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For racing pigeons, molting is the most physically demanding period of the entire year. While we breeders often focus on the glorious victories of the racing season, the fate of the next season is decided in autumn. Incorrect molting management leads to brittle plumage, patchy coverage, and a weakened constitution that cannot be recovered in spring.
In this article, we highlight the most critical mistakes and show you how to support your animals systematically and with the right active ingredients.
Many breeders believe that pigeons need fewer nutrients after a racing season because they are no longer flying. This is a fatal misconception. Growing a completely new plumage is a metabolic feat. Feathers consist almost entirely of protein (keratin).
The solution: A protein-rich and varied diet is essential. Since the body cannot store amino acids indefinitely, they must be supplied continuously. Products like Paloma brewer's yeast powder are ideal here, as they have a high content of natural proteins and B vitamins.
Keratin requires sulfur for its structure. The two most important building blocks for this are the amino acids methionine and lysine . A deficiency leads to "starvation streaks" in the feather vane or brittle quills.
The solution: Use specialized supplements. VI-SPU-MIN contains a targeted 2% lysine and 1% methionine. Liquid preparations like Bt-Amin forte are also essential during molting. It is recommended to administer Bt-Amin forte three times a week via the drinking water during molting to ensure an adequate supply of these essential nutrients.
Feather growth depletes the body of enormous amounts of minerals. If these are not supplied externally, the organism draws on its own reserves in the bones. This weakens the pigeon in the long term.
The solution: A complete supply of minerals is essential.
Mineral mixtures: Provide a vitamin-enriched mineral mixture for free access to accelerate feather growth and increase resistance.
Grit & Pickkuchen: Use products like the Paloma Seaweed Coral Grit-Pot . This provides valuable trace elements from seaweed and supports the balance of calcium and phosphorus. The Paloma Pickkuchen is also excellent, as it combines shell grit, red rock, and grit, which simultaneously promotes digestion.
Often only a standard vitamin supplement is given. However, biotin (vitamin H) is particularly important during molting, as it plays a key role in fat and protein metabolism as well as in the formation of horn tissue.
The solution: Products like ColumaVital Dynamic offer a decisive advantage here. With 5,000 mcg of biotin and 1,000,000 IU of vitamin A, it supports the formation of elastic and glossy plumage. During molting season, this supplement should be given twice a week mixed with the feed.
A weakened molting organism is more susceptible to parasites and bacteria. A disrupted gut cannot efficiently absorb the expensive nutrients from the food.
The solution: Natural gut cleansing works wonders. The moor concentrate HuminActiv (Total Reset) supports the intestinal flora biologically and binds toxins in the digestive tract. A healthy gut ensures that stool consistency remains stable and that nutrients reach where they are needed: the feather follicles.
Stress stops the molt. If pigeons are kept too closely together or are exposed to constant disturbance, the body releases cortisol, which can interrupt the molting process.
The solution: Ensure sufficient space and a calm atmosphere in the loft. Further support your animals' mental resilience by administering B vitamins, such as those contained in high doses in Bt-Amin forte .
To avoid errors, we recommend the following regime:
Basis: Daily fresh grit and pickle cake (e.g. Seaweed Coral Grit or Paloma Pickle Cake ) available for free intake.
Feed enhancement: Enrich the feed with Paloma brewer's yeast 2 to 3 times a week. A high-quality oil is recommended to bind the powder.
Active ingredients: ColumaVital Dynamic twice a week for an extra dose of biotin and vitamins.
Water: Add Bt-Amin forte to the drinking water 3 times a week to meet the need for electrolytes and B vitamins.
A successful molt is recognizable by silky, "oily" plumage from which water beads up perfectly. With the right combination of rest and high-quality supplementary feed, you are now laying the foundation for next year's championships.
