Variation in Metabolism II
(Internet Published) July 2002
Of course the ideal situation would be to isolate each pigeon to a single
cell at feeding time and give a carefully measured quantity and type of feed
to each pigeon. With flying Tipplers the standard kit size if 3 to 5, and
the above mentioned system is easy to apply - in fact it's essential.
When a man has a large flock, that system becomes too much of a chore. In my
own experience, some specimens need more feed than others - This could be
interpreted as greed. With a large flock the logical way is to place a full
hopper of feed for the pigeons once every 24 hours. The hopper is then
removed after every bird has stopped feeding. This system is of value to men
who keep pigeons for their own flying pleasure or for keeping pigeons which
do not fly at all. I suggest that we should not turn out pigeons for a fly
before at least 12 hours have expired since their last feed. The breeding
pairs should have a hopper available in all day light hours.
Let us suppose that the standard feed is 1 ounce per day per bird, plus grit
and water. It figures that if we have a flock of 40, then 40 ounces cast
down on the floor ensures that each pigeon gets 1 ounce. Mostly, this works
out quite well, but sometimes we get one of two pigeons that are slow or
inefficient peckers and they will not get their fair share of feed. Such as
these always seem to be hungry and thin. They are easy to recognise if we
really observe.
Another point is that these hungry specimens are the most likely to become
infected by worms or germs. This is because they are always pecking around
seeking something edible in corners and places where they should not go.
My own solution is to identify these hungry ones and to isolate them for
ample feed. This is a better method than the full hopper per day because
quite a few will come too heavy - pigeons can be very greedy. No good will
come from overfed or starved pigeons. It's all about care and observation,
isn't it...