Support gut health – boost metabolism – build exercise tolerance.

This nutrition plan covers the training and preparation phase right up to the start of the regular competition flights. Preparation begins several weeks before the first pre-competition flight. The starting point depends on the individual’s initial condition; the nutrition plan is adjusted as the flight workload increases.

Performance is built through training

After the winter rest period or breeding season, adult pigeons gradually acclimatise to increased exertion. Their flight muscles, cardiovascular system and energy metabolism adapt through training and recovery. Training develops performance; nutrition supports adaptation and recovery. Nutrition tailored to the pigeon’s needs cannot replace a lack of training.

A grain-based diet is key: it must provide sufficient energy and be tailored to the level of exertion in terms of both composition and quantity, as energy and nutrient requirements increase with activity levels. The BergerPIGEONS system supplements this with a basic diet and targeted functional components.

Take account of different starting points

Not all adult pigeons start off in the same way. A period of dry widowhood is followed by a structured 14-day preparation programme: first the intestinal environment and microbiome, then liver, energy and muscle metabolism. The training programme is built up gradually in parallel.

After rearing the young birds, their metabolism and nutrient supply are already under considerable strain. Provided they are in good physical condition and have had sufficient rest, they can move straight on to training. However, rearing is no substitute for flight training.

The five nutritional objectives of pre-training preparation

Supporting gut health and the microbiome

Promotes a stable gut environment and efficient nutrient utilisation. SymBiotic is particularly useful during the early stages of preparation.

Supporting liver function and energy metabolism

Supports normal metabolic functions as physical activity increases. VitalDrink supports normal liver and metabolic functions.

Supporting muscle and energy metabolism

Adjust your nutrient intake to match your increasing training workload. CarniBoost supports muscle and energy metabolism as you build up your training.

Ensuring a continuous supply of essential services

Reliably provide essential nutrients and functional components. BergerPearls No.1 or BergerPowder No.1 are used in reduced doses to begin with, then at training levels.

Targeted support for recovery

After longer or more intensive training flights, take into account the increased need for energy and nutrients. Take RecoverAmin Forte after long flights; take ProteinPowder the following day if you have been under particular strain.

 

Practical Training Preparation

Start at your own pace. Maintain a steady routine. Adapt as the demands of flying increase.

Phase 1 – Preparation for the training phase

Option A – Dry widowhood: 14 days’ preparation

The initial focus is on supporting the gut environment and microbiome. Subsequently, nutritional intake is tailored to the increasing level of training activity. Training is built up gradually in parallel.

Period	Focus	Drinking water	Lining
Days 1–7	Gut & Microbiome	SymBiotic 5 g/L daily	BergerPearls No. 1, approx. 1–1.5 g per pigeon daily, or BergerPowder No. 1, approx. 0.5 g per pigeon
Days 8–14	Liver, Metabolism & Muscles	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L daily	BergerPearls No. 1, approx. 3 g per pigeon daily, or BergerPowder No. 1, approx. 1 g per pigeon

Grit and minerals daily as required. BergerPearls No.1 and BergerPowder No.1 are alternatives and should not be used in combination.

Option B – After rearing young stock: direct transition

Following the rearing period, the bird’s metabolism and nutrient supply have already been put under considerable strain. Provided the bird is in good physical condition and has had sufficient rest, it can move straight on to Phase 2. A further 14-day preparation period is not usually necessary. However, the physical demands of rearing do not replace the fitness gained through flight training.

Phase 2 – Weekly nutrition plan for the training phase

Following the 14-day preparation period – or the direct transition from breeding to more intensive pre-flight training. VitalDrink and CarniBoost support the build-up to training; SymBiotic supplements the diet to support gut health.

Day	Drinking water	Focus on feed
Saturday	SymBiotic 5 g/L	Basic supply
Sunday	SymBiotic 5 g/L	Basic supply
Monday	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Tuesday	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Wednesday	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Thursday	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Friday	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply

Basic daily feed for all seven days: BergerPearls No. 1, approx. 3 g per pigeon daily, or alternatively BergerPowder No. 1, approx. 1 g per pigeon daily. Grit and minerals as required.

 

Phase 3 – Flexible pre-flight refuelling

Longer private training flights and pre-flight sessions often take place at intervals of three to four days. The schedule is therefore based on the actual day of the flight rather than on fixed days of the week. The cycle starts afresh with each new pre-flight session.

Date and time	Drinking water	Focus on feed
Air Show / Homecoming	RecoverAmin Forte 5 ml/L + SymBiotic 5 g/L	Basic supply
Day 1 after the flight	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Day 2 after the flight	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Day 3 after the flight	VitalDrink 5 ml/L + CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply
Days remaining until the next flight	CarniBoost 5 ml/L	Basic supply

Where there are short intervals between flights, immediate recovery on the day of the flight takes priority. VitalDrink is taken on up to three non-flight days following the flight; CarniBoost is taken on all non-flight days, ideally at least five times a week. If there are several flight days within a week, the frequency may be reduced.

RecoverAmin Forte and ProteinPowder

RecoverAmin Forte is used for targeted recovery following prolonged or more intensive training sessions and pre-race flights. Following particularly strenuous pre-race flights, ProteinPowder can be used as a supplement the following day (as a guide: 10 g per 600 g of feed as per the race schedule). For normal, shorter training flights, no general protein supplementation is recommended. Once regular races begin, the ‘Travel / Race’ feeding plan applies.

Product Overview

Product	Task during the training and preparation phase
BergerPearls No.1	Basic daily care
BergerPowder No. 1	Alternative basic nutrition via moistened grain feed
SymBiotic	Supporting gut health and the microbiome before travelling and after flights
VitalDrink	Supports normal liver and metabolic functions
CarniBoost	Support for muscle and energy metabolism
RecoverAmin Forte	Targeted supply of amino acids and functional nutrients following periods of intense flight stress
Protein Powder	Protein supplementation tailored to individual needs following particularly demanding previous flights
WaterControl	Drinking water hygiene, separate from other drinking water additives

 

Practical advice

• BergerPearls No.1 and BergerPowder No.1 are alternatives for daily basic care.
• Mix powdered products evenly into the pelleted feed using a suitable carrier.
• VitalDrink and CarniBoost can be administered together via drinking water.
• Do not use SymBiotic in the same drinking trough as VitalDrink; instead, add it to the feed.
• RecoverAmin Forte and SymBiotic can be administered together via the drinking water after pre-flight training.
• Always use WaterControl separately from other drinking water additives. Prepare fresh drinking water every day.
• Adjust feeding, exercise and recovery to suit the weather and your physical condition.

Why this provision?

The starting point for adult pigeons varies. Dry widowhood requires a structured approach, whilst after rearing young birds, provided they are in good condition, it is possible to move straight onto a training regime. As flying activity increases, so do the demands on metabolism, musculature, gut stability and recovery. The plan combines daily basic care with targeted support for these functions and flight-oriented recovery.

Training, feeding and care go hand in hand

Supplementary products are not intended to boost performance in the short term. What is crucial is the combination of an appropriate training programme, a diet of grain tailored to the level of exertion, sufficient recovery and targeted, continuous supplementation. This builds up the bird’s ability to cope with training and ensures a structured transition to the adult migration season.

My tip

Start preparations in good time, around three to four weeks before the first test flights. In the case of dry widowhood, a 14-day programme is recommended: seven days on SymBiotic, followed by seven days on VitalDrink and CarniBoost. After rearing, a direct transition is possible provided the birds are in good condition and have had sufficient rest. As pre-flight training intensifies, their diet is flexibly adjusted to suit their flying rhythm.