How to recognize a good pigeon?

There are many theories about how you recognize a top pigeon . Some say you can see it in a pigeons eye , others claim you have to ‘feel’ it. We, however, like to look at several physical aspects , such as muscle form , color of the skin, etc.

What is good feed for a pigeon?

There are lots of food and diets that are absolutely healthy. The trick is finding the right balance. We've put together several food schedules throughout the year. On our blog we talk about which feed we use. We also provide a schedule for the training season and the winter period .

How to make my pigeon faster fast?

There are two ways to own a fast pigeon: buy one or train one. This is easier said than done. There is no shortcut to a fast pigeon. If you want to buy a fast pigeon, on our blog we provide guidelines on how to recognize a toppigeon. There are certain physical attributes your pigeon shouldn't have . We also give tips and schedules on how to effectively train a pigeon .

What is a good pigeon loft?

A pigeon loft has to be good. But what is good? The pigeon loft should complement a pigeons health, the training you provide them and it should stimulate its mental wellbeing and natural rythm. On our blog you'll find some guidelines for a good pigeon loft .

What illness does my pigeon have?

Pigeons can, unfortunately, get sick. It's important to notice a disease in time and to prevent it from spreading. Always place a pigeon in quarantaine if you're not sure. Since we're experts, we created a list of common pigeon diseases , how to know what disease it is and how to cure it.

Pigeon Racing

Q: How to train pigeons?

There are various ways and strategies. The most important components are nutrition, rest and actual training. On our blog we give away a succesfull strategy we use to train prize winning pigeons.

Pigeon racing is for many people a way of recreation. Pigeon racing is more than a sport. It’s also a community. During pigeon races you meet many other pigeon racers, who have the same passion as you: pigeons. Pigeon racing can also be very lucrative. Some races even have a $200.000,- prize.

For many pigeon owners it’s a way of life. They build their pigeon loft, do research on how to train pigeons, how their anatomy works etc.

Types of races

There are many races with just as many rules. Each race is different and every pigeon racing organization has its own rules. Most of the time, however, they are alike. There are several types of races.

One-loft racing: in one-loft racing, birds from the same loft race against one another. These birds are, however, bred by different breeders, but trained by the same trainer and in the same conditions. This is different from trainer against trainer races. One-loft pigeon racing is regarded as the fairest way of pigeon racing and is gaining popularity. It’s the fairest way of comparing bloodlines.
Trainer against trainer: as already mentioned, there is the trainer against trainer race. In these races, birds from different lofts, with different breeds, with different trainers race against one another.
Sprints: There are pigeon races that are called sprints. These are short races. For these races you want to have a pigeon with explosive power. Endurance is less relevant. The pigeon needs to perform intensively for a short period of time.
Marathon: Another pigeon racing type is the marathon. This is an endurance-type race. The pigeons need to have a lot of stamina and be able to fly for long periods of time. The length of such a race is usually several hundreds of kilometers.

Most pigeon racing events have more races scheduled and are usually a combination of types. For each race, the top 3, 5 or 10 will receive points. After all races are finished, the pigeon racing team with the most cumulative points wins.

How to Determine a Top Pigeon

As you can imagine, for pigeon racing you will need good, strong and healthy pigeons. But how do you determine a top pigeon? I already wrote a blog about the anatomy of racing pigeons and how you can determine if a pigeon is strong and healthy or not.

Racing Diet

To make/keep your racing pigeon strong and healthy, the food is essential. Pigeon racing is more than just attending the race and hope for the best. Even the pigeon loft plays a role.

In pigeon racing, you need to train your pigeons according to the racing type in which they’ll participate. To effectively train your pigeons, you’ll need the right food and supplements. Here are some supplements that will definitely help your pigeons:

Forte Vita is a powerful natural product that maintains optimal health in your colony. Ideal for pigeon racing. This elixir contains minerals, trace elements and very well balanced herbal extract in a powerful biological acid. This product activates the body and brings it in top condition. It is advisable to use Forte Vita after an antibiotic cure against intestinal disorders and for the overall resistance.

It increases the natural body resistance; Positive effect on the blood purification and the endurance;
Supports the overall metabolism and condition;
Improves racing performance;
Stimulates the appetite and the digestion;
Strengthens the moult and down moult;
Supports the colour activating of the feathers for the cage, and aviary birds;
Takes care of the muscles after physical exertions.

Garlic and onion juice has a positive effect on the blood circulation. It improves fertility and purges the blood. It has a positive effect on intestinal disorders. It improves the condition and moulding, clears the throat and battles fatigue. Ideal for in winter, when your pigeons might not get as much exercise as they need.
Bio 1 is a unique mixture of herbs, which maintains a good oxygeneration, bloodcirculation and it gives the skin a more pink color. It's indispensable for the construction of good skin tissue. It’s an oral solution that also purifies the blood;
Bio 3 helps combat stress symptoms. It avoids backsliding of the form. It helps strengthen the muscles and stimulate the sex urges. This complex activates the pigeon and helps it get in a top form for pigeon racing. You can’t miss this product to keep your pigeons fit. Bio 3 is especially helpful during the breeding period;
Setrachol is a unique liver tonic that benefits the recuperation after performances. It nurtures the muscles after physical exertion and brings the pigeon in top condition for pigeon racing. It is advisable to give Setrachol after the racing period and after antibiotic treatment, in absence of good breeding results, or when the pigeon has kidney, liver, and digestive problems. It makes for a perfect detoxification.