handfeeding baby pigeons

Question
i have been feeding this little gal for about two weeks and was wondering when i should be concerned about weaning her since this is all new to me any advice will help.  we raise pigeons but this is the first time playing momma to a baby bird  help  and peace  marsha

Answer
Hi, Marsha,

I've had 2-week old baby pigeons start eating pigeon grain, but they usually don't start eating grain until about 3 weeks old.  When the baby starts pecking at things on the ground/floor/cage bottom, you can start offering small pigeon grain.  However, you should continue to handfeed until the baby is able to completely sustain itself.  When the baby starts eating grain, you can gradually reduce the handfeeding.  The more and more grain the baby consumes, the less handfeeding you have to do.  Also, don't forget to teach the baby how to drink water by dipping its beak down in a dish with water in it.

Chrys