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We are asking our doves to perform and work very hard, and our businesses are
dependent on their staying healthy. Their diet is a key to good health,
and is the basis of their well being. Just keeping a feeder full of commercial
pigeon grain and providing water is not enough. In fact, it is really
bad management. Luckily, the racing
pigeon folks have researched diet so we have a wonderful reservoir of
knowledge to draw upon, and some great commercial products. Poor nutrition
will lead to susceptibility to disease, unthrifty growth, and reduced
reproduction. Pay attention to diet!
Seeds and grain form the basis of a balanced diet and supply protein, carbohydrates
and fats, but seeds may be deficient in certain nutrients. Many seed
diets are high in fats and low in protein. If your birds become too fat,
they will not have the stamina necessary to return home. If
they have too much protein, they may die from kidney failure. Balance is
important. In Asian countries, fanciers feed rice as a good part
of the diet. In western countries, fanciers usually use wheat and milo to form
the bulk of the ration. The birds don't care. They just need a mixed grain
ration with a basic 12-15% protein. During breeding season, this protein
percentage can safely be increased to 18-20% so that the young will grow well
and feather quickly. Most areas have feed suppliers that have spent many years
perfecting various mixes for pigeons and it is advisable to avail yourself of
their expertise and buy from them rather than trying to mix your own ration,
especially at the beginning of your pigeon breeding. There are also some
excellent pigeon pellets on the market. These pellets are made with grain as
well as with fish or other animal meals, and once pigeons learn to use the
pellets, they can be very good.
The following is a typical label from a commercial pigeon grain mix.
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PIGEON GRAIN MIX
| Crude Protein (min) |
15.00% |
| Crude Fat (min) |
2.00% |
| Crude Fiber (min) |
3.50% |
| Ash (max) |
4.00% |
| Ingredients
Whole Grain, Sorguhm, Canadian Peas. Yellow Feed Popcorn, Whole
Wheat, Austrian Peas, Malt Barley, Canadian Green Peas, Soybean Oil. |
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FEEDING REGIME
Pigeon Grain Mixture - Daily
Provides basic proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
Choose the most complete pigeon grain available, noting the protein and fat
proportions. It should have a protein seed
(Pea or other legume). The rest should be a
combination of grains such as maize, sorghum, wheat and safflower.
I also like to add a small amount to the standard mixture of a wild bird mix with
sunflower, canary seed, millet. Pigeon are fed at a rate whereby they can
empty their dish in about 10 to15 minutes. Do not feed free choice to prevent
fat birds.
Water - Always available
Fresh clean water is an essential. The dishes should also be cleaned at
least weekly. I like to add a about 2 drops/gallon of chlorine to water
that will be standing (as in self waterers holding a gallon or more).
Inactivated sterile yeast - 2 X weekly
Provides Vitamin B12, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folic Acid, Lysine, Methionine,
Tryptophane, Lysine Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Iodine
Yeast is an excellent supplement. Pigeons love the taste of yeast and
will embrace its addition to their diet with enthusiasm. You can add to
their seed if you moisten it slightly so that it sticks to the seed with a
little seed oil. The level of many nutrients in seed is directly related
to the levels in the soil in which the seed was grown. For example, The
level of iodine in many soils in Australia is quite low and large areas of the
US are deficient in Selenium. Note-sunflower seeds are good sources of
Niacin.
Leafy Greens such as Spinach and Carrots - 1 X weekly
Provides Vitamin A and K.
Pigeons love a plate of mixed chopped greens and some will eat diced carrots.
Dilute carrot juice can also be placed in the drinker. There is no risk of
overdose here as the vitamin A is only found in its precursor form and the
body will not absorb this and convert it to vitamin A if it is not needed. It
should be noted that cod liver oil also contains good levels of vitamin A, but
be careful to feed in small amounts and as soon as prepared because cod liver
oil in excess can also lead to vitamin E deficiency and should never be
allowed to become rancid, which it does quickly if exposed to sunlight.
Note - Vitamin K2 is produced normally in the gut, so if you treat your flock
with antibiotics, this can be a concern. Use a Probiotic after treatment
with antibiotics.
Vegetable Oil or wheat germ oil - 1 X weekly
Contains Vitamin E
Sprinkle a little oil over the seed mixture once a week, and use it to adhere
the yeast to the seeds. Wheat germ oil is excellent for this.
Grit - always available
Contains Calcium and other minerals.
Always have pigeon grit available for your birds. You can add the
oystershell used for chickens occasionally, but use a good brand of "Pigeon
Grit" as your mainstay. The "pink portion" will usually contain sodium.
Check to be sure sodium is included in your grit, or add a little yourself.
Just be careful not to give too much as you must not allow your birds to
become dehydrated. The following is a typical analysis of a commercial pigeon
grit. It should be pinkish in color.
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GRIT ANALYSIS
| Calcium |
12.00% |
| Salt |
2.00% |
| Charcoal |
1.20% |
| Ingredients
Oyster Shell, Washed Heat Treated Silca, Calcite, Potassium Sulfate,
Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Manganous Oxide,
Socium Selenite, Sulphur, Calcium Sulfate, Oil of Anise |
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Multivitamins - 1 X weekly
To guard against deficiency, a complete water-soluble multivitamin drink
should be made available to the birds periodically.
Laying Crumbles - 1 X weekly (in place of yeast)
I like to provide a small amount of vitamin enriched Laying Crumbles or
Mash (made for chickens) for my flock during breeding season, once or twice a week.
The birds love it, and it adds to the variety with enhanced calcium content.
This is not a staple however, and is treated as a supplement |
