Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release

Songbirds

What is a Songbird?

Stages of Development

Caring for Babies

Injured Adults and Juveniles

Non-native Birds

Swallows

Hummingbirds

Frequently-Asked Questions

Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia)

Description Domestic pigeons, also known as Rock Doves, are common in urban and surburban areas. They are not native to the United States, but were introduced from Europe. They have been domesticated for centuries and are popular as pets. Because they are not native birds, it is legal for you to raise and keep Domestic Pigeons. You are not allowed to keep Band-tailed Pigeons which are native to the U.S. The Domestic Pigeon you raise should not be released into the wild but should be considered a pet. Like any pet, you are responsible for its care, including veterinary care. Domestic Pigeons can live for 10-15 years.

Housing
Downy Baby to Fledgling: A port-a-pet, small box, or 3-gallon ice cream bucket, with a heating pad set on low placed underneath. Line it with something soft and absorbent such as a towel. The bedding should be changed several times a day to keep the nest clean. As the bird grows, it will need a larger box.

Adult: A large outdoor cage or aviary Ð predator-proof Ð minimum size is 6Õx6Õx8Õ.

Food
Downy baby to Pre-fledgling: Mix 1 part Exact with 2 parts warm water. Mix fresh food each feeding. Feed a downy pigeon 6-12 cc of food every 2-3 hours. Feed a pre-fledgling 12-20 cc of food every 4 hours. After feeding, the crop should be soft and rounded but never tight.

How to feed: Use a feeding syringe (for human babies). Gently open the birdÕs mouth. Facing the pigeon, insert the tip of the syringe in the mouth. The tip should point towards the right side of the mouth to make sure the food will go down the esophagus. Slowly depress the syringe plunger while watching for swallowing movements. If the plunger gets hard to move, lubricate with a little cooking oil.

Fledgling: As the baby develops to a fledgling, cut down feedings to twice a day (24 ccs of food) to encourage it to start feeding on its own. Offer hen scratch or pigeon seed mixed with a little oyster shell on the bottom of the cage. Water should also be provided in a small, deep, heavy bowl. When the pigeon is eating on its own, discontinue syringe feeding.

Adult: Hen scratch or pigeon seed, mixed with a little oyster shell. Water in a small, deep, heavy bowl.

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