Pigeons to Eat (Squab)

Pigeon sold for eating is called squab. It is farm raised, not caught in cities.

Updated Nov 2, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Online game meat shops ship frozen squab, often by the case. Specialty butchers and Asian markets may stock it or order it in. Few US farms sell across state lines.

Professional insight

Chefs buy squab from licensed farms. They judge it by size and skin.

Plump breast and pale, unbroken skin signal good handling.
Partially boned birds cook faster and more evenly.
Frozen birds should have no ice crystals inside wrap.
Ask whether the bird was dry or water chilled.

Check the label

Product named as squab or young pigeon.
Inspection mark from a government meat inspector.
Farm or processor name and country of origin.
Whole, partially boned or breast only.
Packed-on or use-by date.
Frozen or fresh, with storage temperature stated.
Net weight per bird or per pack.

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Squab pigeons at a glance

What it is: Young domestic pigeon; Harvested before it can fly.
Age at harvest: About 4 weeks; Young birds have tender meat.
Bird weight: Usually under 1 lb; Large farm breeds can be heavier.

Squab has dark, rich meat, closer to duck than chicken. It comes from utility pigeon breeds raised for meat.

Types

Cut	Best for	Notes
Whole bird	Roasting, braising	Plan one per person
Partially boned	Pan roasting, grilling	Rib cage removed
Breasts	Quick searing	Serve pink, rest before slicing
Legs	Confit, braises	Need slow cooking

Safe use

Thaw frozen squab in the fridge, never on the counter.
Keep raw squab away from ready to eat food.
Cook legs and whole birds to a safe poultry temperature.
Chill leftovers within two hours.

Common uses

Roasted whole with butter and herbs.
Deep fried Cantonese style for celebrations.
Stuffed with rice or freekeh, Egyptian style.
Baked into Moroccan pastilla.
Braised in a red wine salmis.

Common questions

Is squab the same as pigeon?: Yes. Squab is a young pigeon raised for the table.
Why is squab sold by the case online?: Supply is small, so wholesalers sell in bulk. Some shops sell single birds.
Can I raise my own?: Check local zoning and slaughter rules first. Selling meat usually needs inspection.