The care and management of homing pigeons involve leveraging their natural behaviors to influence four key areas: feeding, housing, mating, and health. This approach helps control the pigeons’ homing ability, obedience, and return accuracy, ensuring their healthy growth and successful breeding. It is also a fundamental step in training elite racing pigeons. A top-quality pigeon can be worth tens of thousands of yuan, making this practice highly economically rewarding. Below are the detailed methods.
First, the loft must provide a safe, comfortable environment that supports the pigeons' nesting instincts. Pigeons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night. The loft should be quiet and calm to avoid startling them, as constant disturbances—especially at night—can cause stress and make them reluctant to return home. They may even choose to roost elsewhere instead of returning to their nests.
Second, the temperature and ventilation are crucial. The ideal temperature for pigeons in both summer and winter is between 13-18°C, with a relative humidity of around 60%. The loft should be well-insulated to protect against extreme weather. In summer, it should stay cool, while in winter, it needs to remain warm and dry. Regular cleaning and disinfection are essential to maintain hygiene and prevent disease.
Third, nutrition plays a vital role in the pigeons’ health and performance. A balanced diet rich in energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals is necessary to keep them strong and fit. Young pigeons need more protein, so adding mung beans or fish meal can help their growth. During training, high-energy foods like corn and wheat should be included. Breeding pigeons require extra protein, around 18 grams per day, along with sufficient vitamins and minerals. Clean water and grit should always be available.
Fourth, feeding should be timely, consistent, and portion-controlled. Feeding pigeons at fixed times and locations helps establish a routine, encouraging them to return home after flying. It’s best to feed them after they come back, which reinforces their habit of returning. Over time, this creates a conditioned response, making them eager to return home after each release.
Fifth, regular and structured training is essential. Pigeons should be released twice daily for 1-2 hours, regardless of weather conditions. This builds endurance and prepares them for all types of weather. Consistent training ensures they can fly long distances, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of kilometers, and still find their way back.
Sixth, building a bond with the pigeons is critical. Training starts with establishing trust. Handlers should interact with young pigeons from an early age, teaching them to respond to commands and signals. Gentle handling and positive reinforcement help create a sense of closeness, making the pigeons more obedient and responsive during flight training.
Seventh, proper pairing is important to prevent loss due to lack of mates. Once pigeons reach sexual maturity, they should be paired promptly. If a pair becomes separated, they should be re-matched quickly. A successful pairing usually lasts 2-3 days, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of losing birds.
Eighth, regular bathing is necessary for hygiene and parasite prevention. Pigeons should bathe on sunny afternoons, about 5-7 times in summer and 1-2 times in winter. Adding a small amount of iodine or potassium permanganate to the water can enhance its effectiveness.
Finally, regular health checks are essential. Observing the pigeons’ behavior, flight patterns, and droppings can help detect illness early. Vaccinations should also be administered to prevent common diseases. By maintaining a strict care routine, breeders can ensure the health and performance of their pigeons, ultimately leading to better results in competitions and breeding.
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