In modern pigeon racing, every detail counts when it comes to achieving top performance. One of the most crucial aspects of any competitive sport, particularly endurance racing, is providing a complete and balanced daily diet for the athlete. As with all elite competitors, optimal nutrition is key to success, and pigeons are no exception. To keep your pigeons in peak condition, a varied and well-balanced premium grain mixture is essential. However, scientific research has shown that grains and seeds alone do not provide all the necessary nutrients. That’s why Plus mixtures have been developed with extruded pellets, which are highly digestible and supply all the essential nutrients your pigeons need. Since pigeons are naturally grain eaters, they may need some time to adapt to eating extruded pellets.
Below, we explain how to make this transition smoothly and effectively. When and how should you introduce a Plus Mixture with extruded pellets?
We recommend switching to a Plus mixture containing extruded pellets after the moulting period, during a rest phase. This allows your pigeons to gradually adjust to the new diet. There are two approaches to making this transition:
1. The direct switch to a Plus Mixture with extruded pellets
- Start by offering small amounts so that your pigeons feel slightly hungry and are more inclined to eat the pellets.
- On the first day, give half a ration, ensuring that the pigeons are almost compelled to consume the pellets.
- If possible, divide this half ration into 3 to 4 smaller portions throughout the day. This will encourage them to eat the extruded pellets at each feeding.
- On the second day, offer a full ration to ensure they receive all essential nutrients. On the following day, return to a half ration.
- Continue this pattern for a few days to a week, and in most cases, all pigeons will begin eating the extruded pellets without issue.
2. The gradual transition to extruded pellets
- You can also keep feeding their usual grain mixture while gradually introducing extruded pellets. Start by adding a small amount of Success Corn.
- Offer Success Corn first, then a half ration of their regular mixture a few hours later.
- Repeat this process the following day: Success Corn first, then the usual full ration.
- After that, introduce extruded pellets alongside a half ration of their grain mixture.
- Continue alternating for about a week so that the pigeons do not experience any nutrient deficiencies.
- Once your pigeons start eating the extruded pellets comfortably, you can fully transition to Plus mixtures.
- When pigeons get accustomed to eating extruded Plus pellets during a specific season, they will naturally accept them in other Plus mixtures as well.
Need Help?
If you have any questions or if the transition is not going as expected, get in touch with one of our pigeon specialists via the contact form. They will be happy to assist you!
Joost Desmeyter
The Plus mixtures contain the ideal levels of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as supporting additives for muscles and joints. The feed is tailored to the pigeon's needs throughout the different seasons. This makes it very easy for me as a pigeon enthusiast.
Jelle De Bock
The Plus mixtures are the richest pigeon feeds on the market, thanks to the Plus grain. Pigeons are healthy and can perform better without the need for many supplements or complicated schedules. Our pigeons are raced weekly on flights of 400 to 500 km, and they had enough strength and energy at both the start and the end of the season.
De Meyer-Boddaert
The Plus feeds are enriched pigeon feeds with additives in the ideal ratio. This makes feeding very easy. We also noticed that digestion and droppings were optimal, thanks to the added butyric acid, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Additionally, the recovery period after the flight went smoothly, as the proteins and amino acids from the extruded pellets are absorbed very quickly by the pigeon's body.
