Can pigeons eat finch food?

Pigeons are creatures of extreme flexibility. For which reason, they are also known to be the most economical pets. There is little to nothing that pigeons lack when it comes to an ideal bird pet. They will get attached to you rather quickly and then on, it will undoubtedly be pure bliss for you as a pet parent. You might never even get the chance to feel lonely again. However, since every relationship is two-way, so is this. While your pigeon will love and admire you dearly, in return you will have to take care of its needs. One of such extreme dire needs is food. 

As a pet parent, countering a bird’s dietary needs is a huge responsibility. If you have been a pet parent for a long while, you would know what we’re talking about. Pigeons are picky eaters and it may be a difficult job to feed them without facing resistance. However, the trick is to figure out exactly what they like and how they like it. If you are past that stage, congratulations! You have leveled up. Nonetheless, if you haven’t gotten through to the likeness of your lovely little birdie, we are going to help you out. Since you are on this website to know about finch food, we are going to deliver to you all that we know about it. After reading this article, you will be unbelievably close to breaking down your pigeon’s food guard regarding finch food, if not having gone past it already. 

Are pigeons and finches similar in any way?

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Conventionally, it is uncommon for a bird parent to house a finch and a pigeon in the same aviary. Finches are extremely social birds therefore live in communities or groups of several different birds. At the same time, they are not kept together with pigeons. Both the birds are beautiful and appealing in their ways yet belong to two entirely different classes. Finch belongs to the class of Aves whereas pigeons belong to Columbidae. Therefore, little comparison can be drawn when it comes to these two feathery fellows. However, on the other hand, the list of differences between them is never-ending. The only similarity that seems to stand out of all other differences is the food divisions they are classified to. Both finches and pigeons are granivores.

What the hell are granivores? We bet that’s what you were thinking. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Granivores are creatures who survive on a diet mainly composed of seeds and grains. They receive most of their nutrients and minerals from whole grains as well. This does not mean that fruits and vegetables are poisonous to the birds, occasionally they may indulge in a bowl of enriching fresh fruits as well. It is essential for there to be diversity in the bird’s food, whether it is a finch or a pigeon. The question of debate took its origins from the mirroring food requirement of both the birds as well. 

Can pigeons eat finch food?

Now that you are aware of the background details, let’s get into the question of debate without any further ado. Yes, speaking you can feed your pigeon finch food. As a pet parent to both the beautiful birds, you may come across a circumstance in which you have run out of pigeon food. If this is the case, your pigeon can eat the food you bought for your finch. Having said that, there are several complications to it as well. One of the major concerns is that finch being smaller in size than pigeons have lesser bodily needs. If your pigeon is striving completely on finch food, it may easily become ill-fed and malnutrition. 

Another alarming concern may be that some grains and seeds added in finch food are harmful to pigeons. An excellent example of this may be that of sunflower seeds. If not fed in moderation to pigeons it can prove to be detrimental to their health. While on the contrary, they are adored by the toy-sized birds. For which reason, sunflower seeds are added in surplus amounts in finch food. 

What does finch food have to offer?

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It is a matter of no surprise that a particular food is meant for its target consumer. It is seldom that manufacturers can make products of high generalizability. This is because each species or creature has different and contradicting food requirements. They may not be able to fulfill the needs of a different group of animals or birds. This is no different from how dogs are not encouraged to eat cat food or vice versa. Keeping that in mind, let’s dig into what finch food contains and whether it is nourishing to finches only or other classifications of birds as well. 

Finch food or their base diet food is easily available at any local grocery or pet store. As a requirement, it is rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are as essential for finch as oxygen is for us. It is their basic external energizing source that is used in a bulk by their nervous system. If a bird’s diet is deficient in carbohydrates for a stretched period, it becomes extremely vulnerable to neurological issues. 

Fats or linoleic acid are found in minimal percentages in finch food to avoid any grave consequences such as obesity as well. Additionally, finch is tiny fluffy birds that cannot tolerate an excess of anything. And when we say anything, we mean minerals and supplements as well. What may be healthy to you in abundance might be a death statement to your little birdie. For this reason, all the minerals, etc. are added in just the adequate amounts required. E.g. Ideally, finch food contains 80 ppm of iron, 50ppm of zinc, and only 0.3 ppm of iodine. Other minerals like manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and chlorine, etc. are also present in fundamentally prepared finch food. Any deficiencies etc. left are covered up by the treats that you feed your feathery mate.

However, if there is an alteration or stress in the environment of the fragile birds, their body requirements may differ. In such a situation, you will find them hungry more often than not.

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