How to choose and combine pigeon feed? A detailed guide to the method

Pigeon feed is mainly based on mixed grains, and the more commonly used ones include wheat, buckwheat, sorghum, corn, peas, mung beans, hemp seed, etc. When feeding, at least two kinds of feed should be selected and mixed together. For example, normally wheat, corn and sorghum together make 3 parts, and peas 1 part; during training, change it to wheat, corn and sorghum together making 3 parts, peas 1 part, and hemp seed 1 part.

Besides mixed grains, green feed such as leafy greens, cabbage and wheat sprouts, as well as mineral feed, can also be provided. The ratio for mineral feed: yellow clay and yellow sand 3 parts each, slaked lime 2 parts, salt 1 part, shell powder or eggshell powder 0.5 part, charcoal 0.5 part. After crushing, add water and mix, roll into balls and dry them in the sun. When feeding, break the balls apart and place them inside the pigeon loft.

Feed twice a day, once at around 7 a.m. and once at around 4:30 p.m. The morning feeding amount accounts for 1/3 of the daily ration, and the afternoon feeding amount accounts for 2/3 of the daily ration. The daily feed amount for each adult pigeon is about 50 grams, and it can be appropriately increased a little during training. Feed should be given after the pigeons return to the loft, so that they form a conditioned reflex that there is food when they return to the loft, which helps with homing.

During the period when pigeons are trained for racing, more corn and peas should be fed, and water should be given first, then feed; first give glucose water, then give light salt water.

In summer and during the period of hatching young pigeons, an appropriate amount of salt can be added to their drinking water.

Pigeons love cleanliness very much, so great attention must be paid to cleaning the pigeon loft. In summer and autumn, let the pigeons bathe in water at least twice a week; in winter, bathing once a day is enough.