What are the nutritional benefits of pigeon milk for baby pigeons?
Pigeon milk, also called crop milk, is a protein- and fat-rich curd-like substance that both parents make in the crop and feed to their squabs. Earlier studies cited in a 2021 paper put it at roughly 60 percent protein and 30 percent fat by dry weight. It is the main food for the first week and is then mixed with seed until about day 28.
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In this article
What is pigeon milk?
Pigeon milk, or crop milk, is a curd-like substance that breeding pigeons produce in the crop, a pouch in the throat. A 2021 research paper says it separates from the lining of the mature crop of breeding birds. Pigeons have no mammary glands, so it is not milk from the breast.
Who makes it?
Both parents, male and female. The same paper describes both sexes producing crop milk. Production is regulated by the hormone prolactin, as in mammals.
What is in pigeon milk?
| Component | What research reports |
|---|---|
| Protein | About 60 percent by dry weight in earlier studies; the 2021 paper itself measured up to 50 percent crude protein in the first 3 days |
| Fat | About 30 percent by dry weight in earlier studies |
| Carbohydrate and minerals | Small amounts |
| Compared with mammal milk | The paper says mammal milk has about 25 percent protein |
These numbers come from published research on domestic pigeons and vary by study, age and diet, so read them as approximate.
How long are squabs fed pigeon milk?
- Squabs live mainly on crop milk until about 7 days of age.
- After that, crop milk is mixed with the adult diet until about day 28.
Does it change over time?
Yes. The same study found protein content stable on days 1 to 3 and lower by day 7 as the squab grows. The first week is described as the high-output period.
What are the benefits for the baby?
Crop milk supplies protein and fat for rapid growth in the first days of life. We do not claim specific effects on immunity or brain development, since we did not find a source that confirms them for pigeons.
Can people feed baby pigeons?
A wild squab is best left to its parents or taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Never feed cow’s milk to a baby bird. For a pet bird, ask an avian vet about a suitable hand-rearing formula.
People also ask
Do both pigeon parents make pigeon milk?
Yes. Both male and female breeding pigeons produce crop milk.
How much protein is in pigeon milk?
Earlier studies cited in a 2021 paper put it at about 60 percent protein by dry weight, and about 30 percent fat.
How long do baby pigeons drink crop milk?
It is their main food until about day 7, then mixed with seed in the diet until around day 28.
Sources
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