Do Baby Pigeons Drink Water?
Baby pigeons are some of the world’s cutest and most fascinating birds. From their fluffy feathers to their adorable cooing, they can bring a smile to anyone’s face. And we’ve all seen adult pigeons drinking from water bowls in parks, but what about baby pigeons? Do baby pigeons drink water?
Yes, baby pigeons do drink water, but their drinking habits may differ from those of adult pigeons. When they are first hatched, they receive all their hydration from regurgitated crop milk provided by their parents.
However, after a few days, they start to drink water in addition to crop milk. It’s essential to provide baby pigeons with water, whether by using an eye dropper or a water bowl, to keep them hydrated.
But that’s not all; there are a lot of things you will find interesting about this topic. And our blog has some of the most interesting ones. So, join us on our journey to uncover the truth about how these fascinating birds hydrate themselves.
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How Much Water Do Baby Pigeons Need to Drink?
Pigeons require water to make sure their digestion process is functioning at maximum efficiency.
On average an adult pigeon will consume about 50 ml of water.
However, if you’re raising a baby pigeon on your own, then you might need to adjust the water levels with other substances.
You have to adjust the water with a formula to provide the nutrients that they would otherwise receive from crop milk.
During the first few days, about 1 part formula needs to be mixed with 6 parts water. Then slowly decrease the water levels up to the first 5 days. This is done till you have to provide one part formula to about 2 parts water.
This shows that as the baby pigeon starts to mature, it requires less and less water to help it digest its food. It also shows that their food or formula also needs to be less watered down for them to absorb the nutrients they need.
This is provided to them instead of crop milk in the even they do not have their mother to look after them.
Do Baby Pigeons Drink Milk?
No, baby pigeons do not consume dairy or milk that comes from animals as a part of their diet to gain nutrients.
Similarly, baby pigeons cannot actually digest worms either. They survive on nutrients they gain from consuming seeds and grains.
It is recommended that people who possess baby pigeons as pets or companions not provide milk to consume.
This is because pigeons lack the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down dairy so that they can absorb the nutrients from it.
We can say that pigeons are lactose intolerant even though some birds can have milk, cheese, or dairy in their diet.
What Do Baby Pigeons Eat and Drink?
Baby Pigeons consume what is called crop milk. Crop milk is a semi- liquid, almost crumbly in consistency which contains nutrients such as fat and protein. This is produced by the fledgling’s mother and provided during the first few days after hatching.
This is because, prior to hatching, the mother pigeon’s crop switches from its digestive system to milk production.
You have to provide bird formula which resembles the consistency of skimmed milk to the hatchling.
And gradually thicken the food to the consistency of ketchup over the next 10 days.
Baby pigeons can also be provided with tap water.
You should provide about 100ml per day but as they start to develop their body, one can just leave an unrestricted source of water for them to consume on their own.
How Much Water Do Pigeons Drink?
Yes, pigeons drink water. Adult pigeons consume about 50 ml to 60 ml of water daily. If they have to provide feed for their young, then this might double to 100 ml to 120 ml a day.
Surprisingly, pigeons do not generally drink water at night when they live in their natural habitat.
Since pigeons do not have sweat glands, they do not require much water to begin with.
At the same time, pigeons do not feel the need to drink water if they are in a state of restful sleep.
However, a pigeon might drink water if they are kept artificially awake at night with light inside the house.
How Do You Get Pigeons to Drink Water?
A way you can use to get pigeons to drink water is to drip a few drops of water into their water container.
The sound of the drops splashing acts as a reminder or calling for the pigeons to come and consume water.
Alternate Ways To Get Pigeons To Drink Water
People will often hold the pigeons and plunge the tip of their beaks in the water for 20-30 seconds which usually results in the pigeons opening their beak and sucking up the water. If they do start to drink, you will definitely understand by the sound of the water gushing down through their beak.
Another method used to get juvenile pigeons to drink water is to dip your fingers in their water container. This acts as encouragement and shows that it’s safe to plunge their beaks into the water.
If these methods do not work or your pigeon refuses to drink water for a prolonged period of time, then you should be quick to see a vet.
Conclusion
Baby pigeons aren’t exactly high maintenance. They can be great companions and are easy to take care of. If you’re concerned about how, you should treat them when it comes to their water intake, then fret not.
They are small and drink to their relative size. You just need to look after them for the first few weeks. The initial week or 10 days are a little complex because of how you have to maneuver around their daily needs.
After that they will mostly be responsible for their own drinking habits! That’s all for this article! We hope you’ve found what you were looking for. If you have, then sharing this content would be highly appreciated.
Image Credit:
- Stock.adobe.com
- YouTube.com (HAWKMASTERUK)
- Paul Farnfield/Alamy
