed varies between individuals — this should guide the maximum quantity offered at each feed. The large crop capacity of columbiformes means overfeeding is a genuine risk and must be avoided. As a reference point, the rock pigeon consumes a daily amount of prepared formula equivalent to approximately 60% of its body weight when the formula is ready to feed, distributed across 3–4 doses, with a maximum recommended volume of around 200 ml per day.

Preparation and Application

Mix WilDiets Frugivorous Pigeon Hand Feeding with hot water at 35–38°C to achieve a creamy consistency, targeting a concentration of approximately 20–25%. For granivorous species such as the rock dove, introduction of a continuation formula typically begins at 4–5 days of age, with the transition away from crop milk completed by 10–12 days. Each species may require its own specific protocol, and keepers should research the appropriate schedule for the species in their care.

Composition

The formula is built from a nutrient-dense base of natural ingredients suited to frugivorous columbiformes:

• Cereal grains, oil seed products and by-products, legume seeds
• Fructose, dried apple, dried papaya, dried hibiscus flower
• Vegetable oils, beer yeast, pollen, whole dried egg
• Inulin (0.05%) and minerals

Vitamins and Additives

The formula is fully supplemented with a comprehensive vitamin and provitamin profile:

• Vitamin A (E-672): 3,100 IU/kg
• Vitamin D3 (E-671): 1,100 IU/kg
• Vitamin E (α-tocopherol acetate): 130 mg/kg
• Vitamin K3 (menadione sodium bisulphite): 3.4 mg/kg
• Vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride): 26 mg/kg
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): 17 mg/kg
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal hydrochloride): 21 mg/kg
• Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin): 85 µg/kg
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid monophosphate): 100 mg/kg
• Nicotinic acid: 105 mg/kg; Folic acid: 3.4 mg/kg; Biotin: 580 µg/kg; Choline chloride: 1,120 mg/kg

Trace Elements

Chelated trace elements are included for bioavailability and balanced mineral support:

• Iron (amino acid chelate): 49 mg/kg
• Copper (amino acid chelate): 5 mg/kg
• Manganese (amino acid chelate): 49 mg/kg
• Zinc (amino acid chelate): 28 mg/kg
• Iodine (anhydrous calcium iodate): 0.7 mg/kg
• Selenium (sodium selenite): 0.15 mg/kg
• Antioxidant: Ethoxyquin 70 mg/kg; flavouring compounds including 0.015% yucca extract

Nutritional Analysis

• Moisture: 8.0%
• Crude Protein: 16.0%
• Crude Fat: 7.0%
• Crude Fibre: 3.8%
• Crude Ash: 4.4%

For keepers hand-rearing frugivorous pigeons, WilDiets Frugivorous Pigeon Hand Feeding provides a fully supplemented, species-appropriate formula that supports healthy development from the earliest days of life through to independent feeding.