The State of the Loft in January
January is the quietest month in the loft. The pigeons are resting, the autumn moult is over and the race season is far away. But that is precisely why it is the perfect month for preparation.
Health and Preventive Treatments
- Internal deworming (helminths) — ideally in the first week
- Tricho and cocci testing if not done in December
- PMV vaccination (paramyxovirus) if not done in autumn
- Checking plumage condition — birds with damaged feathers have health issues
In brief: January = preventive treatment month. A healthy loft in January means less stress during the season.
Feeding in January
- Higher fat content to maintain warmth — linseed, hemp 15–20%
- Warm water in the morning when temperatures drop below 0°C
- Vitamin A, D3, E supplement — important for immunity in cold months
- Do not force birds to eat more than they demand — metabolism is slow
Preparation for Breeding
- Selecting pairs for the breeding season (February–March)
- Separating by sex if you want to control the pairing moment
- Cleaning and disinfecting nestboxes
- Checking nest bowls — repairs if needed
Loft Administration
- Review the register from last season — what worked, what did not
- Plan breeding pairs on paper before putting them together
- Order or prepare rings for this year's youngsters
- Clean and disinfect the entire loft — whitewash on walls
Warning: Do not expose birds to cold draughts. Ventilation is important, but windows directly in the wind in January cause colds and pneumonia.
Common Mistakes
- Neglecting preventive treatments "because it is winter and they do not fly"
- Overfeeding — sedentary birds put on weight rapidly in winter
- Pairing too early (before 1 February) — winter youngsters are weaker
- Ignoring loft conditions — frost causes havoc in uninsulated nests
Concrete Action Steps
- Week 1: deworming treatment + tests
- Week 2: general clean + loft disinfection
- Week 3: plan pairs on paper
- Week 4: prepare nestboxes + order rings