Is Barley Good for Pigeons?
Like wheat, barley is considered an excellent option for feeding birds. In fact, many birdkeepers see barley as a great addition to other grains. However, if you know pigeons, they don’t really like to eat barley. But does that mean you shouldn’t feed them barley? Most importantly, is barley good for pigeons?
Barley is an excellent food for pigeons. And just like we don’t like good foods, pigeons tend to skip barley from their feed mixture. Barley is rich in nutritional value. And it should definitely be an addition to your pigeon feed mixture.
Now, the real question is, is barley a sustainable feed for pigeons? And most importantly, what are the benefits and risks of feeding barley to pigeons? Keep on reading to find answers to these and learn more about the topic.
Related blog about pigeon foods:
Is Barley a Good Source of Protein for Pigeons?
Barley is a little weak in terms of protein compared to other seeds and grains. There is hardly any fat or vitamin A in Barley. To be exact, the calorific value of barley is 75% of second-choice corn.
In fact, it has been proven that giving barley to breeding pigeons with more than 15% of barley on their feed can slow the growth of youngsters. However, that doesn’t mean that barley does not contain any protein at all.
It does contain some protein. But it is not a good choice as a complete source of protein. And whenever you give barley to the pigeons, it should be supplemented with other types of feed. Otherwise, they will not get the nutrients they need for growth.
Is Barley a Sustainable Feed for Pigeons?
Barley is not a good choice as a sustainable feed for pigeons. As discussed earlier, barley is not rich in protein. In fact, barley’s protein content is extremely low compared to other seeds and grains.
Now, for pigeons, a dietary crude protein of between 12% and 18% is recommended. Proteins are necessary for building tissues. Like us, pigeons have an increased need for these tissue-building substances.
Whether the pigeons are in the growth stage or breeding season, their protein requirement does not dip too much. That’s why it is important not to rely on barley as a primary feed for pigeons.
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 Feeding Barley to Pigeons?
Although barley is not rich in protein, these grains have good nutritional value. And when you use barley as a supplement in the pigeon feed, you can expect the pigeons to enjoy these benefits:
01. Enhances the Energy Levels
In case you didn’t know, barley is a good source of carbohydrates. And pigeons need carbohydrates to get energy for all their daily activities.
02. Aids the Digestive Health
Barley is relatively high in fiber. And fiber can help to strengthen the digestive system of pigeons.
03. Helps to Maintain the Optimal Weight
As mentioned earlier, there is hardly any fat in barley. Thanks to its relatively low-fat content, it can help pigeons prone to obesity.
04. Can Lower the Cholesterol Level
Barley contains beta-glucans. This component is known to reduce LDL cholesterol in humans. And although it’s rare for pigeons to develop cholesterol issues, barley can certainly lower the chances even more.
Improves the Heart Health
Some studies have claimed that barley can offer cardiovascular benefits for humans. The birds can get similar effects.
What Are the Risks of Feeding Barley to Pigeons?
Though Barley is beneficial for pigeons, there are some risks as well if fed excessively. The potential risks of feeding too much barley to pigeons include:
01. Malnutrition
If pigeons are fed solely on barley, they will not get all the required nutrients for maintaining good health. This can eventually lead to malnutrition and a wide variety of health problems.
02. Obesity
Although barley is known to help pigeons lose weight, it is still a source of calories. And when you feed too much barley to the pigeons, they can gain excessive weight. This could bring up different health-related problems.
03. Digestive Issues
Pigeons can not easily digest the carbohydrates found in barley. So, when fed to an extreme amount, these birds can face digestive issues.
As you can see, not many known risks are associated with feeding barley to pigeons. And as long as you provide barley in a moderate amount, it will be possible to avoid all the abovementioned problems.
Is Barley a Healthy Alternative to Corn for Pigeons?
When it comes to feeding your pet pigeons, you have a lot of options. You can feed them seeds, fruits, and vegetables, but which one is the healthiest for them? Barley is considered one of the healthiest grains for pigeons. But is it a better alternative to corn?
No, barley is not a healthy alternative to corn for pigeons. Even in the calorific value, barley can only offer 75% of second-choice corn. That makes barley a weak alternative to corn.
Can You Feed Pigeons Pearl Barley?
One type of food that is often overlooked when it comes to giving our feathered friends a tasty treat is pearl barley. But can you actually feed pigeons pearl barley?
You can mix pearl barley into a well-balanced diet of barley. In fact, it is better to mix pearl barley instead of regular barley. The removal of the husk makes it easier for the pigeons to digest it.
What Does Barley Do for Racing Pigeons?
Barley is a powerhouse of nutrition for racing pigeons. This species rely on barley to keep themselves healthy and strong so they can perform their best on race day. But what does barley do for racing pigeons?
Racing pigeons can replenish their need for carbohydrates and get a good amount of energy from barley. And it can do a proper job of cleaning the intestines of the pigeons after the race.
What Are the Different Types of Barley for Pigeons?
You can feed different types of barley to the pigeons. That includes:
- Pearl barley
- Whole barley
- Barley flakes
- Barley flour
Barley flour in the list above might seem a little off. But you can use the fine powder as a supplement to their diet. And it will be easier for them to get the nutritional values from the flour as it is already processed.
How to Store Barley to Maximize Its Nutritional Value for Pigeons?
Barley will lose its nutritional value if you do not store it properly. And it is highly recommended not to feed improperly stored barley to pigeons. It can make adverse health effects rise up.
Now, when it comes to storing barley, these are the steps you should follow:
01. Store Them in Airtight Containers
Storing barley in airtight containers will keep the barley away from contaminants, moisture, and excessive heat. This will prevent the degradation of nutrients.
02. Keep the Containers in a Cool and Dry Place
A dry basement or pantry would be perfect for storing barley. Exposure to moisture, heat, and light can cause the barley to degrade over time.
03. Keep the Containers Away from Strong Odors
Even inside airtight containers, strong odors can pass through the lid. And when barley absorbs these odors, it will lose its flavor, making pigeons reluctant to eat it.
04. Feed the Stored Barley within a Reasonable Time Frame
While an effective storing method can increase the shelf life of barley, its nutritional value will still degrade. So, feed the stored barley within a few months to the pigeons.
Wrapping Up
To summarize, the answer to the question of is barley good for pigeons would be a yes. And even though it is good food for the birds, it can never be a complete feed. Instead, you should supplement it with other types of feed.
Hopefully, you got the answer you were looking for. Share this article with your bird keeper friends to tell them about barley as a feed for pigeons. And we would highly appreciate it if you stay connected with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts. Wishing you a good day!
Article Reference:
- Cambridge.org/core/journals/world-s-poultry-science-journal/article/nutrition-of-the-domestic-pigeon-columba-livia-domestica/01B6C3D82F0F354FB6AF1A2E9F5FBE01
- Intechopen.com/chapters/75956
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