Feeding schedules and strategies can significantly impact your racing pigeons’ condition, energy levels, and overall race performance. And when you’re racing in colder weather, like the winter months in South Africa, the way you manage your feeding program becomes even more critical. That’s where a solid cold weather pigeon feeding strategy comes into play.
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:
| Day | Morning Feed | Evening Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday–Monday | Light depurative mix (barley, milo, low-protein grains) | Richer mix begins—wheat, peas, small amount of maize |
| Tuesday | Continue light mix with added safflower/sunflower hearts | Higher carbs/fats to begin building reserves |
| Wednesday | Transition to a full racing mix (maize, milo, safflower) | High-energy mix continues to peak before basketing |
| Thursday | Light feed (if basketing in the evening) | No feed after basketing |
| Friday/Saturday | Recovery mix (barley, peas, vitamins) | Light mix to restore condition and aid digestion |
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.
