All pigeon fanciers are familiar with the problem: youngsters aren’t in good shape, are overweight and refuse to train. Feeding too much or feeding mixtures that are too heavy are often the source of the problem. That is why it is important to follow a balanced feeding system in which a breeding mix is alternated with a young pigeon mix. Discover our tips on how to prepare your youngsters as well as possible for the start of the season after weaning.
During the first three weeks after weaning, use a breeding mix, followed by a youngster mixture
After weaning, it is especially important that youngsters develop and grow properly. Breeding mixtures such as Start Plus and Start Plus Black Label contain sufficient amino acids and proteins to guarantee this growth. Three weeks after weaning, it is recommended to switch to a youngster mixture tailored to growing youngsters, such as Junior Plus or Junior Plus Black Label. These mixtures provide enough amino acids and proteins for optimal growth while remaining light enough to ensure that the youngsters are not overfed. This helps prevent them from becoming too heavy and consequently losing the motivation to train.
The youngsters can even fly their first sprint races on these youngster mixtures.
Supplements for your feeding system
During this period, there is no need to make things too complicated when using Plus or Plus Black Label mixtures. We recommend supplementing the feed with the following products:
- Intestinal Top (with, among other things, esterified fatty acids): 2 to 3 times per week, for optimal intestinal function in youngsters
- Respi Top (essential oils): 2 times per week, for increased resistance to respiratory infections
- Fresh grit + redstone or All in One: daily, for optimal digestion. Pigeons need this, among other things, to grind the grains in the gizzard.
In the schedule above, you can see that thanks to the Plus or Plus Black Label mixtures, there is no need to add many supplements. This is because these mixtures contain extruded pellets with additional functional ingredients.
1. Triple action:
- Nutri Plus: an ideal balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
- Health Plus: extra vitamins, amino acids and minerals supplemented with antioxidants
- Digest Plus: esterified butyric acid, digestive enzymes and probiotics for improved digestion
2. Specific additions per mixture:
- Algae powder, vitamin D3, glucosamine, vitamins and chondroitin: for optimal joint function, especially the wing joints of pigeons that fly long distances.
- Lecithin and L-carnitine: for improved fat absorption and fat metabolism. Lecithin ensures that fats are better emulsified in the intestine and absorbed more efficiently. L-carnitine improves fat utilisation, allowing pigeons to obtain more energy and suffer less from lactic acid build up during flight, resulting in fewer cramps.
- Antioxidants: help reduce the release of free radicals during flight, leading to less muscle damage and fewer muscle cramps.
Conclusion
- After weaning, use a breeding mixture for three weeks. After these three weeks, switch to a lighter youngster mixture to prevent excessive fattening.
- The addition of extra nutraceuticals in Plus or Plus Black Label mixtures makes feeding very straightforward, meaning little or no additional products need to be added to the feed or drinking water.
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