Moulting
Moulting, I think one of the most important periods of the year. For many breeders, it is a moment they tend to get away from their pigeons and focus more time on family and other matters that deserve necessary attention. A well deserved vacation for example. That's understandable, of course, especially as the performance during the racing season is disappointing, that it is often a difficult time to raise even the motivation to give the pigeons they attention they deserve during this period. Yet this is more than important. Underestimation of the importance of the moult is the prelude to disappointment in the following year. The quality of the spring work also depends on the care devoted to the pigeons during the moulting period. Good nutrition, regular bath and plenty of air and light (aviary) in this period are of great importance. Additionally, one can regularly provide a mineral mix. There are several good mixes available. The pigeons can then search and find what they instinctively need. It is important to provide sufficient minerals for the pigeons, especially in the moulting season. The moulting period is a period of high to very high metabolic activity. The liver is working at high voltage, to which the building materials are needed to create the new springs available in sufficient quantities to have them at the location where they are needed. In this period, the liver must therefore be well supported. Stress should be avoided. It is a time when peace should prevail. Only in this way we can lay a good foundation for the coming racing season.
Coccidiose
In recent weeks, a lot of lovers mention that there is a lot of coccidiosis infections in their club. A lot of misunderstanding arises, is what I notice. Reason enough to pay some attention to this protozoal disease again.
Coccidiosis is an infection by a unicellular protozoan, with the name Emeria. Protozoa are single-celled organisms, which tricho and Hexamites belong to (if we talk about pigeons diseases). Mostly young birds are susceptible to infection with this parasite. Old birds can also contribute to many of these parasites without having any signs. The youngsters are more affected by this infection after weaning because their defense system is not yet sufficiently developed. If death occurs, it is mainly between the third and fourth month of life. With old birds the form may suffer when they got infected with coccidian, causing diminishing performance.
