Information about Breeding Pigeons Seven hundred different breeds of pigeon exist in the world. About 175 of those are a domesticated variety. There are hundreds of pigeon breeders around the globe and they breed for different reason. Pigeons are bred to become pets, food, sporting birds, show birds and feather producers. The type of pigeon being bred will depend on the bird’s use. Regardless of the reason for breeding pigeons, they all need the same basic care. Housing is the first thing a pigeon needs. You probably think feed should be the first concern but you won’t have to be concerned with feeding your birds if they aren’t housed safely. Pigeons are housed it lofts. Some people build really fancy lofts and other people keep it simple. You can design your loft any way you wish but you need to make sure you have enough room for your flock: about 14 cubic feet per bird.
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The loft should also secure enough to keep predators out and covered enough to shield the birds from the elements. If you choose to keep baby pigeons, you will need to construct a separate loft for them. Many breeders keep their pigeons in tiny little lofts inside of a big loft. But if pigeons are offered some mobility within their loft, they often tend to be happier and healthy birds. Happy birds make a better product regardless of if they will be for food, show, sport or any of the other reasons people breed them.
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It is also important to keep the lofts dry and clean. Many breeders provide their pigeons with hay. If you provide your birds with straw it is crucial that it doesn’t stay damp. Pigeons often contract diseases when they are kept in lofts that have damp materials. Also, you need to make sure feeder and waterers are not contaminated with feces or urine as that can also cause your birds to become ill. After housing, you need to take care of your birds’ nutritional needs. In addition to food and water pigeons may also consume what is called grit. Many different things can be used to provide pigeons with grit. Most breeders use eggshells or oysters shells. Grit helps aid in pigeons’ digestion. In the wild, pigeons eat tiny pebbles and other ‘grit’ they find outside. Because pigeons in breeding situations cannot get their own grit it has to be added to their diet. It is also crucial that your pigeons have access to clean water at all times. A watering system will water your birds automatically. Pigeons thrive best on a diet that consist of a variety grains. The grain needs to be old, however. When given new, fresh grains, pigeon can develop diarrhea or vomiting. Babies born to pigeons recently fed new grain often die shortly after birth.