That’s a great question—and one that can make or break your results on race day. The widowhood system is one of the most popular and effective methods in pigeon racing, but it requires careful attention to feeding, training, and motivation. When done right, it produces razor-sharp cocks that trap fast and race with drive.

Let’s break it all down in a practical, mentor-style way so you can apply it confidently in your loft.

How Much to Feed a Widowhood Cock Per Day?

Feeding isn’t just about giving your birds enough food—it’s about feeding with purpose and precision, especially under the widowhood system.

Most fanciers feed their widowhood cocks twice a day, with controlled portions tailored to their energy needs and race schedule.

Daily Feeding Amount (Per Cock):

• Morning Feed: 20–25 grams
• Evening Feed: 25–30 grams
• Total Daily Intake: 45–55 grams per cock per day

This amount may vary slightly based on your birds’ size, metabolism, and race distance. The goal is to keep them light, muscular, and full of drive—not heavy or sluggish.

What to Feed Widowhood Cocks

The mix you provide changes through the week to match your training and race preparation phases.

Early Week – Recovery Phase:

Focus on light, cleansing feeds to help birds recover from the previous race.

• Barley
• Depurative mix
• Light legumes (lentils, vetch)

Mid-Week – Conditioning Phase:

Add more proteins and carbohydrates to rebuild muscle and prepare energy stores.

• Wheat
• Peas
• Safflower
• Small amounts of maize

Late Week – Fueling Phase:

Feed a high-energy racing mix in the final days before basketing.

• Maize
• Milo
• Fat-rich seeds (sunflower hearts, hemp)
• High-carb racing blends

Tip: Feed just enough to satisfy—not to fill the crop. A slightly hungry cock is a more motivated racer under the widowhood system.

Should You Train Widowhood Cocks During the Race Season?

Yes—training continues throughout the race season, but it must be smart, structured, and balanced with recovery.

Loft Flying:

• Keep loft flying sessions daily (except rest days).
• Fly before feeding to build motivation and maintain form.
• Early in the week, flag birds if they’re not flying strong. Later in the week, let them settle naturally.

Road Training (Optional):

• Some fanciers include short tosses (10–30 km) early in the week to keep birds sharp.
• Others stop tossing during the race season and rely on races for distance work.

If you toss, keep it light—don’t overtrain and burn out your cocks. Your goal is to maintain condition, not exhaust them.

Weekly Widowhood Feeding & Training Routine

This structured rhythm keeps birds healthy, motivated, and in peak racing shape—all critical under the widowhood system.

Widowhood System Motivation Techniques

Feeding and training go hand in hand with motivation, which is what makes the widowhood system so effective.

Key Motivation Tactics:

• Show hens before basketing (short, controlled viewing)
• Keep the loft environment quiet and stress-free
• Maintain consistent handling and routine
• Use feeding to reinforce discipline and trapping behavior

The widowhood system thrives on routine. Cocks learn to associate feeding, flying, and seeing their mate with performance. Done consistently, this creates powerful racing motivation that keeps birds sharp and focused.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up:

• Feed 45–55 grams per widowhood cock per day, split into two feedings.
• Continue daily loft flying and light training during race season.
• Adjust your feeding mix through the week—from recovery to energy building.
• Use motivation techniques strategically to keep cocks racing with heart and focus.

When managed properly, the widowhood system delivers incredible results—but it all starts with smart feeding and smart training.

The post Widowhood System: How Much to Feed and Train During the Race Season appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

It’s a smart question—and a very important one, especially when you’re focused on flying young racing pigeons and building a strong foundation for their future performance. The time of day you choose for loft flying plays a big role in how your youngsters develop, how safely they train, and how well they respond to your overall racing program.

Let’s break this down in a clear, mentor-style way so you can create a solid routine for your young birds.

Why Timing Matters When Loft Flying Young Racing Pigeons

During the early months of training, your young birds are learning everything—how to orient, how to build wing strength, and how to stay loft-loyal. That’s why a consistent routine is essential when flying young racing pigeons.

But timing isn’t just about what’s convenient for you—it affects:

• Flight motivation and exercise duration
• Weather-related performance
• Predator risk management
• Trapping habits and discipline

Let’s explore the pros and cons of both morning and evening loft flying so you can choose what’s best for your loft.

Morning Loft Flying for Young Pigeons

Benefits of Morning Loft Flying:

• Cooler, calmer conditions: Early mornings offer mild temperatures and lower wind activity—ideal for steady, controlled flying.
• Less thermal turbulence: Young birds can fly more confidently without battling unpredictable air currents.
• Better supervision: You’re typically more alert in the morning to monitor predators and bird behavior.
• Establishes rhythm: Sets the tone for the day and helps with feeding routines.

Morning is often the preferred time by experienced fanciers when it comes to flying young racing pigeons, especially in warmer climates.

Watch Out For:

• Very cold mornings or fog in certain regions might delay optimal flight time.
• You need to be consistent with your morning schedule or birds may lose rhythm.

Evening Loft Flying for Young Pigeons

Benefits of Evening Loft Flying:

• Cooler temps in hot climates: Evening flights can relieve birds from midday heat, especially in warmer seasons.
• Stimulates appetite: Flying before the evening meal helps young birds develop a strong feeding drive.
• Sharpens trapping habits: As daylight fades, birds become more motivated to trap quickly before dark.

Considerations:

• Birds of prey, like hawks, may be more active during late afternoon hours.
• Evening weather patterns can sometimes be unpredictable.

Evening loft flying can still be effective when done consistently, but it requires careful attention to safety and trapping timing.

Which Time Is Best?

So, what’s the best time for flying young racing pigeons—morning or evening?

For most lofts, early morning flying is the best option.

It’s cooler, calmer, and safer, and it helps set a strong daily routine that aligns with natural daylight cycles. But ultimately, it comes down to your location, weather, and personal schedule.

If you can’t manage mornings, evenings can work just as well as long as you remain consistent and manage predator risks.

How Long Should You Loft Fly Young Racing Pigeons?

• Start with 30–45 minutes of free loft time when birds are first learning to orient.
• As they grow stronger and more confident, increase flying time to 60–90 minutes per session.
• Eventually, you want to see the birds flying freely without needing to be flagged or chased.

Consistency is key here, just like it is with flying young racing pigeons in general—routine builds discipline and confidence in your young birds.

Feed Timing and Flying Motivation

A little pro tip for better results: fly your birds before feeding, not after.

Flying on an empty crop makes them lighter and more responsive. After flying, give them their feed, and they’ll associate exercise with reward. This is a great way to build motivation and sharpen trapping.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to flying young racing pigeons, the best time is the one you can stick to consistently. Whether you choose morning or evening, your focus should be on:

• Creating a routine
• Monitoring bird behavior
• Adjusting based on weather and safety
• Matching flight times with feeding

Also, don’t forget to align your flying schedule with your feeding program, especially if you’re working with a cold weather pigeon feeding routine during winter training.

The post Flying Young Racing Pigeons: What’s the Best Time to Loft Fly? appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

One of the most common questions I get from fanciers racing in cold climates is this:
“Should I feed my racing pigeons once or twice a day during winter, especially when flying short and middle distances?” This is a fantastic question—and it’s an important one.

Let’s dive into it, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know when feeding your race pigeons in colder weather.

Why Cold Weather Requires a Different Feeding Approach

When temperatures drop, everything changes for your pigeons. Their bodies must work harder just to maintain heat. Even when they’re not flying long distances, cold weather increases your pigeons’ energy requirements—both during the day and especially at night when the temperatures dip even lower.

Think of it like this: just like how you’d burn more energy trying to stay warm in freezing weather, so do your pigeons. They’re burning calories even while sitting in the loft. That means their feeding program must support those added energy demands without overfeeding or causing weight gain that could affect their race form.

This is exactly why cold weather pigeon feeding needs a slightly different approach compared to what you’d use in warmer seasons.

Feeding Once a Day: Can It Work?

Yes—it can work. But it comes with a few limitations, especially during cold weather conditions.

Some fanciers prefer feeding once a day to simplify their loft management. However, to make this effective, your single feeding must be:

• Precisely timed
• Balanced in nutrients
• Adjusted daily based on weather and condition

The downside is that you have less flexibility. You’re trying to pack all the nutritional needs into one feeding session. If you underfeed, your birds may run out of reserves. If you overfeed, they may put on unnecessary weight or feel sluggish during training and racing.

Also, a single large meal is harder to digest, and in colder weather, digestion slows down even further. That can leave birds feeling heavy or less active, which is not ideal during race preparation.

Why Twice-a-Day Feeding Is Recommended in Winter

Most experienced pigeon fanciers—including many top competitors—prefer a twice-a-day feeding routine, especially during the colder months.

Here’s why it works so well:

1. Better Control Over Nutrition

Feeding in two smaller meals allows you to fine-tune your feed composition—adjusting protein, carbs, and fats throughout the day and the week. You can start light in the morning and gradually build up in the evening.

2. Improved Digestion and Utilization

Birds digest smaller meals more efficiently. This keeps their metabolism steady, their droppings clean, and their internal systems functioning well—particularly important in colder conditions.

3. Supports Energy and Condition

A light morning feed fuels training flights and activity, while a richer evening feed helps replenish energy reserves and support recovery and muscle building.

4. Prepares Birds for Race Day

Twice-a-day feeding gives you more control over the buildup of energy reserves leading into a race. You can gradually shift from light, cleansing mixes early in the week to heavier, fuel-rich mixes as basketing day approaches.

This feeding strategy is a key part of effective cold weather pigeon feeding, ensuring your birds stay warm, active, and race-ready.

Sample Winter Feeding Schedule for Short and Middle-Distance Races

Here’s a simple feeding schedule you can adapt to your own loft, using a twice-a-day system:

Pro Tip: Watch your birds’ behavior after feeding. Are they satisfied or still hungry? Are the droppings clean and firm? Your pigeons will always tell you if your feeding is on point—if you know how to read the signs.

How Much Should You Feed?

Feeding quantity matters just as much as frequency. As a general rule of thumb:

• Morning feed: 30–40% of the daily total
• Evening feed: 60–70% of the daily total (especially in colder months)

Monitor body condition regularly. Birds should be muscular and light in hand—not heavy or bloated. Adjust feed portions as needed, and always provide clean grit and fresh water with electrolytes or vitamins a few times per week.

Final Thoughts: Build a Strong Cold Weather Pigeon Feeding Routine

So, what’s the best approach?

If you want to maintain energy levels, keep birds in peak condition, and manage cold-weather racing challenges—twice-a-day feeding is the clear winner.

It doesn’t just help your birds stay warm and fueled—it gives you more control, more flexibility, and better performance across your entire race team.

And remember—cold weather pigeon feeding is all about balance: keeping birds energized without pushing them too hard or too soft. It’s one of the most important adjustments you can make to succeed in winter racing.

But like anything in pigeon racing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Test, observe, and adjust based on your loft, your system, and your birds.

The post Cold Weather Pigeon Feeding: Should You Feed Racing Pigeons Once or Twice a Day? appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

This article explores the genetics, racing potential, and outcomes of pairing two birds with contrasting wind performance traits—and how this choice can influence the next generation of racers.

Understanding Headwind and Tailwind Speed Birds

• Headwind birds are known for their strength, stamina, and resilience. They excel in difficult races where wind resistance challenges the flock.
• Tailwind birds are built for speed. They thrive when the wind is behind them, producing fast times and high velocities on race sheets.

Both types are valuable, but they represent very different athletic profiles in the loft.

Why Pairing Matters in Breeding Racing Pigeons

Successful breeding racing pigeons is about creating balance—selecting pairs that complement each other in strengths and weaknesses to produce well-rounded offspring. When you pair a headwind specialist with a tailwind performer, you’re essentially attempting to blend power and speed.

Potential Outcomes of Pairing a Headwind Bird with a Tailwind Bird

1. Balanced Offspring with Versatile Performance

One of the most desired outcomes is producing pigeons that can handle a variety of wind conditions. A successful pairing may result in birds with:

• Improved stamina compared to pure tailwind birds
• Better speed than pure headwind birds
• Adaptability in changing weather or terrain

These birds may not always win on extreme headwind or tailwind days but could consistently perform well across a variety of conditions.

2. Dominant Traits May Take Over

In some pairings, one trait (headwind or tailwind ability) may dominate the offspring. For example:

• If the headwind bird has stronger genetics, the youngsters might lean toward endurance and strength.
• If the tailwind bird’s traits are more dominant, you may still see high velocity birds, but they might lack deep-race durability.

That’s why it’s important to track pedigree results and performance over multiple pairings.

3. Hybrid Vigor (Heterosis)

Pairing two distinct styles can result in hybrid vigor, where the offspring outperform both parents. This can lead to:

• Faster recovery times
• Greater race consistency
• Enhanced intelligence and navigation ability

Many champion racers come from well-balanced crosses rather than pure-line breeding alone.

Breeding Considerations and Tips

• Test the pair for multiple rounds. Observe whether certain traits dominate and which offspring perform best in different conditions.
• Track race performance and recovery times. These indicators help you understand which traits are being passed down.
• Consider crossing again with a complementary bird to fine-tune the desired balance of power and speed.

When to Use This Pairing Strategy

Pairing a headwind and tailwind bird is most effective when:

• You want to improve race-day versatility in your loft
• You’re breeding racing pigeons for club or federation races with mixed weather conditions
• You want to refresh your bloodlines and add hybrid vigor

Final Thoughts on Headwind x Tailwind Pairing

Breeding racing pigeons is both an art and a science. Pairing a headwind speed bird with a tailwind specialist can lead to well-rounded, adaptable offspring that thrive in a variety of racing conditions. While results may vary, this strategy often produces birds with better balance, race intelligence, and overall potential.

If you’re aiming for consistent performance rather than just extreme condition wins, this could be a smart move for your breeding program.

The post Breeding Racing Pigeons: What Happens When You Pair a Headwind Bird with a Tailwind Bird? appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the best pigeon feeding schedule, what to feed your racing pigeons, and how much feed is ideal for keeping your loft healthy, fit, and race-ready.

Should You Feed Racing Pigeons Once a Day or Twice a Day?

Both once-a-day and twice-a-day feeding methods can work well—it all depends on your management style, training schedule, and goals. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each method:

Feeding Racing Pigeons Twice a Day (Most Common Practice)

Most racing pigeon fanciers prefer feeding twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. This method offers more control over the birds’ condition and helps maintain a consistent training rhythm. It also supports a well-rounded racing pigeon feeding schedule during the racing season.

Benefits of feeding twice a day:

• Birds stay more active and alert throughout the day
• Easier to manage weight and condition
• Encourages better trapping (when birds are called in for food)
• Easier to adjust feed amounts based on training load or weather

Feeding Racing Pigeons Once a Day (Low-Intensity Loft Management)

Some fanciers, especially during the off-season or for breeding birds, choose to feed once a day—typically in the late afternoon.

Benefits of feeding once a day:

• Less time-consuming
• Reduces overfeeding risk (if well measured)
• Encourages pigeons to stay in better trapping habits if combined with a clean-up routine

However, for racing pigeons in training or during the racing season, twice-a-day feeding is generally considered more effective for maintaining optimal condition and performance as part of a solid racing pigeon feeding schedule.

What Should You Feed Your Racing Pigeons?

Feeding your pigeons isn’t just about filling the feeder—it’s about delivering the right mix of nutrients to fuel performance and recovery.

Here’s a general guideline:

Morning Feeding (Lighter Mix)

• Use a light, energy-boosting mix in the morning, especially if birds will be training afterward.
• A mix of barley, milo, wheat, safflower, and small corn is common.
• You can add in small seeds like canary seed or hemp for energy and conditioning.

Evening Feeding (Heavier Mix)

• Provide a more protein-rich, recovery-oriented mix in the evening to help birds repair muscles and store energy.
• Include peas, vetch, lentils, maize, and sunflower seeds.
• You can also add conditioning seeds or racing-specific pellets depending on your program.

How Much Should You Feed Your Race Pigeons?

Getting the amount right is just as important as what you feed. Overfeeding leads to overweight, lazy birds. Underfeeding affects muscle tone and race performance.

General Feed Guidelines:

• 30–40 grams of feed per pigeon per day is a common rule of thumb for racing birds.
• Split into two meals, that’s roughly 15–20 grams per meal per bird.
• Always observe your birds—if feed is left behind consistently, reduce quantity slightly.
• During colder months or high-intensity training, increase slightly as needed.

Don’t Forget Grit, Minerals & Supplements

A balanced diet isn’t complete without the extras:

• Grit and minerals should be available daily—crucial for digestion and overall health.
• Vitamins and probiotics in the water 1–2 times per week support immunity and gut health.
• Liver tonic or electrolytes after intense training or hot weather help with recovery.

Feeding Tips for Better Loft Management

• Always feed at the same times each day to create routine and discipline.
• Call birds in with a whistle or sound so they associate feeding time with trapping.
• Clean up uneaten feed after 15–20 minutes to prevent waste and discipline feeding.
• Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Feeding Schedule for Racing Pigeons?

For most fanciers, feeding pigeons twice a day is the best approach—especially during racing season or intense training periods. It allows you to control energy levels, monitor health, and build trapping discipline as part of a successful racing pigeon feeding schedule.

However, once-a-day feeding can work well in off-season or in low-intensity loft setups, as long as you’re giving the right quantity and quality of feed.

Whatever schedule you choose, the most important thing is consistency, observation, and a balanced diet tailored to your birds’ condition and workload. That’s the key to a healthy, high-performing loft.

The post Racing Pigeon Feeding Schedule: Should You Feed Once or Twice a Day? appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

Let’s talk molt strategy the smart way.

Understanding the Racing Pigeon Molt Cycle

Molting is a natural and essential process where pigeons shed old feathers and grow new ones. It typically begins after the racing season and lasts for several months. During this time, the bird’s energy shifts from high-performance flight to feather renewal.

Proper molt management in racing pigeons is vital for producing healthy, strong, and aerodynamic feathers that will serve your birds in the next racing season.

The Common Practice: Keeping Birds Closed Up

Many fanciers choose to keep their birds closed up in the loft for most of the molt months. The theory is that by minimizing energy expenditure, the birds can channel more nutrients and energy into feather growth, leading to a faster, smoother molt.

Others believe some limited outside time is beneficial, allowing for movement, fresh air, and mental stimulation without compromising the molt.

So what’s the best approach?

Benefits of Keeping Birds Closed Up During Molt

1. Reduced Energy Output Means Faster Molt

When birds aren’t flying daily, they conserve energy that can be redirected toward feather development. This is particularly helpful during the heavy molt stages when the body demands high amounts of protein, minerals, and amino acids.

2. Prevents Feather Damage

Frequent flying, especially in windy or wet conditions, can cause wear and tear on growing feathers. Keeping birds inside helps protect these developing feathers and ensures their quality isn’t compromised.

3. Easier Loft Management

When birds are kept in the loft, it’s easier to monitor their feeding, supplement intake, and general condition. You can ensure each pigeon gets its fair share of nutrients without competition from excessive exertion.

4. Controlled Molt Environment

With birds inside, you can maintain a consistent environment—reducing temperature fluctuations and minimizing stress, both of which can negatively affect the molt process.

Downsides of Keeping Birds Closed All the Time

While there are advantages, there are also considerations that every fancier should keep in mind:

1. Lack of Exercise Can Lead to Fat Gain

Pigeons that remain confined for weeks without flight may start accumulating fat, which can be a disadvantage when pre-season training begins.

2. Loss of Muscle Tone and Fitness

Too little exercise can lead to decreased muscle tone. Even though molting is a rest phase, your birds still need to maintain basic physical condition.

3. Mental Stimulation and Wellbeing

Pigeons are intelligent creatures. A complete lack of outside time can lead to boredom, stress, or even pecking behaviors inside the loft. Occasional open loft can help relieve that.

The Balanced Approach: Confinement + Limited Free Time

Based on expert practice, one of the most effective strategies is a balanced one: keep your race birds mostly closed during molt months but let them out twice a week for short flights.

This method allows you to:

• Preserve energy for molting
• Prevent feather damage from over-flying
• Maintain respiratory health and circulation
• Support mental stimulation and loft loyalty

A couple of short free loft sessions per week, especially in good weather, will not delay the molt—but will support overall bird wellbeing and contribute to optimal molt management in racing pigeons.

Feeding Strategy During the Molt

Whether your birds are flying or not, nutrition is the cornerstone of a successful molt. Your feeding should focus on:

• High-protein feed mix (16–18%) to support feather regeneration
• Amino acid supplements like methionine and lysine
• Minerals and grit daily to support bone and feather structure
• Vitamins A, D, E, and B-complex for overall health
• Brewer’s yeast, garlic oil, and molasses (optional) for vitality

Make sure fresh water is available at all times, and adjust feed amounts to match activity levels so birds don’t become overweight.

Best Practices for Loft Conditions During Molt

• Keep lofts clean, dry, and well-ventilated
• Avoid drafts and dampness, which can affect feather quality
• Provide perches and spacing to avoid crowding stress
• Bathe birds regularly—clean feathers molt better

Final Thoughts: Is It Good to Keep Birds Closed Up During Molt Months?

Yes—it’s a common and effective strategy to keep birds confined during molt months. It promotes better feather quality, speeds up molt progress, and gives you better control over nutrition and loft management.

But the most successful fanciers take a balanced approach, allowing light open loft time 1–2 times per week. This keeps the birds happy, slightly active, and mentally stimulated—without slowing down the molt process.

If you pair this with excellent feeding, supplementing, and loft hygiene, you’ll set your race team up for a strong start next season with sleek, powerful feathers and well-conditioned bodies. That’s the essence of smart molt management in racing pigeons.

The post A Complete Guide to Molt Management in Racing Pigeons appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

In this article, we’ll break down the benefits, potential downsides, and best practices for incorporating open loft for racing pigeons into your daily routine.

What Is Open Loft and Why Does It Matter?

Open loft simply means allowing pigeons unrestricted access to the outside for free flight during the day. Instead of being confined to the loft, they have the freedom to fly, exercise, and regulate their own training intensity.

Many top fanciers believe that regular open loft time is a crucial part of conditioning. It not only enhances physical fitness but also contributes to mental sharpness and loft loyalty.

The Benefits of Open Loft for Racing Pigeons

1. Boosts Physical Fitness and Wing Strength

Pigeons that have daily open loft time naturally develop stronger wing muscles. Unlike controlled training flights, where they may only be in the air for a set time, open loft allows them to fly at different intensities, improving overall endurance.

2. Encourages Mental Stimulation and Navigation Skills

Free flight helps pigeons become more aware of their surroundings, improving their orientation skills. Birds that spend more time outside develop a sharper sense of navigation, which is critical in races where split-second decisions can determine placement.

3. Improves Respiratory Health

Pigeons in a closed loft are exposed to dust, droppings, and potential respiratory issues. Allowing daily open loft time exposes them to fresh air, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and keeping their lungs in peak condition.

4. Enhances Recovery and Reduces Stress

Pigeons confined too much can become stressed, leading to poor condition and lackluster race results. Open loft provides natural stress relief, allowing birds to move at their own pace and recover after intense training sessions.

5. Increases Loft Loyalty and Trapping Speed

Contrary to concerns about losing pigeons, daily open loft time actually reinforces loft loyalty. Birds become more familiar with their home surroundings, making them more eager to return quickly after training and races.

Potential Downsides and How to Manage Them

While open loft offers great benefits, there are a few challenges that fanciers need to manage.

1. Predator Risks

One of the biggest concerns with open loft time is exposure to hawks and other predators. To minimize risks:

• Fly birds at times when predators are less active.
• Use deterrents like reflective tape or decoys.
• Keep a schedule so pigeons learn to expect safe flying times.

2. Loft Discipline and Control

Some fanciers worry that open loft birds may become harder to control. However, if trained correctly, pigeons still respect feeding schedules and respond well to trapping training.

3. Injury Risks

Pigeons flying freely can sometimes injure themselves on wires, buildings, or during territorial disputes. The best way to minimize this is by observing their flights and ensuring a safe release environment.

Best Practices for Open Loft Time

To maximize the benefits while minimizing risks, follow these best practices:

Set a Consistent Schedule

• Release birds at the same time every day to create routine and discipline.
• Allow loft flying after morning or evening training flights.

Monitor Weather Conditions

• Avoid extreme heat or strong winds, which can exhaust pigeons or lead to injuries.
• Ensure birds have access to fresh water upon return.

Train Loft Trapping Skills

• Use feeding time as a reward for quick trapping.
• Encourage trapping discipline by calling birds in consistently.

Combine Open Loft with Structured Training

• Open loft should not replace road training or structured exercise flights.
• Use it as an additional conditioning method to keep pigeons sharp.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Open Loft Every Day?

For most racing lofts, daily open loft for racing pigeons is highly beneficial when managed correctly. It keeps birds in peak physical and mental condition, enhances loft loyalty, and improves respiratory health. However, fanciers should always consider their own local environment, predator risks, and loft setup before making it a daily routine.

If you balance open loft with structured training and loft discipline, your pigeons will develop into well-conditioned, motivated, and race-ready athletes.

The post The Importance of Open Loft Time for Racing Pigeons: Why Daily Free Flight Matters appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

Whether you’re a seasoned fancier or just getting started, the way you manage your breeders and their nutrition in that first month lays the foundation for success. In this article, we’ll cover smart breeding strategies and a detailed feeding and supplement plan to help you get the most from your birds during the critical early stages.

Why a Good Breeding Strategy Matters

Your breeding strategy is more than just pairing two good-looking pigeons. It’s about building a strong genetic base and creating birds with the physical and mental traits that win races. Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose Pairs With Purpose

• Always pair birds that complement each other in qualities like speed, endurance, intelligence, and homing ability.
• Consider pairing a proven racer with a strong breeder or crossing two birds from high-performance bloodlines.
• Health and vitality come first—never breed from a bird that’s weak or recovering from illness.

2. Condition Your Birds Before Pairing

• Give breeders at least 2–3 weeks of conditioning before pairing. This means clean lofts, balanced nutrition, and vitamin support.
• Begin offering grit and mineral mixes daily to prepare their systems for reproduction.

3. Set Up a Stress-Free Breeding Environment

• Clean nest boxes, quality nest bowls, and plenty of nesting material are must-haves.
• Avoid overcrowding. Each pair should have their own space to avoid unnecessary stress or aggression.

What to Feed During the First 30 Days of Breeding

Nutrition during breeding is everything. The right feed and supplements can increase fertility, improve egg quality, and support strong chick development. Here’s how to feed during each phase of those first four weeks:

Week 1–2: Pairing and Egg Laying Phase

• Feed Type: A premium breeding mix with 16–18% protein is ideal. This supports fertility and early egg development.
• Daily Amount: Around 35–40 grams per pigeon per day.
• Supplements:
  • Mineral grit mix daily — essential for calcium, digestion, and mineral intake.
  • Breeding vitamins twice a week — especially those rich in Vitamin E and fertility boosters.
  • Probiotics once a week — helps keep gut flora balanced and boosts nutrient absorption.
• Extra Tip: Add a few conditioning seeds like hemp or safflower to increase vitality, but keep it in moderation.

Week 3–4: Incubation and Chick Feeding Phase

• Feed Type: Continue with the breeding mix but gradually blend in a small seed or young bird mix. This helps prepare the parents for feeding chicks.
• Daily Amount: Increase slightly to 40 grams per pigeon per day as energy demands rise.
• Supplements:
  • Calcium supplements (grit or liquid) — at least 3–4 times per week to support eggshell integrity and chick bone development.
  • Amino acid or protein supplements — once per week to help with tissue growth in both parents and chicks.
  • Multivitamins once a week — to maintain overall health and prevent deficiencies.

Grit and Supplement Use During Breeding

Providing grit and supplements consistently can make a big difference in both fertility and chick growth. Here’s a quick reference chart:

Keeping Your Breeders in Peak Condition

• Keep water fresh daily and clean all feeders regularly.
• Monitor droppings and body condition. If anything looks off, adjust the diet immediately.
• Provide rest time between breeding rounds to avoid burnout and weak offspring.

Final Thoughts From the Loft

When it comes to breeding success, feeding and strategy go hand in hand. It’s not just about pairing good birds—it’s about managing their condition, nutrition, and overall health during those first critical 30 days. That’s why having a well-structured racing pigeon breeding and feeding plan is essential. By using a thoughtful breeding approach and following a consistent feeding and supplement schedule, you’ll give your young racing pigeons the best possible start in life.

Take notes on how each pair performs and how their chicks grow. The more attention you pay now, the better results you’ll see when race season arrives. After all, strong breeding leads to strong flyers.

The post Breeding Strategies and Feeding Plan for Pigeon Racing: What to Feed During the First 30 Days appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

In this article, we’ll explore the best tricks and tips to help you get the most out of your racing hens—based on real loft experience and time-tested strategies.

Why Motivation Matters in a Hen Widowhood System

Flying hens under widowhood conditions means the cocks are kept in a separate loft, only reuniting briefly on race day. This separation can create powerful emotional motivation—if you know how to tap into it properly.

The goal is to spark that internal fire in your hens so they race home quicker, eager to get back to their mate or nest. Let’s explore exactly how you can do that.

1. Short Reunions Before Basketing (Highly Effective)

One of the most widely used tricks is a short reunion with the cock before basketing—just 5 to 15 minutes is often enough. Let the hens see or briefly interact with their mate before being boxed for the race. This builds emotional tension and desire, driving them to rush home on race day.

• Keep it short and emotionally intense.
• Avoid doing this every single week—alternate for maximum effect.

This method works especially well for short and middle-distance races, where the memory and emotional charge stay fresh.

2. Midweek Training Tosses

A midweek toss—on Wednesday or Thursday—is another great way to keep your hens sharp. These tosses aren’t just about fitness. They reinforce homing instincts and help maintain race-week focus.

• Keep tosses light (30–50 km is fine).
• Train hens without cocks present to preserve emotional motivation for race day.

It’s a great combo when used alongside other motivational tactics like pre-basketing reunions.

3. Teasing the Hens: Cock Near the Trap

Another subtle but effective trick is to place the cock near the trap entrance or loft door—either before basketing or while the hen is being boxed.

• Let the hens hear the cock’s voice, or see him in a nearby nest box.
• This creates a strong emotional pull and anticipation.

Some fanciers even use this tactic after training tosses to teach hens to trap quickly.

4. Nest Bowl Motivation

Giving your hens a nest bowl in their section, even without a cock or eggs, taps into their natural territorial instinct. It gives them a sense of ownership and a reason to return quickly.

For longer races, some fanciers allow hens to lay one egg before the race, then remove it before basketing. The hen’s maternal instinct kicks in, driving her to return home to check on her nest.

5. Rotate Your Motivation Strategy

Like people, hens can become desensitized to the same routine week after week. The best fanciers rotate strategies to keep their hens sharp:

• Week 1: Pre-basketing reunion
• Week 2: Cock near the trap
• Week 3: Midweek toss + nest bowl focus

This constant variation keeps the hens guessing and emotionally engaged.

Motivation by Race Distance

Final Thoughts from the Loft

If you want to truly master how to motivate racing hens, it’s about understanding the emotional and instinctual triggers that drive them. These hens are naturally competitive, focused, and determined. Your job is to tap into that potential with smart, varied motivation tactics.

Test different strategies. Observe how each hen responds—some may be more driven by territorial cues, others by the desire to reunite with their mate. Consistency with variation is your best friend in this process.

Once you understand how to motivate racing hens effectively, you’re not just racing pigeons—you’re building a loft of true champions.

The post How to Motivate Racing Hens for Faster Returns: Proven Widowhood Tricks That Work appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.

Let’s break it down like we’re having a chat in the loft, because knowing the right bloodlines can be a game-changer for your success on race day.

Why Bloodlines Matter in Pigeon Racing

In pigeon racing, not all birds are created equal. The bloodline of a racing pigeon plays a huge role in how well it performs in different types of races—whether it’s a quick 150-mile sprint or a grueling marathon over 500 miles. Great breeders focus on maintaining and improving specific traits like speed, stamina, homing instinct, intelligence, and recovery time.

When you start with proven genetics, you’re already a step ahead of the competition.

The Top Racing Pigeon Bloodlines (Past 5 Years)

Here’s a rundown of the most dominant strains in recent years. These bloodlines have proven themselves time and time again in national and international competitions.

1⃣ Dirk Van Den Bulck – The Kittel Dynasty

If there’s one bloodline that’s been on fire lately, it’s the Van Den Bulck family—especially the line of “Kittel”, a 1st National Ace Pigeon KBDB Sprint. Birds from this line offer explosive speed, strong orientation, and excellent results in sprint races.

You’ll also hear about “Greipel”, “Olympic Rosita”, and other birds from this family being used successfully in breeding lofts around the world. Whether in Belgium, the UK, or Asia—Van Den Bulck birds are everywhere.

2⃣ Leo Heremans – The Speed Machine

Another powerhouse bloodline is the Leo Heremans strain. Birds like “De Jan”, “Rossi”, and “Nieuwe Olympiade” have bred champions across the globe. These birds are especially potent when crossed into other families, bringing speed and sharp intelligence into the offspring.

Many top-performing lofts today are blending Heremans lines with Van Den Bulck or Vandenabeele birds for maximum results.

3⃣ Gaby Vandenabeele – The Time-Tested Classic

Although Gaby himself retired from racing, his bloodlines continue to thrive in top-level competition. His famous “Bliksem” line, known for combining speed with endurance, is still being used as a foundational breeding source.

If you’re looking for strong middle-distance performers that also bring consistency over time, Vandenabeele blood can be a smart choice.

4⃣ Jos Cees / Jozef Ceusters – The Perfect Cross

This family might fly under the radar for some, but it’s quietly dominating behind the scenes. Often seen as a complement to Van Den Bulck and Heremans lines, Jos Cees birds bring balance and stamina to a loft.

Their versatility makes them a favorite among fanciers who like to experiment with pairings for hybrid vigor.

5⃣ Gino Clicque – Strength for Mid-Distance

Known for birds like “Rudy” and “Golden Prince”, Gino Clicque’s pigeons excel in middle-distance races. His birds are known for raw power, quick recovery, and strong returns even in challenging weather conditions.

They’re particularly effective when crossed with faster sprint lines like Heremans or Van Den Bulck.

6⃣ Jan Hooymans – The Legendary “Harry”

“Harry” is a name every fancier knows. This bloodline continues to shine thanks to its mix of speed and durability. Jan Hooymans’ birds are ideal for mid to longer distances and are often used to inject new life into slower-performing lofts.

Many top-level birds today have a bit of “Harry” blood in their veins.

7⃣ Jelle Jellema – The Long-Distance King

When it comes to marathon races, Jelle Jellema’s strain is second to none. Birds like “Romee”, “Zwart Goud”, and “Orion” have legendary endurance and mental toughness. These birds are bred for the toughest races—often over 700 miles—and still clock early.

If your goal is long-distance glory, you’ll want some Jellema blood in your loft.

Crossing Bloodlines: The Real Magic

Here’s a little insider tip—most of today’s champions aren’t just from one pure bloodline. They’re strategic crosses. A common winning formula is:

Van Den Bulck x Heremans x Vandenabeele

Why? Because you get the perfect blend of sprint speed, recovery strength, and race intelligence.

If you want to build a competitive loft, start thinking like a breeder—not just a buyer. Select bloodlines that complement each other and suit your race distances and local terrain.

Final Thoughts From Your Loft Mentor

At the end of the day, bloodlines give you an edge—but how you train, feed, condition, and manage your birds is what brings home the wins. These top bloodlines are a fantastic place to start or improve your breeding base, but your system, consistency, and attention to detail are what make champions.

Stay sharp, trust your instincts, and keep learning. That’s how you rise in this sport.

Summary: Best Bloodlines by Category

The post Top Racing Pigeon Bloodlines That Are Dominating the Sport (Last 5 Years) appeared first on Pro Pigeon Racing.