Grasshoppers Chronicles: The Way of the Pigeon

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Grasshoppers Chronicles:The Way of the Pigeon

Health, Honesty, and Hard Truths

 As the festive season draws closer and the nights grow longer, the lofts are settling into their winter rhythm. Most pigeons have now completed their moult, shedding the worn-out feathers of the racing season and stepping into winter with pristine new plumage. For many fanciers, this is also a time of separation. The sexes are split, and for those not yet ready to pair, there’s a quieter, more contemplative feel around the lofts. 

 During this period, one peculiar problem seems to crop up more often than usual: wet droppings. Not all pigeons, not all the time, but the occasional bird will leave a watery mess in the boxes. For novices, this sight can cause panic, often leading them to reach for the medicine cupboard. But in my experience, medication isn’t always the answer. In fact, nine times out of ten, it’s not needed at all.

 Stress, Diet, Weather – and the Power of Beans. So, why do wet droppings seem to appear more often at this time of year? In my view, it’s largely down to stress, diet, and weather. 

 Separation after a season of companionship can leave even the steadiest birds feeling unsettled. Add to that the lighter diets often fed in the off-season, and you’ve got conditions ripe for mild digestive upset. And then there’s the weather. These cold, damp days aren’t good for man or beast, and the drop in temperature can have a noticeable effect on your pigeons. 

 If you’re quick to medicate every time you see wet droppings, take a moment to pause. Try something different: beans. Put the affected bird on a high-protein diet and watch how quickly the droppings transform. From watery puddles to tight, brown balls, the difference can be remarkable. 

 Now, consider the temperature’s role as well. On a mild, warmer day, you’ll notice your pigeons eat less than their usual measure. But on a cold day, watch how they eat with real relish, finishing their feed and often looking for more. Are you observing how your birds respond to these changes? Are you adapting their management accordingly?

 Often, a simple change in feed is all that’s required to resolve the issue. If you’re still unsure, a dropping test from a vet will usually confirm what you already suspect—there’s nothing wrong at all.

 Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been one to challenge the status quo. I recall advice from a legendary scribe I admire greatly, a man with his finger on the pulse of the pigeon world. He told me, “Always tell the truth and be honest. You won’t be liked for it, but you can always hold your head high.” Those words have stayed with me and still guide me today. 

 For years, I’ve read loft reports in publications like the BHW, RP, De Duif, and Squills. Inevitably, there’s always a claim along the lines of, “We never treat our pigeons—only good pigeons stay healthy.” Every time, it makes me laugh. Let’s be realistic—there isn’t an animal on this planet that doesn’t, at some stage in its life, need treatment. 

Yes, building natural immunity is vital. Yes, breeding hardy, healthy pigeons is a must. But let’s not pretend that cider vinegar, garlic, and clean water are enough to keep pigeons in top form all year round. If that were the case, the companies selling supplements and medications wouldn’t exist, and pigeon vets wouldn’t have a job. 

 Good pigeons don’t come from a bottle, but good health is absolutely key to success in this sport. Ignoring health issues or refusing to treat out of misplaced pride isn’t noble—it’s foolish.

Thankfully, the sport has come a long way. Decades ago, pigeon vets were few and far between. Now, we have a wealth of experienced veterinary practices that can analyse droppings, swabs, and sensitivity tests at reasonable prices. These services allow fanciers to treat with precision rather than blindly administering medications and hoping for the best.

 If you’re blind-treating and not seeing results, it’s often because your pigeons aren’t sensitive to the medication you’re using. Sensitivity tests can pinpoint the exact product that will be most effective for your birds’ specific ailments. Yes, it costs more than guessing, but it’s also far more effective. As the saying goes, “Do not fear those who are educated; fear those who refuse to learn.” 

On a more sombre note, the fancy recently saw the end of an era with the clearance sale of Duncan Goodchild, loft manager for the late, great Dave Hales. Duncan has been nothing short of legendary in the BICC international racing scene, overseeing some of the finest distance pigeons this country has ever seen. 

 It’s a sad day to see those lofts emptied, but those lucky enough to purchase birds from the sale will have secured pigeons of the highest calibre. I’ve been fortunate enough to handle many of the champions bred and raced under Duncan’s care, and they are truly remarkable specimens. The sport will feel his absence deeply. 

My final thoughts, this game of ours is full of challenges, from wet droppings to health scares, from saying goodbye to legends to embracing new methods. But that’s the beauty of pigeon racing—it’s a constant journey of learning, adapting, and striving for improvement. 

 Master Po once said, “The wise learn not from their victories, but from their struggles. For in struggle lies growth, and in growth lies greatness.”

 So let us face the challenges head-on, whether it’s questioning the status quo, learning from modern vets, or simply observing how weather, diet, and stress affect our birds. In doing so, we can hold our heads high, knowing we’ve done right by our pigeons—and by the sport we love.