Do Pigeons Eat Clover?
Many farmers reported that they find it difficult to farm crops in areas full of pigeons. These opportunistic feeders feed on anything. And as a large part of their diets have plants, that comes with no surprise. But do pigeons eat clover?
Pigeons will eat clover. They generally eat the leaves of clovers. However, pigeons do not eat the buds or the heart of the clover plants.
Many plant keepers feed pigeons clover for how beneficial it is. But should you make clover the primary food source for your pigeons? Let’s find out!
Related blog about pigeon foods:
What Is Clover?
At its core, clover is a herbaceous plant that is in the pea family. It blooms dense globular flower heads. And the leaves of the clover plants are generally three-lobed.
Clover is one of the important rational crops out there. It is known to fix the nitrogen level in the soil. In other words, it partners with the beneficial bacteria to transform the nitrogen gas in the soil’s air pockets.
Besides, clovers are rich in polysaccharides and isoflavones. They are also a great source of vitamin C, iron, and dietary fiber. That’s why you will find many recipes integrating the leaves of clover.
Can Pigeons Eat Clover?
Pigeons can eat clover. But not the heart of the plant. They will eat the leaves, filling their health with vitamin C, dietary fiber, and iron. However, they can eat the young corn of clovers.
Even so, pigeons will not finish the whole corn of clovers. They will generally eat only the seed and discard the rest. Still, pigeons eating clover corn is pretty rare. Only a few birdkeepers have noticed pigeons eating the corn of clover.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon foods and Diet“; if interested, you can check this article here.
What Are the Benefits of Pigeons Eating Clover?
Clover is best known for being rich in protein and other nutrients. These traits make clover a great addition to the overall diet of the pigeons.
However, clover should not be the only source of food for pigeons. These birds require a varied diet to remain healthy and active. Instead, it is better to add clover to the diet of the pigeons.
And when you do add clover to the diet of pigeons, they will enjoy these:
01. Improves Digestion
Clover is well-known for being rich in fiber. This rich content of dietary fiber will aid digestion. And eventually, the pigeons will not face constipation issues in future.
02. Enhances the Feather Health
When included in the diet, clovers will aid the feather health of pigeons. It will also maintain the natural and healthy look of the feathers.
03. Aids Fertility
Clover plants are rich in compounds that can help increase pigeons’ fertility. And this trait alone makes clover a must-add to the diets of the clover during the breeding season.
04. Improves Immune Functions
The leaves of clovers are rich in antioxidants. There are other essential nutrients too. Combined, they will boost the immune system of the pigeons. That will eventually help the pigeons to become highly resistant to diseases and remain healthy.
Which One Is the Best Type of Clover to Plant in Your Garden?
Clovers are not just good as a food source for pigeons; they can also enhance the overall looks of your gardens. They will add a touch of greenery to your landscape, which will make it more eye-catching.
However, not all clovers grow well in gardens. There are a few that are known for being better in such landscapes. And they are:
01. White Clover
The white clover is a low-growing plant. It is one of the hardy clover species. And the great thing about these plants is that you will find them growing on most lawns. That will make it easier for you to obtain them.
Another great thing about white clovers is that they are known for growing quickly and spreading fast. So, you will not need to put in too much effort to fill your garden up with these plants.
White clover also mixes exceptionally well with Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and perennial ryegrass. And it is better to plant them in areas with light shade or full sun.
02. Red Clover
Compared to the white clover, the red clover is a bit taller and bushier. However, red clover plants are still common in gardens and landscapes. Many even call these plants wild clover, meadow clover, or cow clover.
No matter what they are called, they are not that cold temperature tolerant. Red clover plants reside in the perennial category, meaning they will die after the first year. But they can thrive exceptionally well in dry or moist conditions.
You just have to make sure that the soil is well-drained. However, you don’t need to worry too much about the soil’s acidity. Red clovers can tolerate extremely high acidity levels. And it is better to choose a spot with full sun or partial shade.
03. Strawberry Clover
As the name suggests, the strawberry clover plants’ flowers or corn look pretty much like strawberries. And even though they grow similarly to white clover, strawberry clover plants can replace white clovers in areas near river estuaries.
The strawberry clover plants have a high salinity tolerance. That’s why it is a perfect pick for soils with a high salt level. Other varieties of clover generally can not withstand saline-rich soil.
That said, the flowers of strawberry clover are smaller than the white florets. However, that is not a significant concern as pigeons do not eat the flowers of clovers after all. They will mostly munch on the leaves.
How Should You Feed Clover to Your Pigeons?
You need to feed the clover when they are between 4 to 6 cm high. At this point, the plants will be full of nutrition and other beneficial factors. So, make sure to feed the pigeons when they are at this stage.
However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t feed clovers that are taller than 4 to 6 cm to the pigeons. You can! But they will mostly get the fiber out of the plants at that stage.
Clovers tend to get less nutritious as they grow taller.
During the breeding season, mix a good amount of clover with the food of the pigeons. And during the non-breeding season, mix it once or twice a week.
Wrapping Up
Pigeons are known for eating a wide variety of shrubs and vegetables. And if you are still wondering do pigeons eat clover, they do. They will just not eat the buds or the heart of the clover.
Even so, you should primarily feed clover to the pigeons. Instead, it needs to be an addition to the overall diet.
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Article Reference:
- Nature.com/articles/152533c0
- Lawnlove.com/blog/landscaping-types-of-clover/
Image Credits: Canva.com/photos
