Can Pigeons Eat Cracked Corn?
Cracked corn is an underrated bird food. Some might think these are useless seed fillers, but they are excellent food for nutrients.
But can pigeons eat cracked corn? I’ve experimented with different bird foods for years to find out what’s the best for my pigeons. Yes, they can eat cracked corn, and it’s 100% fulfilling, healthy, affordable.
However, pigeons only eat these when no other food options are available. Pigeons have an omnivorous diet and eat grains, seeds, millet, and limited vegetables. From my petting experience, pigeons are the most non-picky eaters.
Check out my guidelines regarding the safety matter, portion control, and nutrient benefits of cracked corn and pigeons below.
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Is Cracked Corn Good for Pigeons?
Small pieces of corn kernels that are mechanically possessed are cracked corn. If you are a bird owner, you already know how popular these are. People use this feed in a mix of poultry and even wild birds.
It’s an optimal source of carbohydrates. So, cracked corn is good for pigeons. But you can’t solely rely on it as a bird feed.
Like any other bird, pigeons also require a balanced diet. Cracked corn lacks vitamins and minerals, so you must offer these in a mixed feed. However, these provide quick energy to the birds.
During the winter or colder times, cracked corns are helpful to keep the pigeons for extra energy. It helps to produce extra warmth. But again, moderating diet is the key.
For example, if I’m out for hours and my pigeons are not fed, I always add 60% feed consisting of cracked corn. Because it has carbs, it provides high energy for my pigeons to boost up.
Another tip is to check the cracked corn’s nutrient benefits because some are processed too much. If the corn doesn’t have at least 80% carbohydrate, don’t use these in the feed.
See our in-depth “Pigeon Foods and Diet” article to learn what these urban birds eat. We cover their dietary habits and nutrition.
Do Pigeons Like Whole Corn or Cracked Corn?
My Ice Pigeons always go for cracked corn over whole ones. But my friends’ pigeons eat whole grain over cracked ones. The likability depends on what you are feeding your birds.
Generally, pigeons prefer cracked corn over whole-grain ones. Because cracked corn has enhanced digestibility and accessibility, it’s more suitable for pigeons. Pigeons naturally can’t break the hard shells of whole corn kernels.
As I mentioned before, cracked corns are smaller pieces of corns. So, it’s easier for the birds to extract and consume the nourishment from the kernel. The smaller the corn pieces are, the easier it is to ingest for the birds.
Pigeons have foraging instincts, which means consuming food that is convenient for digesting. When I first got my pigeons, I provided them with whole corn. They spent time and energy to break and eat those compared to other food.
Gradually, after days, they showed no interest in eating whole corn in a mixed feed. Whole corns always were at the same place.
Can Pigeons Safely Consume Cracked Corn as Part of Their Diet?
Yes, it is safe. Cracked corn provides a vital energy source to the pigeons because it is filled with carbs. Also, the digestion and ingesting processes, compared to other foods, are more accessible.
However, cracked corn is safe when you provide them with a balanced diet. It should be offered in moderation. Cracked corn contributes to overall pigeon well-being despite being perceived as cheap.
Especially when your birds are spending too much energy and when it’s winter. I always give half a cup of cracked corn every other morning with seeds and grains mixed.
Overfeeding pigeons can cause health problems. Make sure you change your bird feed every two days.
Is Cracked Corn a Suitable Food Option for Pigeons?
Small pieces of corn or cracked corn make them more accessible and suitable for pigeons to digest. Also, it has nutritional value and convenience.
You can get cracked corn despite living in any part of the world. Pigeons have feeding behaviors and prefer foods that go with their natural diet, including grain or seed.
Cracked Corn’s properties align with it. So, it is entirely suitable for the pigeons. Cracked form allows the birds to access the nutrient portion of the kernel with ease.
However, relying only on cracked corn is not an intelligent choice. Like any other bird, pigeons also require a balanced diet. I recommend first testing your pigeons by mixing cracked corn in a bird feed.
If the result is positive, then go with a suitable portion and add them on every other day. You can feed your pigeons with solo cracked corns whenever you are out of bird feed.
Cracked corn is suitable for pigeons until provided with a diverse diet. Portion control is essential, and I recommend feeding only cracked corn in an emergency. An unbalanced diet and excess corn can lead to problems in health.
What Nutritional Benefits Does Cracked Corn Provide for Pigeons?
Whole corns are turned into these smaller chunks mechanically, and these are cracked corns.
This process exposes the nutritious inner portion, removing the complex layers. As I mentioned before, cracked corn have high levels of carbohydrate.
So, it is an energy-rich food, and you can provide your pigeon as a prime food source. One serving of cracked corn can help keep pigeons maintain their body temperature. Carbohydrate provides strength for daily activity such as flying and foraging.
Any cracked cron’s digestibility is high, so pigeons quickly absorb the nutrients for use. Moreover, it includes dietary fiber for gut health and digestion.
But it doesn’t complete a pigeon’s need for protein, vitamins, and minerals. So, cracked corn should be part of a well-mixed balanced diet. Overfeeding pigeons with cracked corn can cause nutrient differences and health problems.
Are There Any Potential Risks of Feeding Pigeons Cracked Corn?
These are some risks that can cause your pigeons to have serious health problems –
1. Imbalance
Cracked corn should be part of a diet, not the whole diet. It’s only a source of carbohydrates, not other nutrients. Only feeding corn can create an imbalance in pigeon health.
2. Obesity
Excessive cracked corn consumption can lead to pigeon obesity. If you’re maintaining pigeons in poultry, it can seem reasonable for some days. But soon enough, obesity leads to quick death.
3. Mold
Unfortunately, cracked corn grows mold quickly due to moisture exposition. Modly corn consumption can lead to disease and cause digestion problems for pigeons.
4. Disease
Usually, cracked corn is fed in one area. Due to the nature of the grain, pigeons overcrowd one place to eat. These phenomena can cause disease transmission among them.
5. Unsanitary
I overfed my pigeons in the same area in the early days. It quickly became dirty and a habitat of pests. The unsanitary environment causes my pigeons’ disease.
6. Environment
Cracked corn creates waste and affects the surrounding environment. Always clean the place after feeding.
How Much Cracked Corn to Feed Pigeons?
The portion depends on your pigeon’s age. I recommend giving half a cup or 50% of its diet cracked corn for squabs because they can digest quickly and get enough nutrients.
A mature pigeon should have only 10% to 15% cracked corn in the composition of other nutrients such as seeds, vegetables, and grains.
Conclusion
Pigeons can eat cracked corn. But sometimes, owners feed excessively cracked corn because it’s cheap. So, give your pigeon a well-balanced bird feed for good health.
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References:
- https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wsb.1396
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/250234301_Effects_of_feeding_cracked_corn_and_concentrate_protein_pellets_on_broiler_growth_performance
- https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/13/7/1750
