Raising high-quality breeding pigeons is essential for successful pigeon farming. Excellent breeders are large, healthy, purebred, well-adapted, fast-growing, and have strong reproductive abilities. Typically, a good breeder can be productive for up to five years, with the peak performance occurring during the first three years. The best breeders can produce up to 18 litters (6–9 per year), with at least 12 eggs per cycle. However, factors like nutrition significantly affect egg production, fertilization rates, and hatching success. When selecting breeders, focus on those with strong genetic traits, balanced male-female pairings, and youthful vigor. Avoid using immature or unpaired young birds, as they may not be ready for breeding and could lead to economic loss. Some of these birds might only be one month old, and after five months of rearing, their value may drop, and quality is hard to guarantee.
It's important not to rely on appearances alone—pigeons that look strong may actually be old and less fertile. These should be removed from the breeding stock. Providing an optimal breeding environment is also crucial. The lofts don’t need to be fancy, but they must be dry, well-drained, quiet, and free from stress. They should be protected from wind, rain, sun, moisture, and pests, while ensuring proper ventilation, lighting, and cleanliness. Regular disinfection is necessary to maintain hygiene.
Meat pigeons are usually raised in cages or open flats. For cage systems, about 3 pairs per square meter is ideal, while in flat systems, 2 pairs per 1000 square meters works well. Feeding is another key aspect. Breeding pigeons don’t eat much, but their diet needs to be nutritionally complete. A breeder should get around 45–50 grams of feed daily, in small portions to avoid waste and reduce costs. A common rice-based feed formula includes 45% rice, 25% peas, 20% corn, and 10% wheat. Alternatively, a corn-based mix can be used: 45% corn, 25% peas, 15% wheat, and 15% sorghum. Adding some hemp or green beans can enhance nutritional value. Energy and protein levels should be adjusted based on the pigeons’ growth stage.
Health sand plays a vital role in pigeon development, even though it’s used in small amounts. A breeder needs about 6 grams daily. It should be fresh and stored in sealed containers in a cool, dry place. A typical health sand recipe includes 30% red mud, 15% shell powder, 10% bone meal, 25% medium sand, and 5% each of charcoal, lime, salt, and old plaster. Adding vitamins, herbs, and antibiotics seasonally helps support immune health.
Proper management during different life stages—mating, incubation, brooding, and moulting—is critical. Provide appropriate feeds and health sand to boost productivity. Young birds should be given more light and space to grow quickly. Once mature, select the strongest individuals for breeding, either naturally or artificially, to maintain a healthy population.
Disease prevention is equally important. Follow a “prevention first†approach by keeping lofts clean, regularly disinfecting tools, and monitoring pigeon behavior. Vaccinate according to schedule and watch for signs of illness or parasites. Also, protect against predators like cats, dogs, and rats.
Economic planning is essential. Track all expenses and income carefully, analyze returns regularly, and adjust strategies to improve efficiency. Raising pigeons requires both hard work and attention to detail, including careful financial management.
The best time to market pigeons is at four weeks old (28 days). At this age, the meat is tender, flavorful, and highly nutritious, making them popular among consumers. Delaying market time increases feeding costs and reduces profitability. Breeders should also stay informed about local market trends, sell to higher-priced areas, or process birds into packaged products to maximize profits.
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