I agree methods have changed. But the type of days that fanciers now race on have also. Back in the 70s & 80s birds fed like todays birds would not have been those at the top of the sheet. I've met many fanciers over the years and they all fed different. What they did ALL have in common was TOP pigeons. When you have these what you feed is not such a big deal, as long as it's sound corn.
The vast majority of fanciers are feeding overpriced mixes with a picture of a pigeon on the bag and would do just as well with cheap sound feed from a farm.
I seen many mixes that I wouldn't give to chickens let alone racing pigeons.
New Zealand maples used to be very popular back in 70s & 80s and they were of great quality. Now they are VERY poor and I know many fanciers who say they are the last gain in a mix that the birds eat. I haven't fed them straight for many years, I now feed white or blue peas instead. I've never been a fan about pellets, ok in a mix but would never feed just pellets, they are expensive compared to mix, and am sure the birds would rather eat a mix over pellets.
