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the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2026 7:46 pm
by Tony-P-
Hi All,
I am looking for the correct amount of feed to give to my Y/Bs as I am not sure on the amount to give them I have 9 Y/Bs
Would I be ok with just 1 feed a day ?
Thanks and look forward to your replies
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2026 8:09 pm
by CHARLTON34
A pick pot for 9/10 pigeons or 252 grm, for the 9 you have = 28 grm each.
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2026 8:23 pm
by Tony-P-
CHARLTON34 wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2026 8:09 pm
A pick pot for 9/10 pigeons or 252 grm, for the 9 you have = 28 grm each.
Thanks Charlton and that's once a day mate
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2026 8:51 pm
by CHARLTON34
Yes 1 feed a day, when you start to let them out just don't over feed them , you need to be in control right from the start & keeping the food tight they be keen to come back in with whatever a whistle or calling in.
It's all gauged by food in what your doing to start with, if you over feed & they don't come in when called then maybe cut the food back slightly so you have control & if they won't come in when called & they eventually come I wouldn't feed them , they will be the 1st back in the follow day.
You need them up as soon as possible once they gain a bit of confidence flitting about you don't want them on the floor for very long it's difficult to gauge but if they aren't willing to get up it will make it more awkward as they get older & stronger. Other may have a different approach it's just what I do here.
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Thu Aug 06, 2026 10:48 pm
by Murray
I haven't weighed feed for years. After all this time you get a sense for it.
If you start with about an ounce each (28 - 30 grams) and watch to see whether they are cleaning it all up or leaving a little you can start to adjust it slightly. You'll soon get the hang of it.
I always feed twice a day, with two smaller feeds they are less hungry and don't gorge themselves. The exception being when you start letting them out, they want to be hungry then so they will be keener to come in. Once they are flying I go back to two small feeds.
Like everything it's what fits in with you.
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2026 7:48 am
by Harry's Loft
I've bought some cheap scales from Amazon and use a measuring jug zeroed on the scales
Fill it to lets say 300g for 10 pigeons and mark a line (you can do the same for 150f)
Then essentially fill it to the desired line each time and feed 30g per pigeon
I feed once in an evening but always use a small amount of trapping mix when they enter the loft as a reward
With young birds always judge on their behaviour
If they messing around cut them back by half and gauge their response
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2026 8:59 am
by Murray
Harry's Loft wrote: Fri Aug 07, 2026 7:48 am
I've bought some cheap scales from Amazon and use a measuring jug zeroed on the scales
Fill it to lets say 300g for 10 pigeons and mark a line (you can do the same for 150f)
Then essentially fill it to the desired line each time and feed 30g per pigeon
I feed once in an evening but always use a small amount of trapping mix when they enter the loft as a reward
With young birds always judge on their behaviour
If they messing around cut them back by half and gauge their response
Hi Harry,
I am afraid I must, with respect, disagree with you on your advice to cut the feed back by half if they are messing about. That is one thing I never do, especially with youngsters. I believe the worst thing you can do is realise that they are a bit too full and a bit full of themselves one day, and have them wondering why they are going to bed hungry and unhappy the next day.
If I see they are just a bit too pleased with themselves, I will cut the feed back a bit.
If they are not a bit better the next day I will cut it back a bit more.
I seldom have to cut it back three days in a row.
Suddenly starving babies teaches them nothing, in my opinion.
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2026 1:42 pm
by CHARLTON34
There's different methods to get to the same ending you want ybs under control when you call them in they should all make that move, unfortunately those that don't understand the system & play up don't get fed that day but I bet the 1st pigeon in the next day will be the 1 that stayed out after the others came in.
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2026 2:13 pm
by Devo1956
The correct amount of feed, i base on the workload. Train hard and race well, is all down to nutrition. And i mean quality nutrition, we all have our own systems on feeding. Feed well and hope they show their true ability.
Re: the correct amount of Feed
Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2026 4:46 pm
by Tony-P-
CHARLTON34 wrote: Thu Aug 06, 2026 8:51 pm
Yes 1 feed a day, when you start to let them out just don't over feed them , you need to be in control right from the start & keeping the food tight they be keen to come back in with whatever a whistle or calling in.
It's all gauged by food in what your doing to start with, if you over feed & they don't come in when called then maybe cut the food back slightly so you have control & if they won't come in when called & they eventually come I wouldn't feed them , they will be the 1st back in the follow day.
You need them up as soon as possible once they gain a bit of confidence flitting about you don't want them on the floor for very long it's difficult to gauge but if they aren't willing to get up it will make it more awkward as they get older & stronger. Other may have a different approach it's just what I do here.
Their up off the floor on easy clean perches Charlton they come down for their food as I whistle and shake the corn tin I then feed them in the trough they drink and then back up on their perch there looking well so far.
I have fitted an aviary for them there are out there now having a nose round.