There comes a moment in every season when the baskets close, the training slows, and the loft grows quiet. To outsiders, it looks like rest. But for real fanciers, this is one of the most decisive moments of the year. The moult has begun, and the way you handle it can define your entire next season. This is where the true champions are made.
The Final Flights The Moment to Step Back
When pigeons start dropping their last flight feathers, their wings lose balance, lift, and control. Those final feathers are their power blades, and without them, flying becomes awkward and risky. Yet, many still try to train them as if nothing has changed. That is a serious mistake.
During the moult, the body works hard to grow new feathers, and that process takes enormous energy. Every gram of protein and every mineral goes toward rebuilding strength. If you force the birds now, you’re not building condition — you’re breaking it down. The smart move is to ease off and let nature take over.
The Moult The Secret Foundation of Future Success
The moult is not a break, it’s the rebuild of the entire machine. Each new feather that grows is a piece of next season’s performance. Strong, smooth feathers mean aerodynamic power and endurance. Poorly grown feathers mean friction, fatigue, and frustration.
That’s why the best fanciers stop being trainers and start being caretakers. They feed high-quality grains, amino acids, and minerals. They let the pigeons rest, recover, and quietly prepare for what’s coming. The bird that rests well now will shine when the baskets open again.
The Bath and the Hawk A Hidden Danger
Moulting pigeons love to bathe. It helps them shed old feathers and keeps the skin healthy. But after a bath, they are heavy, slower, and easy targets for hawks. Add missing feathers and the risk doubles.
That’s why I always keep the loft windows open so my pigeons can fly inside after bathing. They dry safely in the loft, hidden from predators. It’s a simple detail that can save a valuable racer or breeder.
The Golden Rule of The Pigeon Boss Don’t Push Protect
Every fancier wants success, but the greatest know when to wait. The moult is not the time to push; it’s the time to protect. Feed well, keep them safe, and respect the natural rhythm of recovery.
Here’s the real Pigeon Boss Tip that separates the good from the great. When your pigeons are dropping their last flights, step back. Give them rest, give them time, give them safety.
Because the fancier who protects his pigeons during the moult will see them soar when the new season begins — stronger, sharper, and ready to win.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss