If you’re passionate about pigeon racing, you know that what you feed your racing pigeons before a race can make the difference between winning and losing.
The right diet boosts energy, sharpens focus, and enhances recovery.
Here you’ll know exactly what to feed racing pigeons before a race to give them a competitive edge and help you bring home that win.
What to Feed Racing Pigeons Before a Race
Before a race, you should feed your racing pigeons a “light mix” that provides easily digestible energy. Focus on giving them a feed that’s high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Include grains like barley, wheat, millet, rice, and safflower seeds. This morning feed helps keep your pigeons light, energised, and ready to perform at their best on race day.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should be feeding your pigeons as race day approaches.
3 Days Before the Race (Recovery and Protein Loading)
Focus on protein and light grains to help muscles recover from training.
Suggested mix:
- 30% peas or beans (protein)
- 20% safflower
- 20% barley
- 15% small maize
- 15% wheat
You can add a protein supplement or brewer’s yeast to support recovery. Always provide fresh grit and minerals.
2 Days Before the Race (Energy Loading Begins)
Start increasing the carbohydrate content to store glycogen in the muscles and liver.
Suggested mix:
- 30% small maize (carbohydrate-dense)
- 25% wheat
- 20% rice or paddy rice
- 15% safflower
- 10% barley
Add electrolytes to the drinking water in the evening to promote hydration and reduce stress.
1 Day Before the Race (High-Energy Feeding)
This is the most important meal before a race. Your pigeons need easily digestible fast-release energy. Keep the mix high in carbs and fat, and keep protein low.
Suggested mix:
- 40% small maize
- 25% peeled sunflower seeds
- 20% rice
- 15% hempseed or peanuts (fats for stamina)
Feed earlier in the day (mid-morning) so your birds can fully digest the meal before basketing. Provide clean water with glucose or electrolytes.
You Can Feed them Supplements to Boost Racing Performance
You can feed the best grains, but performance supplements can still give you a winning edge.
Here are a few you can consider feeding:
- Electrolyte powder: Aids hydration, especially in warm weather.
- Glucose or honey in water: Fast energy source pre-basketing.
- Brewer’s yeast: Rich in B-vitamins and amino acids.
- Oregano or garlic oil: Natural immune boosters.
- Probiotics: Maintain gut health and digestion.
Be consistent, and don’t introduce new supplements right before a race. Always test them during training first.
What to Feed before Different Race Distances
1. Short Races (up to 200 miles)
You need quick-release energy. Prioritise high-carb grains and reduce heavy protein or fat sources.
Key ingredients:
- Maize
- Wheat
- Paddy rice
- Milo
2. Middle-Distance Races (200–400 miles)
Balance carbs and moderate fats. Add sunflower seeds, safflower, and hemp to support sustained energy.
Key additions:
- Safflower
- Sunflower hearts
- Barley in small amounts for digestion
3. Long-Distance Races (400+ miles)
Fat is your friend here. Pigeons need slow-burning energy to last the distance.
Ideal additions:
- Peanuts (crushed)
- Canola seed
- Flaxseed
- Higher protein earlier in the week
Common Pre-Race Feeding Mistakes You Should Avoid
1. Overfeeding before basketing: Can cause fatigue and poor flight performance.
2. High protein the day before: Slows down birds. Excessive protein can stress the kidneys and create metabolic imbalances.
3. Underfeeding: Not providing enough energy can leave your pigeons weak and unable to perform.
4. Inconsistent feeding schedule: Disrupts metabolism and conditioning.
5. Dirty water or poor-quality grains: Leads to illness or underperformance.
Key Takeaways – Feeding Racing Pigeons to Win
Winning does not occur by luck. When you feed racing pigeons properly before a race, you provide them with the physical and mental strength they need to perform at their best.
Adjust your feeding schedule based on the distance, weather, and bird condition. Use supplements carefully, and always practise good cleanliness and grain storage.
What you put in the feed trough typically determines whether you finish the race or win it.
