Important Checklist Before And During Breeding

Season
by Bob Prisco
The purpose of this checklist is to remind fanciers when they prepare their breeders to
ensure the greatest possible fertility of eggs, the hatchability of young and the growth of
strong, healthy young birds from their breeding loft.
Because of Taiwan's unique style of racing and the various breeding seasons, a fancier
must pay close attention to his breeders. This requires him to keep them in the best
condition possible 365 days a year.
All of the items listed are important to raise healthy young birds.
1. Keep all breeders on a protein diet of 15-17% grain mixture and an assortment of
various grains, plus electrolytes, vitamins, minerals in the water two times a week 365
days a year.

2. Keep breeders on a regular schedule for feed time, and feed at least two times a day.

3. Keep all breeders separate from race birds and the flying section, so that they have no
chance to contract a contagious bacteria or virus.

4. Keep 1 teaspoon full of Clorox bleach in the water all year, EXCEPT WHEN
GIVING MEDICATION, VITAMINS, MINERALS OR ELECTROLYTES.

5. Keep the loft as dry as possible with plenty of sun and fresh air.

6. Medicate and vaccinate all breeders 6-8 weeks before the start of the first breeding
season. Medicate, do not vaccinate at the start of the second or the third breeding season
of the year.

7. Place breeding cocks in the breeding section 4 weeks before the start of breeding
season, so that they can select breeding boxes. This prevents fighting.

8. Pre-mate cocks and hens 3 weeks before the breeding season starts. This prevents
fighting and confusion in the breeding section.

9. Keep all breeders on at least 14 hours of daylight (natural or artificial) 45-60 days
before the breeding season starts.

10. Use garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, lemon and tea in the water at least once a week
all year. Add them to the water at the same time as you give vitamins, minerals, etc.

11. Feed lettuce, cabbage, spinach at least once a week all year.

12. Use plenty of fresh grit and extra oyster shells in the loft all year.
13. Sanitize all nest bowls and boxes 2-3 weeks before the start of breeding.

14. Provide plenty of clean nesting material for breeders. Soak in bleach and sun dry
before placing in loft - straw, cedar shavings, pine needles, tobacco stems, etc.

15. Scrap loft once a day and provide insect spray once a week for external parasites.

16. 30 days before breeding add 21-28% pigeon pellets or poultry pellets to the breeders
diet. Place pellets in a separate feed container AND GIVE FREE CHOICE TO
BREEDERS AT ALL TIMES.

17. Add raw Spanish peanuts (#1 grade for humans) to the birds diet 1 week before eggs
are to hatch. Continue peanuts until breeding season is over. 1-2 pounds to every 20-25
pair breeders. Add more as young birds get 14 days old.

18. Once eggs hatch, place lights on in the breeding loft so birds have 24 hours of
daylight. Breeders can eat and feed at all times.

19. Keep feed, grit, pellets in the breeding loft at all times. At no time should the birds be
without feed or water.

20. Change the water at least twice a day and sanitize the feed and watering containers
regularly (sun and bleach).

21. Secure the loft free of outside dangers (animal and human).

22. Give plenty of room for exercise and rest without stress (no overcrowding).

23. Isolate and quarantine all new birds from the breeding loft when the birds are
breeding. DO NOT ADD BIRDS TO THE BREEDING LOFT ONCE THE BIRDS
START TO BREED.

24. Store all feeds, supplements in a clean, dry and cool location without flies, roaches,
wild birds or rodents.

25. Keep accurate records of breeding pairs laying, hatchability and the health condition
of young birds that they produce.