- Base mix: cereals 45%, legumes 30%, small seeds 15%, oil seeds 10%
- Buying in bulk reduces cost by 30–40% compared to ready-made mixes
- Correct storage: cloth or food-grade bags, dry cool place, rodent-proof
- Quality check: no musty smell, whole seeds, minimal dust
Ready-made mixes are convenient but have two major disadvantages: you do not know exactly what they contain, and they are significantly more expensive than buying ingredients separately. A fancier who feeds 50+ pigeons saves hundreds of euros a year by mixing their own feed.
The good news: making your own mix is not complicated. It requires a few kilos of 5–6 basic ingredients and an hour of mixing. The quality control you gain more than compensates for the effort.
Basic ingredients and the role of each
Yellow or green peas — the main protein source (24–26% protein). Essential for muscles, plumage and recovery. Proportion: 20–28% of mix.
Wheat — complex carbohydrate, sustained energy. Lower in fat than maize. Proportion: 20–25%.
Maize — fast energy, enjoyed by pigeons. Do not eliminate it completely, but limit it. Proportion: 15–25%.
Barley or triticale — easily digestible carbohydrate, ideal in racing mixes. Proportion: 10–15%.
Sorghum or millet — small seeds, rich in minerals. Pigeons love them. Proportion: 8–12%.
Linseed or hemp seed — omega-3, essential for plumage and immunity. Proportion: 5–8%.
Practical recipes for each period
Maintenance mix (winter/rest):
- Maize 30%, wheat 30%, barley 20%, peas 15%, millet/sorghum 5%
Breeding/spring mix:
- Peas 28%, wheat 22%, maize 20%, barley 15%, linseed 8%, sorghum 7%
Racing/flying mix:
- Peas 30%, barley 25%, wheat 22%, sorghum 12%, rapeseed 6%, linseed 5%
Moulting mix (autumn):
- Peas 30%, dehulled sunflower 15%, wheat 20%, maize 15%, linseed 10%, barley 10%
Correct storage
- Store in cloth bags or sealed food-grade plastic — never in plain plastic bags that sweat
- Cool place (below 15°C), dry (humidity below 65%), away from direct light
- Buy only the quantity you will use in 6–8 weeks — old or mouldy seeds are toxic
- Check monthly: musty smell or visible mould = throw it all away
What to do in practice
- Calculate monthly consumption (number of birds × 33 g × 30 days) and buy accordingly
- Find a local grain supplier — prices are far better than in agricultural shops
- Invest in a large container (50–100 litres) with a lid for storage — it is worth it
- The first time, prepare a small quantity and observe how pigeons respond to the new mix
A well-made mix costs 30–40% less than ready-made products and gives you full control over what your pigeons eat. It is one of the best time investments in the entire loft.