Recently, I used up a couple of bags of bird seed that I bought at Petco on two flocks of pigeons that I try and feed regularly. The first flock consist of approx 30 or so birds within a mile of my home and the other flock of approx 20-25 birds behind my office in downtown portland. Normally, both flocks come as soon as they see my red coat and the big bag of seed.
Since I ran out of the generic stuff, I went to the feed store and bought a 50lb bag of premium pigeon feed. I figured that the babies would be so excited to have good stuff for a change. What I found surprised me. The flock near my home loved the new feed and couldnt seem to get enough of it. However, today, I tried to feed the flock behind my office and for the most part, they turned their peaks up at it. They ate the small seeds but left the peas and corn. The worst part, is that "Stare". It was like them saying, "whats the deal?" The way they looked at me somehow made me feel incredibly guilty for not supplying the cheap stuff.
Is this normal for ferals?
Thanks
Yvette
Tue Feb 22, 2011 9:24 pm
...They'll get used to it...give them some time. The pigeon seed is much better for them because of the higher protein content. The wild bird seed mix...they love, I know...but it's more like giving them a candy bar for lunch. To switch them over...you can try mixing the two together, gradually adding more of the pigeon mix. Those downtown birds are more accustomed to food cart meals.
