Utility Pigeon daily ration

[squabnrabbit]

I know for normal sized pigeons the daily ration amounts to about an ounce of grain per day with some fluctuations. I am interested in Utility breeds though and their size and rapid squab production surely means they need a larger ration. What I would like to know from other Utility pigeon keepers is an estimate of a King pigeons daily ration. I have typed in numerous variations of this search criteria and there is not much out on the net on the topic. I mostly want this to give myself a good idea of the costs for feeding before I jump in. They are about twice the size of most pigeons, does that double the feed or even triple it?

At this point any info would be more than I really have.

 

[laughingdog]

There are threads on utility pigeon care but I cannot remember the feeding ration shown for kings and another.

 

[squabnrabbit]

Yeah, I have been digging through the older threads for a while. Haven't found much besides general info about raising them. Not a word about how much they eat a day or even in a month. I will keep digging but eventually I will just go for it and find out for myself.

 

[Hokum Coco]

. I mostly want this to give myself a good idea of the costs for feeding before I jump in.

http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/how-to-raise-pigeons-zmaz70mazkin

 

[squabnrabbit]

I had read that article by motherearth news. While it may be accurate i am slightly.skeptical. i have noticed a tendancy by them to go a bit cheerleadery and overstate some info. From talking to pigeon keepers most have stated their pigeons cost less for feed than their chickens. This makes sense when you consider the different sized birds. One keeper said to budget the same as for bantaam chickens for utility breeds. He however has onoy raised homers but i am going to assume that would be about right. Utility pigeons tend to be right in that size range.

 

[Hokum Coco]

One keeper said to budget the same as for bantaam chickens for utility breeds.

There is only one way to really know the true facts about Utility Pigeons in your situation. That is to get one or two pairs and start out small and formulate your own evaluation for yourself in your particular loft and circumstance in my opinion.

 

[squabnrabbit]

No doubt about that. Unfortunately the places i have found who will sell me utility pigeons have a minimum order of 8 pairs. Shipped here will run minimum 500 bucks. Big initial investment. So may be longer tetm for utilitys. Homers seem a good way to start and get some experience.

I am hopeful i can find someone in my region who has a utility loft.

 

[laughingdog]

I keep getting told to go to local poultry clubs shows and ask about. Chickens are always cheaper, but at a time homers tend to eat half at time daily or lot less but feed to meat n egg ratio lot lower. I like flavor more of pigeons lots better though. Birmingham Roller pigeons produce more meat faster for lot less feed intake than other pigeons (homers kings show breeds). Chinese owls and American fantails produced lot of desirable tender breast meat without really flying too much in cage loft or loose.

 

[squabnrabbit]

I plan on having ducks or chickens for eggs and meat as well. I have wanted to keep pigeons for ages though as I think squab is the tastiest bird on the planet. The Homer keepers I have spoken to all eat their squabs more to keep from overpopulating. I know there are some who keep utilities for pigeon breeds that aren't good parents to swap eggs. I am keeping an eye out for shows in the area but low population in the state means I may have to extend my search. I am also talking to as many keepers as I can find. Most of them are in the west of the state though so mostly just talking by phone.

 

[Hokum Coco]

I plan on having ducks for eggs and meat as well.(I had good luck with Muscovy ducks there meat resembles more of a beef consistency then that of a duck or goose) I know there are some who keep utilities for pigeon breeds. I may have to extend my search.
It maybe a bit of a long shot but you may score Utility pigeons by inquiring on this site;
http://www.npausa.com/index.html