Pigeon supplements play a crucial role in supporting the health, performance, and overall well-being of Pigeons.
These supplements provide essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds that may be lacking in Pigeons’ diets. These supplements provide:
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
To ensure that Pigeons receive all the essential nutrients they need, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
HEALTH MAINTENANCE
To support various aspects of Pigeon health, including immune function, digestive health, bone strength, feather quality, and overall vitality.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT
To enhance a Pigeons’ performance in activities like racing and showing. They may contain ingredients that support muscle development, energy production, endurance, and recovery.
5 TYPES OF SUPPLEMENTS
Common types of Pigeon supplements include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, electrolytes, joint supplements, herbal supplements, and grits for digestive health. Here are the most popular Pigeon supplements used nowadays.
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics for Pigeons are supplements containing beneficial bacteria that support the digestive health and overall well-being of these birds. Probiotics help maintain this balance by promoting the growth of “good” bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
Benefits include the following.
GUT HEALTH
Probiotics help restore microbial balance, which is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Pigeons kept in captivity may experience stress that disrupts their digestive system. Probiotics can help alleviate stress-related digestive issues by stabilizing gut flora and promoting intestinal health.
ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT
Pigeons treated with antibiotics, whether for infections or preventive measures, may experience disruptions in their gut microbiome.
PREVENTION OF DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
Probiotics may help prevent common digestive disorders in Pigeons, such as diarrhea, crop stasis, and sour crop.
MORINGA
Moringa, also known as the “miracle tree” or “drumstick tree,” is a plant native to Asia. Known as “malunggay” in the Philippines, moringa is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, making it a beneficial supplement for Pigeons.
Moringa leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as calcium, potassium, iron, and protein. Benefits include the following.
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Moringa leaves contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and beta-carotene, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help boost the immune system and protect Pigeons from oxidative stress and infections.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Moringa leaves contain fiber and enzymes that aid digestion and promote gastrointestinal health in Pigeons. Adding moringa to the Pigeons’ diet can help support proper digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing the risk of digestive disturbances.
FEATHER CONDITION
The nutrients found in moringa, including vitamins and minerals, may contribute to improved feather health and appearance in Pigeons.
NATURAL DETOXIFICATION
Moringa is historically used as a detoxifying agent in traditional medicine practices. It may help remove toxins and impurities from the Pigeons’ bodies, promoting overall health and vitality.
Moringa leaves can be offered fresh or dried as part of the diet. Fresh leaves can be added to their feed or offered as a supplement, while dried leaves can be ground into a powder and mixed with their feed. Moringa powder can be sprinkled over the Pigeons’ food or mixed with their drinking water.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Feeding apple cider vinegar to Pigeons is a common practice due to its potential health benefits. Apple cider vinegar is believed to promote digestive health, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being in Pigeons.
Benefits include the following.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to the Pigeons’ drinking water can help maintain a healthy pH balance in their digestive system. This may aid in digestion, prevent digestive disturbances, and reduce the risk of conditions like sour crop.
IMMUNE SUPPORT
Apple cider vinegar contains beneficial compounds like acetic acid, antioxidants, and enzymes that may help support the Pigeons’ immune system and protect against infections.
DETOXIFICATION
It has properties that help eliminate toxins from the Pigeons’ bodies by supporting liver function and aiding in the removal of waste products.
FEATHER AND SKIN HEALTH
Topical application or spraying of diluted apple cider vinegar may help soothe skin irritations, relieve itching, and promote healthy feathers in Pigeons.
Dilute apple cider vinegar before giving to Pigeons, as the undiluted vinegar can be too acidic and harsh on their digestive system. Mix approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per gallon of drinking water.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, which are tiny aquatic organisms. Some use diatomaceous earth as a natural supplement and pest control.
Only use food-grade diatomaceous earth that is labeled as safe for use with animals. Avoid using industrial-grade DE, which may contain additives or contaminants that could be harmful.
Here’s how diatomaceous earth can be used for Pigeons.
PEST CONTROL
DE can control external parasites, such as Mites, Lice, and Fleas. When applied to the Pigeons’ environment, DE can absorb the oils and waxes on these pests’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and eventual death.
It’s often dusted onto the Pigeons’ feathers and nesting areas, as well as sprinkled in the loft and on perches.
INTERNAL PARASITE CONTROL
DE can serve as a natural dewormer, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
DUST BATH
Pigeons naturally engage in dust bathing behavior to clean their feathers and remove excess oils and dirt. Providing DE in a designated dust bathing area can enhance this natural behavior and help keep the Pigeons’ plumage clean and healthy.
While diatomaceous earth can be a useful tool for pest control and hygiene maintenance in Pigeon lofts, it’s essential to use it responsibly and in conjunction with other management practices.
PIGEON GRITS
Pigeon grits are small, insoluble particles or granules that aid in the mechanical breakdown of food in their gizzards. They serve as a grinding agent, assisting Pigeons to digest seeds, grains, and other dietary components more effectively.
Pigeon grits are typically offered in a separate feeder or container within the Pigeon loft, allowing Pigeons to consume them as needed. There are different types of Pigeon grits available.
CALCIUM GRITS
These contain calcium carbonate, which is a crucial mineral for the Pigeons’ health and well-being. They are typically made from crushed limestone, oyster shells, or other natural sources of calcium carbonate.
Their benefits include the following.
BONE AND EGG FORMATION
Calcium is essential in the development and maintenance of strong bones and eggshells in Pigeons.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The abrasive texture of calcium grits also helps Pigeons digest seeds and grains more effectively.
NATURAL MINERAL SOURCE
Calcium grits often contain trace minerals and elements that are beneficial for Pigeons, such as magnesium and potassium.
RED GRITS
They are a type of mineral supplement that provides essential minerals and trace elements to support the Pigeons’ health. They are typically reddish in color because of iron oxide, which is a natural mineral pigment.
Benefits include the following.
ELECTROLYTE BALANCE
Red grits play important roles in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction in Pigeons.
COLOR ATTRACTION
The reddish color of the grit may also serve as a visual cue to attract Pigeons to the grit feeder or container. Pigeons are naturally attracted to bright colors, and the grits’ red hue may encourage them to consume the supplement more readily.
MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION
Red grits are formulated to provide Pigeons with a balanced blend of minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and trace elements such as iron, manganese, and zinc.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Like other types of grit, red grits serve as grit in the gizzard, aiding in the mechanical breakdown of food particles and promoting efficient digestion.
MARBLE GRITS
Also known as marble chips or marble granules, consist of small particles or granules made from crushed marble, which is primarily composed of calcium carbonate.
Benefits include the following.
CALCIUM SOURCE | DIGESTIVE AID | pH REGULATION
These regulate the pH balance in the Pigeons’ digestive system. Calcium carbonate has alkaline properties, which can help neutralize excess acidity in the stomach and promote a healthy digestive environment.
Limestone powder is a fine, white or off-white powder made from pulverized limestone, a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Limestone powder is best mixed with Pigeon food.
LONG-TIME PIGEON GUARDIAN
I have been caring for Pigeons who have been with me for more than 15 years, and they’re still in good health. Thanks to easily available sources of information, such as the internet, we can provide our Pigeon friends what they need to live well.
For questions, please email [email protected]. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 ESV
