Indeed, birds are wonderful pets to keep at home. Isn't spending quality time with your family while petting these birds is a great feeling? Now, if you have decided that the racing pigeons will make the perfect pet for you, then you must know about their proper nutrition. Like humans, birds need to eat and drink for their survival. That is why learning the basics of racing pigeon nutrition is practical and significant at the same time.
Come to think of it. Birds can live long when they receive the proper nutrition they deserve. Some birds feed on seeds, while others feed on food. However, some feed on a combination of seeds and food. It is best to talk to a vet if you are a first-timer in keeping racing pigeons for pets. This animal doctor surely knows how to make survival easy for these animals.
The Role of Vitamins and Nutrients in a Bird's Survival
To keep your birds healthy and in perfect shape, they need to receive nutrients. Vitamin A is important for the bird to have good feathers and skin. Vitamin B, on the other hand, is essential for the bird's central nervous system. Meanwhile, vitamin C is best for the prevention of different skin infections. The skeletal system then depends on its full development from the Vitamin D that the body receives. Vitamin E then prevents sterility.
Other Essential Foods for the Racing Pigeon
Seeds are very important for the birds. Racing pigeons may prefer to eat a different kind of seed. That is why it matters that you consult a vet. The stores also make available a blend of seeds that satisfy the birds and provide them with significant nutrition.
A common bird food is the suet, composed of animal fat. During the warmer months, feeding the bird with suet is advised. You can opt for pork, beef fat, or suet cakes and put them inside the cage.
To ensure your bird gets a well-rounded diet, you may feed it with mealworms, fruits, and egg shells.
The Right Nutrition at Different Stages
Basically, there are three major stages in a racing pigeon's life—breeding, off-season, and training or racing. Each stage then requires a particular diet and feeding scheme. This fully applies, especially when you prefer it to succeed in sports.
These stages require a balance of energy (carbohydrates and fats), protein, minerals and vitamins.
Other important considerations to take are the sex and age of the bird, heavy training, long or short distance race, and the like.
You can also enhance the racing pigeon's nutrition by including supplements to its water and food. As you take this bird under your care, you must ensure that you can provide for its good nutrition. In that case, it will survive for a long time.
