Wrong State Adjustment Is More Dangerous Than Over-Training Pigeons

In pigeon racing, fanciers generally emphasize training volume, fearing that pigeons lack physical fitness. However, a commonly overlooked yet more fatal mistake is making wrong state adjustments to racing pigeons at the wrong time. A pigeon with ample physical fitness but not at its peak state may perform far worse than a slightly less fit pigeon in optimal state. Wrong state adjustment not only fails to win races but may permanently damage a potential star, which is more frightening than mere physical overexertion from over-training.

Error One: High-Intensity Training During the "Construction Period"

The physical development of racing pigeons has its natural cycle, which can be roughly divided into construction period, peak period, and decline period. The construction period usually refers to the molting period of young birds, the physical reserve period at the start of the season, or the recovery period after a tough race. At this stage, the pigeon's body is doing foundational work, such as replacing feathers, repairing muscle fibers, storing energy. Conducting high-intensity road training or loft flying at this time is like demanding to build a skyscraper while still laying the foundation. The result is:

• Physiological Damage: Poor molting, low quality new feathers; muscle strain, difficulty recovering; decreased immunity, prone to disease.
• Psychological Burnout: Premature stress can make pigeons develop an aversion to flying, losing the desire to compete.

Correct Approach: During the construction period, the focus should be on light loft flying, adequate nutrition (especially protein and minerals), and sufficient rest, allowing the body to complete basic work. Training should be restorative, not draining.

Error Two: Excessive Use of "Incentive" Methods Before Racing

The "widowhood system" and other emotional incentive methods are powerful tools for increasing the homing speed of racing pigeons, but the timing and degree of their use are the touchstone that distinguishes experts from novices. Many fanciers mistakenly believe that the longer or more frequently the cock sees its mate before racing, the better the incentive effect. The reality is exactly the opposite.

• Hazards of Over-Incentive: It can make the cock overly excited before basketing, consuming a lot of physical and mental energy. They will be restless during transport, rather than resting quietly. On race day, the most precious energy is already depleted, naturally unable to perform at their best.
• Psychological Fatigue: Overly frequent stimulation can make pigeons numb, the original "reward" becoming the "norm," greatly reducing the incentive effect.

Correct Approach: Incentive should be brief and intense. Usually, a few minutes before basketing to let the cock briefly see its mate, see but not necessarily fully contact, enough to ignite its strong desire to return home. The specific duration needs to be fine-tuned based on each pigeon's personality and past performance.

Error Three: Immediately Giving a Rich Meal After Race Return

Seeing their beloved pigeon return after arduous journey, many owners immediately offer the richest feed, thinking it's the best reward and supplement. This is another common mistake.

• Digestive System Burden: After prolonged flight, the racing pigeon's body is in extreme fatigue, with weaker digestive system function. Giving a greasy, hard-to-digest "feast" at this time increases gastrointestinal burden, possibly causing indigestion, diarrhea, which instead affects recovery.
• Slows Recovery Process: The body needs to deal with digestion first, unable to prioritize muscle repair and energy storage, lengthening the time to enter the next training cycle.

Correct Approach: After race return, the pigeon should first be given warm electrolyte water or honey water to help restore fluid balance. Feed should mainly consist of small amounts of easy-to-digest cleaning grains. After several hours of rest, when the digestive system returns to normal, gradually increase the proportion of nutritious feed.

Conclusion: Pigeon management is an art of "timing." More important than "what to do" is "when to do it." Doing the right thing at the wrong time also yields wrong results. Fanciers must learn to observe, understand, and respect the physiological cycles and psychological states of racing pigeons, perfectly integrating training, nutrition, and rest into their natural rhythm. This grasp of "rhythm sense" is the key from quantitative change to qualitative change, and the watershed that distinguishes craftsmen from masters.