FACTS
Young immature pigeon about 4 weeks old
When squab hatch they are altricial-- what does this mean?
They cannot move around on their own and are dependent on parents for food
What are the mating habits of pigeons?
They mate for life- they are monogomous
Who cares for the squab?
Both parents
What are the housing basics for squabs?
Well-ventilated houses the protect them from rain and predators.
When do we first learn of people eating squab?
First century AD Romans wrote about towers on Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal small part of southern France, Andorra, Gibraltar) that were dovecotes
What is the basic diet for a pigeon?
Whole grains or whole grains and pellets
provide grit
A good pair will last 10-12 years
What is the food that the parents feed the babies called?
crop milk
What is the housing size requirements for
10 foot x 8 foot will house 20 pairs
4 square feet of floor space per bird
need a double nest or duplex (18-24" wide, 16-18" deep and 12" high)-- the rear 12"is divided into 2 next boxes by a partition that is 12" high
nesting space in rear and landing space up front
freestanding circular or square structure with compartments for doves to breed
What is the reason for a duplex nest box?
Roughly 2 weeks before the squabs are harvested, hens will start laying eggs again
2 eggs and then they will incubate them; only natural incubation is used
What is the mechanism that the parents use to feed their offspring?
Parents regurgitate a material made from cells sloughed off from the lining of the crop.
When are the squabs taken from the nest?
By staff right before the parents kick them out of the nest.
25-28 days when the birds are fully feathered under their wings
When is squab meat eaten?
Before the bird flies-- makes it very tender
How much feed does a pair of pigeons used for squabbing eat each year?
130 lbs of feed, 3-5 lbs of grit and 50 gallons of water
How long does it to take to hatch pigeon eggs?
17-18 days
How old are the babies when they are first fed?
3-4 hours post hatch
What material should be placed in a rack for pigeons to build their nests?
chopped straw, pine needles or wood shavings
Why do historians think dovecots were built?
The inhabitants were growing wheat. The fields were attractive feeding spots for wild pigeons. By building the dovecotes, they provided breeding spots for the pigeons. They would harvest the pigeons and use the dropping for fertilizing the fields.
What are the nutrition requirements
Crude Protein 13.5%
Carbs 65%
Crude Fiber 3.5%
Fat 3%
What breeds are used for food?
French Mondains
Carneaux
White and Silver King Utility
Hubble strain-- developed by Dr. Hubble (1920)
How long are the squab fed?
25-30 days
What is the feed space requirement?
2" of feeder space and 1" of water space
use feeders that discourage perching