- Ideal mix: 40–50% cereals, 25–30% legumes, 10–15% oil seeds
- Race season: 14–16% protein, reduce fats 3 days before a race
- Standard quantity: 30–35 g/bird/day in active season, fed once daily (evening)
- Never change feed abruptly — transition takes at least 7–10 days
- Fresh water daily is just as important as feed
Feed makes the difference between a pigeon that gets home and one that wins the race. This is not an exaggeration — a pigeon with the right energy reserves flies faster, recovers better and returns home willingly.
The most common mistake among less experienced fanciers is treating feed as something fixed: the same mix all year, the same quantity, no variation. Performance pigeons need a diet that changes with their requirements.
The diet base: what a good mix contains
A balanced mix for racing pigeons must contain:
- Energy cereals: maize, wheat, barley — the base of any mix (40–50%)
- Legumes: peas, chickpeas, vetch — the main protein source (25–30%)
- Oil seeds: sorghum, millet, linseed, hemp — healthy fats (10–15%)
- Small seeds: rapeseed, sesame — minerals and micronutrients (5–10%)
Avoid cheap commercial mixes with mostly maize and little else. Maize provides fast energy but does not sustain effort over long distances.
How to vary feed by season
- Winter (rest): low-fat mix, moderate protein 12–14%. Maize and wheat as the base.
- Spring (preparation): increase peas and chickpeas. Add linseed and hemp.
- Race season: specific mix — less maize, more peas and barley. Reduce fats 3 days before race day.
- Autumn (moult): high protein for feather regrowth, sulphur supplement, B complex.
Common mistakes
- Ad libitum feeding — pigeons become overweight and flying becomes a struggle
- Abrupt change of mix — causes digestive upset and stress
- Too much maize — fast energy but no endurance over long distances
- Ignoring water — quality and quantity of water are crucial, especially on hot days
- Random supplements without a clear protocol — often does more harm than good
What to do in practice
- Feed once a day (evening), calculate 30–35 g/bird in active season
- Weigh racing pigeons weekly and record progress
- Always provide grit — it aids mechanical digestion
- Change water daily, clean drinkers twice a week
- Keep a simple feeding log — quantity, behaviour, weight
If you refine your feeding protocol, you will see results within the first 3–4 weeks: more active pigeons, eager to fly, with glossier plumage and consistently optimal weight.