Spring Feeding and Management Methods and Technical Key Points for Meat Pigeons
Spring is the golden season for meat pigeon breeding. Doing a good job in spring feeding and management of meat pigeons is the key to developing meat pigeon production and improving economic benefits.
1. Focus on spring breeding and improve the survival rate of squabs. Spring is a good time for meat pigeons to lay eggs, incubate eggs and brood squabs, so we must do a good job in the feeding and management of breeding pigeons.
①During the incubation period, eggs should be candled twice on time, the first time 4-7 days after the start of incubation, and the second time on days 10-13. When candling, remove infertile eggs and dead embryo eggs, and merge single eggs into nests so that the pigeons can lay a second clutch. ②After the squabs hatch, prevent them from being trampled to death or injured by the breeding pigeons and from rodent damage. ③Breeding pigeons that cannot incubate eggs or are poor at feeding squabs should be trained and guided.
2. Scientifically mix the feed. To ensure nutritional needs, the daily ration of breeding pigeons should be rich and comprehensive in nutrition, fresh and varied, and good in palatability. The specific formula is: corn 50%, brown rice 15%, wheat 10%, sorghum 20%, rapeseed 5%. Feed 3 times a day, and ensure drinking water and health sand are hygienic and sufficient.
3. Prevent dampness. Keep the pigeon house dry. Meat pigeons are accustomed to dryness and afraid of dampness, so attention should be paid to preventing dampness. (1) Sweep frequently, spread a layer of lime on the floor inside the house, and spread a layer of clean sand in the exercise yard. (2) Often open the doors and windows of the pigeon house for ventilation and air exchange to reduce indoor humidity. (3) Prevent rain leakage in the pigeon house; once rain leaks, repair it promptly.
4. Prevent cold wave attacks and ensure the house is warm. Squabs one week after hatching need to be kept warm. If the temperature inside the house is too low, they are likely to freeze to death, and it can also cause other pigeons to catch colds. Spring temperatures are unstable, sometimes cold and sometimes hot. Pay attention to sudden weather changes. Be sure to close the doors and windows of the pigeon house before the arrival of cold air, do a good job in cold protection, and maintain the temperature of the pigeon house.
5. Do a good job in hygiene and prevent and treat diseases. Insist on sweeping the pens twice a day, doing a major cleaning once a week, and thoroughly disinfecting once a month with 5% Lysol water or 10%-20% lime milk. Keep the inside and outside of the pigeon house, feed, drinking water, feed troughs, drinkers and tools clean and hygienic. Adhere to the epidemic prevention system, carefully observe the pigeon flock every day, and promptly isolate, diagnose and treat sick pigeons when found.