A major pigeon racing competition is not just about talent, training and preparation; proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the performance of the pigeons. The last 72 hours before the start are essential to ensure that your pigeons are in peak condition. In this article, we will discuss how to manage your pigeons' feed during these decisive days, based on the experience gained over more than 20 years in the field.
The Importance of Nutrition in Competition Preparation
Before any competition, whether it is an OLR or a long or middle-distance event, you must consider that pigeons require balanced and optimised nutrition. The last 72 hours are critical, as initially, the pigeons draw energy from their reserves, but the diet they receive during this time will directly influence their performance. If, for example, one of your competitors has chosen a varied nutrition strategy learned from pigeon racing news, you can expect their pigeons to fly better.
What You Need to Know
- Choose major nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Maintain proper hydration — pigeons must have constant access to water.
- Observe the behaviour of the pigeons: changes can indicate different nutritional needs.
- Ensure that the feed is fresh and of high quality.
- Avoid overfeeding before the flight, but maintain a balanced diet.
Daily Nutrition Plan
Planning the feed is essential, and each day counts. Here is a day-by-day guide:
3 Days Before the Competition
During this day, the pigeons should receive a carbohydrate-rich feed. Cereals such as corn and wheat should form the basis of the diet. The daily ration can include up to 55-60% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, and 20% fats. For example, you can include a mixture of grains containing oats, peas, and corn. This approach will help the pigeons to replenish their glycogen reserves, which are essential for performance.
2 Days Before the Competition
The second day is the ideal time to introduce additional proteins. This stage will strengthen the muscles and prepare the pigeons for the demanding effort ahead. You can add soy, sunflower seeds, or chickpeas to the ration. The ratio can be adjusted to 15-20% carbohydrates, 55-60% proteins, and 20% healthy fats. Another recommendation would be to use nutritional supplements that contain minerals and vitamins to give them an energy boost.
The Last Day
On this day, the ration should be 70% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, and 10% fats. It is important not to overload their stomachs, but to offer easily digestible food, like dill or maize green, to support their energy during the flight. Give them some wet corn grains to help with hydration and to provide the necessary energy. Check a speed calculator for estimates based on the competition distance so you can adjust the feeding strategy accordingly.