How to Raise Meat Pigeons in Winter? Master These Feeding and Management Measures
Cold Protection and Warmth First, block the cracks and holes in the pigeon house walls so that the meat pigeons are not attacked by cold wind. Second, seal the front and rear windows tightly with plastic film, and at night hang burlap curtains outside the windows and windproof curtains on the doors to raise the temperature inside the house. Third, in the severe cold of winter, maintain the pigeon house temperature. Usually, when the pigeon house temperature is above 5°C, breeding pigeons can lay eggs, incubate, and brood squabs as usual; if the temperature is below 3°C, heating facilities should be added.
Raise the Nutritional Level Winter temperatures are low, so the energy contained in the feed should be somewhat higher than in other seasons. Feed types should be diversified and nutrition should be comprehensive. Generally, each kilogram of daily ration for breeding pigeons should contain 11.7-13.4 megajoules of metabolizable energy and 15%-17% crude protein. Feed formula: corn 45%, soybean meal 25%, pellet feed, sorghum, and miscellaneous beans 10% each; add 10-15 grams of poultry multivitamin per 50 kg of feed; feed 2-3 times a day, and let the meat pigeons drink water freely after feeding. At the same time, pay attention to providing sufficient mineral feed. Formula: loess 30%, fine sand 25%, shell powder 30%, bone meal, slaked lime, and salt 5% each, and let the meat pigeons eat freely.
Strengthen Management Clean the pigeon house in a timely manner and remove manure and fallen feathers from the pigeon cages. Wash the nest pans frequently to prevent squabs from eating feed contaminated with manure and becoming ill. According to weather conditions, open doors and windows for ventilation to keep the air inside the house fresh.
Prevent Disease The pigeon house and feeding and drinking utensils should be regularly disinfected with 5% Lysol, 3% potassium permanganate solution, or Baidusha (use according to the instructions). In winter, the temperature difference between day and night is large, and pigeons are prone to catching colds. Observe carefully; sick pigeons found should be isolated and raised separately and treated promptly.