Breeding

The breeding of young pigeons that must be able to develop optimally is very demanding for the parent birds. A great deal of attention must be devoted to the run-up period prior to mating.

A gradual change to protein-rich food is made approximately three weeks before mating. This actives the organs and increases the libido of the pigeons.

A course of Multivitmix and ConditieStimulans rapidly brings the pigeons to the required breeding condition. The course of vitamins involves administration of Multivitmix on days 1 and 4, and administration of ConditieStimulans on days 2 to 4 and 6 to 8. Supplementation with corn oil containing vitamin E promotes the development of egg cells.

The time at which all pairs are brooding is a good time to treat all the parent birds with Trichomonads and Coccides. It is prudent to repeat this for every round of breeding. 

We also recommend that you regularly clean and disinfect the breeding pigeon holes. DAC Hokontsmetter kills bacteria, viruses and moulds.

Flight

Feeding and caring for flying pigeons requires a great deal of attention from the pigeon fancier. The animals must be in optimum condition for every flight in order for them to be able to convert their energy into flying performance. Grain and water are no longer sufficient for the maintenance of performance levels in the flying season.

Dacovit (dextrose + vitamins) and Dacolyt (electrolytes) are products that provide the necessary vitamins, energy and rapid recuperation. The brewerís yeast cells in beer/seaweed boost the metabolism. ConditieStimulans provides the pigeons with amino acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Flying is very energy-consuming for pigeons. DAC Energy Activator includes a number of substances, including Carnitine and acts as a catalyst for the regulation of the transportation of body fat for more energy. It reduces the level of free fatty acids in the blood and reduces the level of lactic acid in the muscles. The best results are achieved with a fat-rich diet supplemented with a complete liquid fatty acid oil. Our race oil and peanut oil are ideal for this.

Pigeons that are infected with Coccides, Trichomonads and Hexamites are more vulnerable to other infections and perform less well. This is why we recommend treating animals against these infections every 3 to 4 weeks in the flying season.

Ornithosis and infection of the upper airways frequently occurs in the flying season in combination (visible symptoms are: blocked nostrils ñ breathing with an open beak ñ sneezing and shaking the head). Infection with Chlamydia can develop into a lung infection and lead to inflammation of the bronchial sacks, which will cause the pigeon to spit. A combined infection caused by Chlamydia and Mycoplasma is usually the cause of infection in the upper airways. This is why it is important to treat the animals with antibiotics that are effective against gram-positive bacteria such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.

Every pigeon fancier is familiar with and concerned about infections in the airways. It is important to ensure that the animals have very robust resistance and that germs are not given a chance. Preventive treatment is frequently conducted during the flying season. Top+Plus is a product without antibiotics that can be added to the drinking water to ëdisinfectí the pigeons when they return to their homes. Unfortunately, so many other external factors play a role - such as the high rate of infection and stress during transportation, poor weather conditions, etc. ñ that it is not always possible to prevent birds from becoming ill.

Moulting

The pressure on the metabolism of the pigeons is possibly even greater during moulting than during the breeding and flying period. This is why the care of the pigeons requires a great deal of attention during this period. The pigeon feed must contain a wide range of nutrients in order to meet the requirements of the animals. It must contain at least 30% protein-rich seeds and also fat-rich seeds, such as corn, linseed and turnip seed.

It is known that important amino acids, such as methionine, which contains sulphur, and minerals that contain phosphor are important during moulting. Providing more of these amino acids and minerals can have a positive effect on the development of quills and feathers.

The ConditieStimulans and Multivitmix products contain the abovementioned supplements. It is prudent to treat the birds against Trichomonades and Coccides before real moulting starts in order to prevent disruption of the moulting process.

Daily cleaning of the pigeon hole, and especially the removal of feathers that have fallen out, is very important, especially on hot autumn days. DAC Hokontsmetter is an excellent aid to the disinfection of pigeon holes.

Winter period

It is prudent to de-worm the pigeons after they have finished moulting. If any worms are detected, the cure must be repeated after 10 to 12 days.

Administer vitamins after every cure!

Administer a cure of FMT ALL Roundmix for 7 days until 3 to 2 weeks before mating.

When all the pigeons have laid the second egg, another cure with FMT ALL Roundmix can be administered.

It is also wise to treat all the chicks with FMT ALL Roundmix after all the chicks have been laid and are taken to another area.

If problems with airways occur regularly during the flying season, we recommend treating the pigeons with Globalís Respiratory mix for 5 to 7 days before the start of the real flying season in order to allow them to start the season with clean airways.

Products such as brewerís yeast, tea, vitamins, condition stimulator and garlic are always good supplements in this period.

The pigeons must be in good condition when they are inoculated. A good time for inoculation is a few weeks after an FMT ALL roundmix cure.