Determining the age of a baby pigeon, also known as a squab, can be tricky but with these quick tips, you’ll get better at identifying their age:
- Feather Growth: Newly hatched pigeons lack feathers. Pinfeathers start appearing at 1 week and by 3 weeks, down feathers cover most of the body.
- Eyes: Baby pigeons’ eyes open around 4-5 days. By 10 days, their eyes appear larger and more alert.
- Size & Weight: Squabs double in size within the first week. By 2-3 weeks, they weigh over 200 grams.
- Behavior: Very young pigeons stay in the nest. At 3-4 weeks, they begin flapping wings and may venture out.
- Beak Development: Beaks start off short and fleshy, elongating and hardening as they age.