what feed to give

what would members give their birds for sprint races high protine or a high carb mix and the same for distance races and what brand wil you use

last year I started off feeding my ybs on Gerry plus, they flew great the first race but then I changed the feed to high protein feed, using a diet mix upon arrival from the race, then protein to build them back up...it took a few weeks to get them back on track and coming well, so im in two minds what to do in future, high protein or high carbs.....

Gerry plus once separated and flying round the loft until first race then I use Gerry and superstar plus ...once they go over the water just superstar if its looking like a hard one I may beef it up with a percentage of breeding mix but then our fed only race to saintes 400 mile messac ,forgeres and carentan the rest is inland ...guys in the midlands and further north probably feed differently as their race programmes are harder ...all versa laga stuff its all we can get pricey but pretty good

markevans wrote:

what would members give their birds for sprint races high protine or a high carb mix and the same for distance races and what brand wil you  use

Logically - the birds need Protein when they have exerted themselves like when they have done a race. Not only is it taxing on their muscles but, especially in the early races, taxing on their emotions as well.

I would always give them top quality feed, high in protein, the day/afternoon they come home from a race. Then if you wish, give them some sort of 'breakdown mix' to clear their system out, then you can start again, building them up for the next race.

Do you intend to race your Y/Bs Every Weekend?

The pigeon's body needs Proteins to "Build and Repair" muscles that have been worked hard or damaged - and Carbohydrates to 'Store Energy' for endurance events such as the longer races.

If we think about it - a short race of under 60 miles/100 kilometres is a lot like flying around the loft for an hour and a bit. The only added strain on the bird, is the mental factor of being away from its home and being with LOTS of other birds, which it may not be used to.

I believe that the Young of all mammals (including pigeons) LEARN very quickly and it only takes a few races for the young bird to take on-board the new experiences and cope with them very well.

It is only when the races get longer and/or they have to cross water that we need to really think about physically building up the birds' constitution and energy stores, to help them cope with the extended periods of physical exercise and stress!

I hope this helps.

Phil (blueskylofts)

blueskylofts wrote:

markevans wrote:

what would members give their birds for sprint races high protine or a high carb mix and the same for distance races and what brand wil you  use

Logically - the birds need Protein when they have exerted themselves like when they have done a race.  Not only is it taxing on their muscles but, especially in the early races, taxing on their emotions as well.

I would always give them top quality feed, high in protein, the day/afternoon they come home from a race.  Then if you wish, give them some sort of 'breakdown mix' to clear their system out, then you can start again, building them up for the next race.

Do you intend to race your Y/Bs Every Weekend?

The pigeon's body needs Proteins to "Build and Repair" muscles that have been worked hard or damaged - and Carbohydrates to 'Store Energy' for endurance events such as the longer races.

If we think about it - a short race of under 60 miles/100 kilometres is a lot like flying around the loft for an hour and a bit.  The only added strain on the bird, is the mental factor of being away from its home and being with LOTS of other birds, which it may not be used to.

I believe that the Young of all mammals (including pigeons) LEARN very quickly and it only takes a few races for the young bird to take on-board the new experiences and cope with them very well.

It is only when the races get longer and/or they have to cross water that we need to really think about physically building up the birds' constitution and energy stores, to help them cope with the extended periods of physical exercise and stress!

I hope this helps.

Phil (blueskylofts)  

Phil    . Feed them heavy feed them light etc it will all send you round the bend if you let it etc 100 good flyers will feed a 100 differant ways with their feed as such. From rich type feed to those that prefer being on the light side & I often wonder how many young birds get lost being on the light side of things, just because they have no energy in the tank to battle through to the end  when things go belly up in just trying to find there way home. I have never fed a bean to my birds in my life here (mainly peas), I suspect thou those that have mastered the art of bean feeding & only beans would be about all the waffle, that continues to be pushed on pigeon flyers with all the super mixes out there these days & the magic seeds that one must buy to be successful.