Happy, healthy flyers win the big prizes

In this article, the final in a three-part series on pigeon racing, Thomas Smit looks at ways to help your birds settle in a loft, as well as the best nutrition to enhance their health and stamina during long races.

- Thomas Smit

Just a reminder in case you missed the first two articles in this series, a One Loft is a privately owned communal pigeon racing loft. Just-weaned youngsters from entrants are homed and trained at a One Loft to compete in a One Loft Race for prize money and, in some races, a brand-new car.

A One Loft series starts with initial training and pre-finals races and builds up to a grand finale that carries the main stakes.

Over the years, most South African One Loft races have aimed for enough entrants to reach a R100 000 payout for the owner of the winning pigeon. However, with the recent boom in the popularity of these races, the prize pool has grown to impressive amounts.

HEALTHCARE AND TEMPERAMENT

It’s obvious that only pigeons that have advanced immune systems should be used as stock to breed for the money races. Exceptional health is linked to an advanced immune system, which is enhanced by clean environmental conditions and proper nutritional care.

Beginning with the matching of your stock pairs, candidates identified for One Loft competitions should demonstrate more assertive temperaments and characters. Shy and nervous pigeons will get bullied at One Lofts. They will also get bullied at the food tray and just take a quick sip at the drinker. They are always on the run. This affects their health and fitness condition negatively and they will be the first to stray as the race distances progress during the series.

Overmedication in pigeon lofts is a known South African sin that has made our pigeon flock vulnerable to all kinds of bugs and viral diseases. Make use of the services of the vet and administer routine medication wisely with the use of probiotics. Use quality feed and supplements and ensure the food is free of harmful chemicals.

SETTLING IN VERSUS HOMING ABILITY