Breeding Tips and Advice

A good start to the pigeon breeding season

Tips and Advice

A successful breeding season begins with thorough preparation. By preparing the pigeons for pairing in a timely manner, with sufficient light, targeted support, and adapted nutrition, you lay the foundation for smooth breeding and strong young pigeons.

Preparation for pairing

Three weeks before pairing, supplemental lighting is started for the cocks. This takes place from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM, using an automatic dimming system. The longer light period stimulates the natural reproductive drive and helps the cocks reach breeding condition.

Approximately ten days before pairing, the hens are given wheat germ oil over their feed. This oil contains vitamin E, among other nutrients, and supports the preparation for reproduction. It can contribute to good reproductive condition and smooth laying.

The first eggs

Approximately 10 to 14 days after pairing, the first eggs appear in the nest. Incubation lasts an average of 17 days.

A tip for the better pairs: remove the eggs as soon as the second egg is laid and place them under suitable foster pairs. This allows the best pairs to lay again sooner. In this way, it is possible to breed several early youngsters from your best pairs.

During the brooding period, a switch is made to a lighter nutritional mix with a higher proportion of barley. Additionally, fresh grit mix is offered daily throughout the entire breeding period. This provides essential minerals, including calcium, which are necessary for the formation of strong eggshells.

The right nutrition during breeding

An adapted breeding mixture forms an important foundation during this period. At Vanrobaeys, we offer various mixtures tailored to the needs of the pigeons during breeding and the further growth of the young birds.

Consider, for example, Breeding Racing Standard (NO 19), Breeding Yellow Cribbs Maize (NO 2), Breeding Red and Yellow Cribbs Maize (NO 1), Super Special Breeding (NO 20), Breeding Exclusive (NO 38), Breeding PRO Revolution (NO 58) and Premium Power Breeding (NO 182).

Also, Super Grit Mix deserves a permanent place in the loft as a supplementary source of minerals and grit. Once the young birds are weaned, Junior PRO Revolution (NO 49) can meet their nutritional needs during further growth.

With good preparation, an adapted feeding schedule, and the right support, you give your pigeons a strong foundation for a new breeding season.