Key Technical Points for the Feeding and Management of Pigeons During the Squab Stage

Squab stage: Newly weaned squabs are in the period of transitioning from a suckling life to an independent life, and this is also the main stage of skeletal development in pigeons, so feeding and management must be strengthened.

The feed intake of squabs should increase gradually from a small amount, and in the later period the daily feed allowance per bird should be 25—35 grams. Larger pellets of feed should be crushed before feeding, or crushed, soaked in clean water, dried, and then fed. To ensure the normal growth and development of squabs while also preventing early maturity and excessive fatness, the diet should be rich in protein, while energy can be appropriately reduced. In addition, attention should be paid to supplementing vitamins and trace elements.

In terms of protein supply: for squabs within 7 days after leaving the nest, each bird must be guaranteed 5 grams of protein in the daily diet; within 7—20 days after leaving the nest, they must be guaranteed to take in 8—9 grams; from 21—30 days after leaving the nest, they must be guaranteed 10 grams. Every effort should also be made to feed at fixed times and in fixed amounts. Squabs within 1 week after leaving the nest eat 15—20 grams of feed per day, which can be fed in two meals. The 1st meal is at 7—8 a.m., feeding 40% of the daily ration; the 2nd meal is at 4—5 p.m., feeding 60% of the daily ration. Squabs within 20 days after leaving the nest are fed 20—25 grams of feed per day, with 40% in the 1st meal and 60% in the 2nd meal. Squabs 1 month after leaving the nest are fed 25—30 grams of feed per day, with 40% in the 1st meal and 60% in the 2nd meal.