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Pigeons and Doves 447

Table 27.2 Feeding schedule for Rock Pigeons.

Diet for chicks under 75 g Diet = 50/50 (Emeraid/Exact): Birds on this diet may not require as
frequent feedings. Check crop and feed when nearly empty. Food expires after 1 hour.
DO NOT FEED COLD 50/50.

Weight (g) Amount (ml) Hours between feeds
20 1–2 1
30 2.5–3.5 1–2
40 3–5 2
50 4–6 2
For chicks over 75 g, feed exact only: DO NOT FEED COLD EXACT
75 5–8 2
100 8–10 2
125 11–13 2
150 14–16 2
175 17–18 3
200 18–20 3
225 18–20 3
250 18–20 4
Birds over 250 g rarely require tube‐feeding unless they are debilitated.
300 18–20 4
350 18–20 4
400 18–20 4
Source: information courtesy of the Wildlife Care Association in Sacramento, CA.

constructed well ahead of time. The length of tubing required is that which reaches past the glottis
and into the crop. Most doves require tubing of 3–4 in. (7.5–10 cm); pigeons may need tubing as
long as 6 in. (15 cm). Intravenous extension set tubing cut to an appropriate length makes an excel-
lent feeding tube. This tubing is typically 1/8 in. (3 mm) in diameter, which is sufficient to pass the
diet. The tube should be cut straight across, never at an angle (which will produce a “spear” that
can puncture a bird’s crop). Lightly pass a flame (e.g. cigarette lighter) over the cut end of the tube
so that the tube end develops a rounded edge, thus avoiding sharp edges and preventing internal
crop lacerations. Steel feeding needles, originally intended for parrots, are also used by some reha-
bilitation centers, but are not necessary for Columbiformes because there is no risk of the bird
biting off the tubing. An author (GP) has seen numerous cases of metal feeding needles rupturing
crops, and even being forced through the back of a bird’s neck, when used by inexperienced
handlers.
Attach the flexible tubing to a feeding syringe and fill with warmed formula. Warm the formula
to 100–105 °F (38–41 °C) and draw up into a syringe barrel. Remove any large air bubbles from the
syringe and wipe the outside of the tubing clean of any excess liquid to keep feathers dry and avoid
aspirating the patient. Wrap the bird securely in a soft cloth, and extend the neck to straighten the
esophagus. Open the beak with a finger and introduce the tubing into the mouth, aiming toward
the bird’s right side at the back of the mouth. Pressing on the upper and lower bases of the beak