Or: Why clean drinking water decides between victory and defeat

The health, vitality, and performance of racing pigeons depend on many factors, from high-quality feeding and optimal training to a carefully planned breeding strategy. Yet one aspect is often underestimated: the quality of the drinking water.

Clean water is the foundation of all metabolic processes. Contaminated water, however, hides dangers: bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, and protozoa like trichomonads can trigger diseases or, at best, cause a loss of form. This is exactly where BergerPIGEONS WaterControl comes in, an innovative product designed to ensure consistent drinking-water hygiene and, as a result, the long-term health of racing pigeons.

HOCl: The natural answer to germs

WaterControl is based on hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a substance naturally produced by the body to defend against pathogens. HOCl penetrates germs, destroys cell membranes and cell components, and kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts directly, quickly, reliably, and without leaving residues, unlike acid-based products that only inhibit growth. After application, nothing remains except water and salt.

Compared to many other products, HOCl is not only highly effective but also extremely gentle on pigeons, material-friendly, and neutral in taste. This ensures that pigeons readily consume their drinking water in sufficient quantities, an essential advantage especially during hot periods when fluid intake is vital for health and performance. WaterControl therefore combines strong hygiene effects with high acceptance by the birds. In contrast, acid products rely on organic acids: they may reduce infection pressure but are often reluctantly consumed by pigeons. WaterControl offers the decisive difference: strong action without compromise, for healthy and successful pigeons.

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Ecalit technology – The difference compared to competing products

Many HOCl solutions lose stability quickly and require high dosages. WaterControl applies the Ecalit process, which guarantees an exceptionally pure and stable form of HOCl. This makes a practical difference: lower dosage, high efficacy, and maximum safety at the same time.

The science behind WaterControl: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)

HOCl is a natural substance used by the immune systems of both humans and animals to fight pathogens.

Production: BergerPIGEONS WaterControl is produced using the ECALIT® process, electrochemically activated from water, salt, and electricity. The result is a highly effective, residue-free disinfectant with a shelf life of up to two years.

Mode of action: HOCl penetrates germs, destroys cell components, and kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts directly, unlike acid products that only inhibit growth.

Tolerance: Since HOCl occurs naturally in the body, it is particularly gentle and safe for pigeons.

The invisible enemy: Biofilm in drinking systems

A major problem in pigeon lofts is biofilm, a slimy layer in drinkers and water lines that protects pathogens and can promote antibiotic resistance.

WaterControl dissolves and destroys biofilm sustainably. This eliminates not only surface germs but also their source. It reduces the risk of recurring infections and contributes to the long-term health of racing pigeons.

Application and dosage: Practical for everyday use

Application area | Dosage per 1 L water | Purpose | Frequency

Maintenance hygiene | 0.5–1 ml | Daily preventive use | Regularly
Intensive hygiene | 3–5 ml | Shock treatment under high germ load | Once
Drinker/pipe cleaning | 10–20 ml | Deep cleaning and biofilm removal | As needed

Practical examples:

Maintenance hygiene: daily to prevent disease transmission.
Intensive hygiene: after races, when introducing new birds, or during acute germ exposure.
Cleaning: targeted treatment against biofilm in drinkers, pipes, and containers.

Quality standards:

DIN EN 901 tested: meets the strictest standards for human drinking water.
Environmentally friendly: breaks down into water and salt – no residues, no toxicity.

Conclusion: A foundation for healthy and high-performing racing pigeons

Thanks to its properties, BergerPIGEONS WaterControl is a strategic tool for fanciers who want to:

Ensure long-term drinking-water hygiene
Prevent infections
Break down biofilm sustainably
Increase the overall performance of their loft

With WaterControl, you have a solution that combines modern science with everyday practicality. Thanks to HOCl produced via the Ecalit process, infection chains are reliably interrupted with no side effects, no reluctance to drink, and no residues.

Anyone who wants to protect their pigeons, reduce infection pressure, and secure long-term loft health will find the ideal solution in WaterControl, thanks to the unique Ecalit process.

Until the next blog,

Alfred Berger