When I first developed BergerPearls No. 1, my goal was simple: make caring for racing pigeons easier. Not more complex, but then came the idea for Berger Powder…
Not more labor-intensive. And above all, I wanted to free fanciers from the daily chore of having to moisten feed and mix in multiple powders every single morning and evening.
My philosophy has always been straightforward:
My mission is not to develop as many products as possible, but to make pigeon care as simple and effective as possible.
For controlled, daily feeding, BergerPearls No. 1 remain the gold standard in my care system. They mix directly with grain without moistening, saving time while delivering essential active ingredients.
So why did I end up developing BergerPowder No. 1?
The Reality of the Loft: When Theory Meets Practice
As a biologist, I do not just look at a product’s formulation; I trace its path all the way into the pigeon’s metabolism. Even the best formula in the world is useless if the pigeon doesn’t absorb it evenly.
In ideal conditions, fanciers practice strict, controlled feeding.
Pigeons learn to eat every single grain in their tray. Under this regime, pellets like BergerPearls work flawlessly.
However, real-life racing conditions demand flexibility:
Increasing rations: Towards the end of the racing week, many fanciers deliberately increase feed volume to build up energy reserves.
Open feeding: Some systems allow birds to eat more freely at specific times during the season.
When feed volume increases, bird behavior changes. Well-fed pigeons become selective eaters. They pick out their favorite grains first, leaving other components, including pellets, behind for longer.
This raised a critical question for me:
What happens to the absorption of functional ingredients when feeding habits become selective?
The essential supplies for top lofts, used and tested by The Pigeons Boss…
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Berger Powder No.1
Active supplement with probiotics, prebiotics, colostrum, vitamins, chelates, and...€ 49,95Add to cart -
Vital Drink
Herbal liquid supplement with milk thistle, sea buckthorn, elderberry...€ 29,95Add to cart -
Berger Pearls No.1
Chopped peanut cores with probiotics, prebiotics, colostrum, vitamins and...€ 59,95Add to cart
One Formula, Two Formats: The Logic Behind BergerPowder No. 1
Modifying the Pearls was off the table, they perform their job brilliantly under normal feeding conditions. Instead, I asked a different question:
What if we offer the exact same active ingredient matrix in a second format, one that can adhere to every single grain when required?
That is how BergerPowder No. 1 was born.
It is crucial to understand that BergerPowder No. 1 does not contain a different set of active ingredients. The difference lies purely in the delivery method, not the effect.
Feature | ||
Format | Extruded Pearls / Pellets | Fine Powder |
Preparation | Dry administration (mix straight into grain) | Lightly moisten feed prior to mixing |
Best Used For | Controlled, daily routine feeding | High-ration days, heavy feeding, selective eaters |
Primary Benefit | Maximum speed & simplicity | 100% uniform ingredient distribution across all grains |
When Should You Use Which?
I am often asked: “Alfred, which product is better?”
My answer is always: Neither. They serve the exact same goal, tailored to different feeding situations.
Use BergerPearls No. 1 as your effortless everyday standard. When feed intake is controlled and birds clear their trays, Pearls offer the cleanest, fastest delivery without extra steps.
Use BergerPowder No. 1 when feed quantities increase (e.g., carbo-loading before basketing) or if you notice your pigeons picking through their feed. By lightly moistening the grain, the powder coats every single kernel. No matter which grain the pigeon chooses first, it receives its exact dose of active ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Driven by Practice, Backed by Science
Good product development never stands still. When you observe practical loft management through a physiological lens, you uncover new nuances. Taking those nuances seriously leads to practical solutions, not for the sake of adding another tub to your shelf, but to give you better tools for specific situations.
BergerPearls No. 1 and BergerPowder No. 1 are not competitors; they are partners in one system.
One system. Two delivery options. One ultimate goal: peak health and performance for your pigeons.
Got questions about adjusting your feeding protocol for the upcoming season? Reach out to us at PigeonBoss.com or drop a comment below!
Alfred Berger
Berger Pigeons –
