- Winter: light mix, maize and wheat, reduced quantity (25–28 g/day)
- Spring: increase protein for breeding and season preparation
- Summer (races): racing mix, reduce fats before races
- Autumn: high protein for moult + sulphur and biotin supplement
Many fanciers use the same mix all year and wonder why their pigeons do not perform at their best. The answer is simple: the nutritional needs of a pigeon change completely from one season to the next.
A resting winter pigeon needs something entirely different from one in the middle of the race season or a hen sitting on eggs. Adapting feed to the seasons is one of the most effective — and cheapest — ways to improve performance.
Winter: rest and recovery (November – January)
Winter is the rest period. Metabolism slows, physical activity decreases. Feed should maintain weight without causing obesity.
- Simple mix: maize 40%, wheat 35%, barley 15%, small seeds 10%
- Quantity: 25–28 g/bird/day
- Reduce peas and chickpeas — too much protein in winter leads to kidney problems
- Always provide mineral grit for the skeletal system
Spring: breeding and preparation (February – April)
Spring brings double demand: breeding and season preparation. Nutritional needs increase sharply.
- Increase peas to 25–30% for quality protein
- Add linseed (5–8%) — rich in omega-3, essential for egg formation
- Quantity: 33–38 g/bird/day for breeding pairs
- Calcium supplement (crushed oyster shell or limestone) is essential for hens
Summer: the race season (May – August)
Summer is the real test. Feed must support flying effort without weighing the bird down.
- Racing mix: peas 30%, barley 25%, wheat 20%, sorghum 15%, seeds 10%
- 3 days before race: reduce maize and fatty seeds
- After race: electrolytes in water + full feed within the first hour of arrival
- Quantity: 32–35 g/bird/day on training days
Autumn: moult and recovery (September – October)
Moulting consumes enormous amounts of energy and nutrients. It is probably the period with the highest protein requirement of the year.
- Increase protein to 17–18%: more peas, chickpeas, sunflower seeds
- Sulphur supplement (methionine) — essential for new feather growth
- Biotin and B complex — support plumage quality
- Quantity: 35–40 g/bird/day at peak moulting
Common mistakes
- Same mix all year — the most common and most damaging habit
- Abrupt switch between mixes — make the transition over 7–10 days
- Underfeeding in winter — pigeons lose too much weight and enter spring without reserves
- Too much maize in summer — causes weight gain and reduces flying speed
What to do in practice
- Prepare the seasonal mix 2 weeks before the change of period
- Switch gradually (10% per day) to avoid digestive problems
- Weigh 5–6 representative pigeons weekly to monitor progress
- Record in your loft book which mix you are using and the results observed
Adapting feed to the seasons requires no major investment — just attention and consistency. Implement these changes and you will see the difference in health, plumage and performance.