Tips & Trick from Pigeon Boss, Jan de Wijs

I share expert advice to help you excel in pigeon racing. With over 40 years of experience, including a focus on marathon races, I bring a deep reservoir of knowledge for both veteran racers and newcomers. Having achieved top 10 national prizes in Holland, with the exception of the 1st prize, I'm excited to share insights that will enhance the performance and health of your racing pigeons. Make the most of my experience and elevate your racing game.


Why a Regular Bath is Essential for the Well-being and Health of Racing Pigeons

If you're serious about the well-being and performance of your racing pigeons, you probably already know that a regular bath isn't just a fun activity, but an essential part of their health and welfare. In this tip, I’ll explain why bathing is important and back it up with scientific facts where possible. 

Hygiene and Parasite Control
One of the main benefits of regular bathing is improving the hygiene of your pigeons. During a bath, pigeons naturally remove dirt and dust that accumulates in their feathers, helping to keep their plumage in optimal condition and significantly reducing the risk of skin irritations and feather problems. The removal of dirt also makes it harder for external parasites, such as mites and lice, to nest in the feathers. Studies have shown that pigeons that bathe regularly are less susceptible to parasitic infections, which ultimately contributes to better health and performance.

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The Dangers of Foggy Weather for Racing Pigeons – Keep Them Inside!

As a passionate pigeon fancier and Pigeon Boss with over 40 years of experience in the sport, I have one golden rule that every pigeon enthusiast must follow: never release your pigeons in foggy weather. This isn’t an exaggeration, but a crucial step to protect your beloved racing pigeons. Especially during the molting season, when they are more vulnerable, fog can pose a significant threat. Today, I want to guide you through the risks and explain why it’s often better to keep your pigeons safely inside their loft. 

The Dangers of Foggy Weather
Foggy weather makes it extremely difficult for racing pigeons to maintain their orientation. Pigeons rely on visual landmarks on the ground and in the sky to find their way back to the loft.

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Why TRUE-LIGHT® is the Best Lighting for Pigeons: The Benefits of Innovative Lighting by RIMO

The Power of TRUE-LIGHT®

TRUE-LIGHT® distinguishes itself from other light sources through its unique composition of 14 types of phosphor, creating a spectral balance that closely mimics natural daylight. This is crucial for pigeons, as it provides not only bright light but also the full spectrum of invisible UVA and UVB radiation. This radiation is essential for synthesizing vitamin D, supporting calcium absorption, and other mineral intake in pigeons' blood.

Compared to standard fluorescent lighting, which often includes only 2 to 4 types of phosphor, TRUE-LIGHT® is much more complete and effective. Even special bird and daylight lamps only reach up to 6 types of phosphor. This makes TRUE-LIGHT® the most advanced lighting for birds and pigeons.

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