The issue of proper and balanced feeding is of concern to all pigeon lovers. The quality of nutrition determines the health of the pet, its activity and external indicators. It would seem that birds should eat any plant seeds, right? Not so simple. Not all plants are equally useful and equally necessary for pigeons. Every pigeon breeder has at least once wondered whether it is possible to feed domestic pigeons with peas?
Is it possible to give peas to pigeons?
Legumes are an essential part of the diet of healthy pigeons, as they are rich in proteins. But you should pamper your pets with extreme care.Pigeons always eat crushed dried peas, lentils, and vetch with pleasure. But at certain times it is better to exclude them from the menu.
Some pigeon breeders believe that it is permissible to offer boiled peas to the birds so that they are digested faster. However, there is no unanimous opinion on this matter. Under natural conditions, pigeons themselves find and peck grains of wild legumes. Therefore, in the household one should not forget about this bird need.
Benefits and harms of the product
Peas are rich in vitamins and microelements, comparatively more than other feed plants. It contains beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, vitamin K.
Legumes ensure the healthy growth of chicks, since the dove will never suffer from vitamin deficiency, and the breeder is ensured the regularity of healthy offspring. Peas are a source of vegetable protein. It is indispensable in the diet of birds raised for meat. The product should be introduced into the diet only when the chicks reach the age of 2 weeks. It is too heavy for young animals to digest.
It should not be given in hot weather because digestion requires a large amount of water. It is also not recommended to feed pigeons this food in winter, since it stimulates egg production; it is better to feed it closer to spring.
How to give peas to pigeons
High-protein cereals should be present in the daily diet of the inhabitants of the dovecote in an amount of 10-15%. This indicator is increased in three cases:
- During molting.
- During the period of hatching eggs and feeding chicks.
- When transporting an individual.
If feeding standards are not observed, birds become obese. Peas are given as part of a grain mash or as an independent food.It is preferable to give birds yellow field peas or second grade peas. Only in crushed form. During this time, the birds must have sufficient fresh drinking water.
