Breeding pigeons successfully depends heavily on nutrition. Whether you’re raising racing pigeons, show pigeons, or backyard breeders, the right diet ensures fertility, strong hatchlings, and healthy adult birds.
This guide explains the best feed for breeding pigeons, covering what to feed, when to feed, and how to build a balanced diet that supports all breeding stages.
Key Nutritional Requirements for Breeding Pigeons
1. Protein
Protein is essential for muscle, feather, and tissue development. During breeding, a protein content of around 17–18% in the feed mix is ideal. Peas, lentils, and quality pigeon pellets provide excellent protein sources.
2. Fat and Carbohydrates (Energy Sources)
Energy fuels all breeding activities, courtship, nesting, incubation, and feeding young. Corn, wheat, and barley are key energy grains, while sunflower or safflower seeds offer healthy fats for stamina and body warmth.
3. Vitamins, Minerals, and Calcium
Minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, support strong eggshells, skeletal growth, and muscle formation. Vitamin A, D3, and E also play critical roles in fertility and immunity. Supplement with grit, oyster shell, and mineral powders to maintain the right balance.
4. Grit and Digestive Support
Pigeons rely on grit to grind food efficiently in their gizzard. Offer both insoluble grit (flint or granite) for digestion and soluble grit (crushed oyster shell) for calcium replenishment.
5. Fresh Water
Clean, fresh water is essential at all times. Breeding birds drink more frequently, especially while feeding squabs, so ensure waterers are clean and refilled daily.
Best Feed Types for Breeding Pigeons – Pellets vs. Grain Mixes
Pellets are nutritionally balanced and convenient, typically containing the right blend of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Ideally, pellets should make up about 50% of the pigeon’s diet.
Grain mixes offer natural variety and texture that pigeons enjoy, but can lack complete nutrition if fed alone. Combining pellets with a diverse grain mix gives the best results.
Recommended Breeding Feed Mix
A balanced grain mix for breeding pigeons should aim for roughly 17–18% protein overall.
A sample formula could be like we mentioned below:
- 30–35% peas (green, yellow, or white)
- 20–25% wheat
- 25–30% corn
- 10% safflower or sunflower seeds
- 10-15% pigeon pellets (18-22% protein)
This combination supports egg formation, chick development, and parent health throughout the breeding season.
Common Feed Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Peas: Excellent plant protein; use multiple types for variety.
- Corn: Provides quick energy; feed moderately to avoid fat gain.
- Wheat & Barley: Energy-dense and easy to digest.
- Milo (Sorghum): Adds diversity and balances carbohydrate intake.
- Sunflower/Safflower Seeds: High-fat grains that improve feather sheen and energy levels.
- Pigeon Pellets: Offer complete nutrition and consistent quality.
- Oyster Shell & Grit: Supplies calcium and aids digestion.
Feeding Adjustments by Breeding Stage
| Breeding Stage | Feeding Strategy |
| Pre-breeding (3–4 weeks before pairing) | Increase protein and mineral intake to prepare birds for fertility. |
| Egg Laying & Incubation | Maintain high protein and calcium; ensure consistent energy supply. |
| Hatching & Feeding Squabs | Keep high protein feed; add vitamin supplements and fresh grit. |
| Post-Weaning (Young Birds) | Continue balanced feeding; slowly transition to maintenance diet. |
| Off-Season / Rest Period | Reduce protein, increase energy grains for maintenance. |
Practical Feeding Tips for Breeders
- Feed near nesting areas to reduce stress and encourage parental feeding.
- Use measured feeding rather than free feeding. This prevents waste and ensures balanced nutrition.
- Provide fresh grit and oyster shell daily, especially for laying pigeons.
- Adjust the feed mix seasonally —more fats in cold weather, lighter grains in heat.
- Clean waterers and feed trays daily to prevent disease.
- Store grains properly in a cool, dry place to avoid mould.
- Observe the birds’ condition —bright eyes, good feather gloss, and steady weight indicate correct feeding.
Mistakes You Need to Avoid While Feeding
Here are some mistakes you should definitely avoid while feeding your breeding pigeons –
- Feeding only grains or seeds with no pellets or supplements
- Overfeeding corn and sunflowers in warm climates (leads to fat buildup)
- Introducing new diets too late in the breeding cycle
- Neglecting grit and calcium sources
- Allowing feed or water contamination
Our Suggested Quality Breeding Pigeons Feed
| Product Name | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Vanrobaeys – Breeding & Travel Standard No. 19 | All-round breeders & racers |
| Vanrobaeys Breeding Pro Revolution No. 58 | Professional breeders |
| BTS Breeding and Young Pigeon | Breeding & young pigeon rearing |
| Versele-Laga Breeding and Molt Olympia | Breeding & moulting periods |
| BTS Allround Top Feed (Trial Package) | First-time buyers & testers |
Conclusion
The best feed for breeding pigeons is a balanced, stage-specific combination of grains, pellets, minerals, and clean water. Aim for around 17–18% protein, ensure consistent calcium, and monitor your birds’ condition closely.
Proper nutrition not only boosts fertility and hatch rates but also ensures robust, well-feathered squabs and strong breeding pairs year after year.
