Do Pigeons Eat Grass? – Is Grass A Good Source of Diet for Pigeons?
One of the most interesting things about pigeons is their diet. These birds are granivores, meaning their diet is mainly composed of seeds, grains, cereal crops, and other types of food. But what about grass?
Do pigeons eat grass? No, they don’t. Because it is not a natural part of their diet, and it is not particularly nutritious for them. Besides, their small beaks and lack of grinding teeth make it difficult for them to digest the tough fibers found in grass. Rather, they prefer seeds and insects that live in the grass.
Follow on as we discuss the risks of incorporating grass into the pigeon’s diet and other relevant information surrounding pigeons not eating grass.
Can You Feed Grass To Pigeons?
No. Pigeons do not eat grass despite their ubiquity in urban and rural areas. One of the main reasons that pigeons do not eat grass is that it is not a natural part of their diet.
In the wild, pigeons feed on a variety of seeds, fruits, and other plant material, but the grass is not typically a part of this diet. This is because pigeons are not equipped to digest grass in the same way that grazing animals like cows or sheep are.
The small size of their beaks and lack of grinding teeth make it difficult for them to effectively break down and digest the tough fibers found in grass. Another reason that pigeons do not eat grass is that it is not a particularly nutritious food source for them.
Besides, the grass is mostly made up of cellulose, a carbohydrate difficult for pigeons to digest. Studies show that the texture and taste of grass do not appeal to the pigeons’ palate. As a result, pigeons do not enjoy the grass and will typically forage for food in other areas.
Also, grass provides insignificant nutrients for them. In contrast, the seeds, fruits, and other plant material that pigeons typically eat are rich in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients
Why Do Pigeons Peck Around The Grass?
Do you wonder why pigeons peck around the grass if they don’t eat it? It’s simple, they are attracted to the insects that live in the grass. Pigeons are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will take advantage of any food source that is available to them.
While the grass may not be a desirable food for pigeons, the insects that live in it can be a valuable source of protein for these birds.
Alternative Diet For Pigeons
Since pigeons do not eat grass note that they feed on seeds that grow on or fall off the grass. Grass seeds can provide a source of nutrition for pigeons, including protein and carbohydrates. They are also a source of fiber, which can help with digestion.
In as much as grass seeds are good for pigeons, not all are healthy for consumption. Below are some types of grass seeds that are good for consumption by pigeons and some that are not.
| Grass seed type | Good for pigeons |
| Wheat | Yes |
| Oat | Yes |
| Barley | Yes |
| Sorghum | No |
| Rye | Yes |
| Canola | Yes |
| Corn | No |
| Nightshade | No |
| Johnson grass | No |
Health Risks/Why You Shouldn’t Feed Grass To Pigeons.
While it may seem harmless, there are some health risks that you should be aware of if you see pigeons eating grass.
Consumption Of Harmful Chemicals From Grass
For one, pigeons may ingest harmful chemicals that have been used to treat the grass. Pesticides and fertilizers can be toxic to birds and can cause a range of health problems, from digestive issues to neurological damage.
Additionally, some types of grass contain mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi. These can also be harmful to pigeons and can cause a variety of symptoms, including tremors, seizures, and even death.
Spread Of Diseases
Another concern is the possibility of pigeons contracting diseases from other birds that may have fed on the same grass. Pigeons are known to congregate in large flocks and can easily spread illnesses to one another.
Some of the more common diseases that pigeons can contract include avian influenza, salmonellosis, and aspergillosis.
Harmful To The Pigeon’s Digestive System
Grass can be difficult to digest for pigeons and can cause blockages or other issues in their digestive system. Sometimes leading to serious health problems and even death.
Can Attract Predators
Feeding pigeon grass can attract predators such as rats and other animals that can harm the pigeons.
Encourages Dependence On Human Feeding
Pigeons fed with grass will become dependent on the feeding and will not forage for food on their own. This will decrease the population’s ability to survive and adapt to their environment.
Can You Feed Grass To Baby Pigeons? If So, How?
No, you cannot. These tender baby pigeons cannot eat grass because it doesn’t have the nutritional requirements they need to thrive. Besides, grasses are not a good meal source for baby pigeons because of the reasons highlighted below.
- Nutritional deficiencies, leading to severe health problems or even death
- Grasses lack essential nutrients leading to weak bones, poor feather development, and a weakened immune system
- Difficulty in swallowing can lead to blockages in their tender digestive system
- Grass can be difficult to digest for squabs, as their digestive systems are not yet fully developed. Feeding them grass can cause issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, and even death
Benefits Of Grass Seeds To Pigeons
A lot of benefits abound in grass seeds, though pigeons can’t eat grass. Some of them are seen below.
- Provides both protein and carbohydrates for healthy growth
- A source of fiber and aids digestion also
- Helps to maintain a balanced diet
However, the quantity of grass seed consumed by an adult and a baby pigeon is highlighted below.
| Pigeon Age | Grass Seed Consumed (grams/week) |
| Adult pigeon | 120-150g |
| Baby pigeon | 50-75g |
Pigeons eat/swallow grass seeds since they don’t have teeth to chew grasses. Below is a video showing a pigeon eating grass seeds.
FAQs
Let’s consider some questions that people also ask and provide answers to.
Hang scarecrows around to scare them. Also, properly cover the seeds so they won’t see them, and use fleece to spread across the seeds to prevent your pigeons from picking them.
To hunt for insects in the grass and to undergo sunbath pigeons often lay on grasses.
Conclusion
In simple terms again, do pigeons eat grass? No, because they are primarily granivorous, which means that they mainly feed on seeds. While they can consume a variety of seeds, they do not typically eat grass because of its unpleasant texture and taste on their palate.
Grass also does not provide a significant source of the necessary nutrients for pigeons to survive. In addition, they eat grass seeds but they do require a balanced diet to maintain good health. Overall, consult with a veterinarian or avian specialist to determine the best diet for your pigeons.
