Vitamins are crucial for the health and performance of racing pigeons. While pigeons can produce some vitamins on their own, they do not produce all of the vitamins necessary for optimal health. In order to ensure that racing pigeons receive the necessary vitamins for immunity, metabolism, fertility, reproduction, and growth, it is important to provide them with pigeon vitamin supplements or racing pigeon supplements.

Grain mixtures, even when varied, do not provide enough vitamins to meet a pigeon's needs. Additionally, the nutritional value of grain decreases when it has been stored for longer periods of time. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a regular supply of extra vitamins to racing pigeons. Nowadays, almost all vitamins can be manufactured synthetically, which is beneficial for racing pigeons that may have a more limited range of food compared to wild pigeons.

During certain periods, such as heavy loads, competition season, moulting, breeding, and growing periods, racing pigeons require more vitamins than usual. Vitamin supplements, whether organic or synthetic multivitamin preparations, can provide the necessary vitamins to support the pigeon's health during these periods.

It is important to note that both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins are important for pigeons. Water-soluble vitamins, such as C, F, and B complex, must be given to pigeons regularly since animals cannot store them in their bodies. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, accumulate in the body, and heavy overdoses can be toxic. Therefore, it is crucial to use vitamin preparations that have been specially developed for racing pigeons and to follow the dosage instructions closely.

Different vitamin supplements are recommended for different periods. For racing season, Omniform, Colombine Vita, Form-Mix Plus, and Carmine are all good options. Omniform contains 12 vitamins, 19 amino acids, and inositol, which promotes good muscle function. Colombine Vita is a multivitamin complex that comes in powder form, supplemented with glucose, and can be given to pigeons during the breeding period or after a vaccination or medical treatment. Form-Mix Plus aids in tissue growth and repair and resistance building, while Carmine reduces the production of lactic acid and muscle cramps, giving pigeons better stamina.

During the moulting period, B-Chol is a recommended vitamin supplement. B-Chol contains sulfur-containing amino acids and vitamins, including B12, which promotes the removal of harmful substances and protects the liver. It can be administered after a course of medication and before the start of the season to stimulate down shedding.

For the breeding period, Supervit is a good option. It is a powdered multivitamin complex containing 10 vitamins and 4 trace elements, which helps fortify pigeons during the breeding period. Due to the high amounts of vitamin D3 contained in it, Supervit is perfect to give to darker-colored youngsters. The production of vitamin D requires sunlight, which darker pigeons may lack.

In addition to these recommended vitamin supplements, Avi Forte Gel is also a beneficial supplement for racing pigeons. Avi Forte Gel is a water-soluble gel that provides instant energy and essential vitamins, minerals, probiotics, amino acids, and electrolytes to pigeons during periods of stress such as heat stress, racing, and transport, resulting in immunity constraints.

In conclusion, providing racing pigeons with necessary vitamins is crucial for their health and performance. Vitamin supplements can help ensure that racing pigeons receive the necessary vitamins during specific periods, and using specially developed vitamin preparations for racing pigeons and following dosage instructions closely is important. By providing racing pigeons with high-quality vitamin supplements, pigeon fanciers can ensure that their birds are in optimal health and performance.

Visit Camelus to shop pigeon supplements online in South Africa.