Why Are Pigeons Always Hungry?
You will find pigeons pretty much everywhere in an urban area. They will either be flying around or stealing food. On the note of food, have you ever thought about why they are always after it? Why are pigeons always hungry?
Pigeons have an innate drive to seek out food to survive. That, combined with their high overall metabolism, makes them nibble on foods throughout the day. And if they don’t eat frequently, they will fail to maintain their energy levels.
But that is not the only thing that makes these pesky birds munch on something all the time. There are other factors that you need to know about.
Looking for more articles about pigeon food:
Do Pigeons Feel Hungry?
Just like any other animal, pigeons feel hungry. Hunger is one of the natural drives that all animals have. This innate trait is basically what makes them survive and thrive in this world.
Another thing you need to consider is that the bodies of pigeons go through a metabolic process. Yes, just like any other animal, chemical reactions occur within pigeons’ body cells.
That means, like us, pigeons also have a resting metabolic rate. And in case you didn’t know, resting metabolic rate is associated with hunger. So, in short, pigeons can feel hungry. It is one of the natural traits that all animals have.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon foods and Diet“; if interested, you can check this article here.
Are Pigeons Actually Always Hungry?
Like all animals, pigeons have varying levels of hunger. It depends on the bird’s individual needs and the circumstances they are in. For example, they might be more or less hungry depending on their overall health and environmental condition.
Likewise, their hunger level might not decrease if the recent meals were not satisfactory enough. Also, the physical activity rate contributes to the higher hunger level of pigeons.
The birds that remain highly active tend to always look for food. Nonetheless, you can not forget that pigeons naturally tend to forage for food. So, you can not settle on the fact that they always remain hungry.
Why Do Pigeons Eat So Much?
Pigeons have a natural drive to seek out food all the time. And there are some good reasons behind it.
01. Pigeons Have a High Metabolism
These birds have a high food drive due to their high metabolism rate. And to maintain their energy levels, they need to keep on eating something.
02. They Remain Highly Active During the Daytime
Pigeons basically do not rest during the day. Right from the very morning, they will leave their nesting site and look for food. And in between, they do a lot of flying, which drains energy. That requires them to eat food frequently.
03. Pigeons Have Easy Access to Food
If you are a pigeon keeper, you might already know how diverse their diet is. They will eat a large variety of food. That includes seeds, vegetables, fruits, and even small insects. And these food sources are pretty much everywhere in nature.
Even in urban settings, there are bird feeders and discarded food everywhere. This easy access to food contributes to the high consumption of pigeons.
How Often Does a Pigeon Need to Eat?
Pigeons forage food throughout the entire day. But does that mean that they need to eat all the time? In short, yes! As mentioned earlier, these birds have a high metabolism rate, making it essential for them to eat frequently.
If they do not nibble on something, their energy levels drop. And that can eventually lead to health issues. That’s why you will never see pet pigeons eat all their food at once. Instead, they will eat small amounts of food several times during the day.
On that note, the feeding frequency can vary depending on the pigeon and its specific needs. For example, their age, health condition, and activity levels will affect their eating habits. However, in captivity, they must always have access to food!
Do Pigeons Know When to Stop Eating?
Pigeons, like any other animal, can regulate their food intake naturally. However, it depends on their energy needs. Until they are satisfied with their meal, they will keep on eating. And they will stop just to get hungry again.
That said, food availability plays a crucial role in the eating behavior of pigeons. If they don’t have easy access to food, they will eat more than they have to. The excess food is stored in their crops, which is an expandable part of their esophagus.
Sometimes, pigeons can overeat even when they know that they have easy access to food. However, when they eat nonstop, they can face health issues. Obesity is one such example. So, if you are keeping pigeons, make sure to regulate their eating behavior.
Do Pigeons Need to Drink Water All the Time?
Like food, pigeons need to drink water frequently. It enables them to stay hydrated. Yes, they can survive for more than 48 hours without water. However, the temperatures need to be correct.
If the temperature is not mild and the condition is harsh, they will not even go one day without water. And no matter what, you should not let your pet pigeons go without food or water for a single day. It can lead to health issues.
Wrapping Up
Pigeons eat pretty much anything. Whether it is a mixture of grains or your leftover food, they will eat everything they come across. No wonder why they are referred to as opportunistic feeders.
Nonetheless, if you a still wondering why pigeons eat all the time, it is because of their innate drive for foraging foods. They also have a high metabolism, which requires them to eat something from time to time.
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Article Reference:
- Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12529845/
- Journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajplegacy.1932.101.2.251
- Animals.mom.com/feeding-habits-pigeons-5517.html
Image Credit: Canva.com/photos
