Weaning young pigeons correctly - development and care in the first 21 days
The weaning phase for young pigeons is one of the key stages in pigeon racing.
These first weeks after separation from the parents determine how stable the digestive system, immune system and metabolism will develop.
Many processes work in practice even without targeted control.
Nevertheless, this has been shown time and again:
Many problems that occur later have their origin precisely in this phase.
If you understand the weaning phase better, you can utilise it in a targeted manner and make the development of the young pigeons much more stable.
What happens when young pigeons are weaned?
A fundamental biological change takes place during weaning:
- from feeding by the parents to their own food intake
- From passive immune protection to active immune performance
- from supported metabolism to independent regulation
This changeover takes place within a few days and not gradually over weeks.
For the young pigeon this means
👉 Several systems have to reorganise themselves at the same time.
Digestion and intestines - an underestimated weak point
During rearing, young pigeons benefit from predigested feed.
After weaning, they must ingest and fully digest grains themselves.
Several points are decisive here:
- Enzyme production must adapt
- Intestinal movement (motility) is re-regulated
- Nutrient uptake is still unstable at first
Typical observations in this phase:
- Changing faecal consistency
- uneven feed intake
- Different development in the portfolio
👉 The intestine is not yet fully functional.
The microbiome - structure instead of balance
A stable gut is largely dependent on the microbiome.
In the weaning phase, however, the aim is not to maintain an existing equilibrium, but rather to
👉 build up a stable microbiome in the first place
That means:
- Colonisation of the intestinal wall by microorganisms
- Competition between „desirable“ and „undesirable“ germs
- Formation of a stable intestinal barrier
A well-developed microbiome provides support:
- the digestion
- the immune function
- the resistance to infections
Immune system - transition to personal performance
In the first few weeks of life, young pigeons receive antibodies from their parents.
This protection decreases significantly after weaning.
The immune system must now:
- react independently
- Recognising environmental germs
- Build up your own defence
This phase is decisive for the later resilience of the pigeon.
👉 Too much strain can be too much.
👉 Too little stimulation can slow down development.
Stress in the weaning phase - often underestimated
Weaning always means stress for young pigeons:
- Separation from the parent animals
- New environment
- New social structure
- Independent feed intake
Stress has a direct effect:
- Digestion
- Feed intake
- Immune system
This can further intensify an unstable phase.
Proper support for young pigeons in the weaning phase
In practice, it shows:
Many breeders already successfully accompany this phase - often based on experience.
A structured approach can, however, help to optimise development:
- calmer
- more constant
- more comprehensible
design.
A proven principle: working in three phases
The weaning phase can be usefully divided into three stages:
1. stabilisation (day 1-7)
- Creation of a stable intestinal environment
- Support for digestion
- Smooth transition without additional load
2. securing (day 8-14)
- Stabilisation of the microbiome
- Control of the infection pressure
- Adaptation to increasing environmental contacts
3. stabilisation (day 15-21)
- Development of resilience
- First flight stimuli
- Preparation for further requirements
Why a structured care plan makes sense.
A clear process helps to implement measures in a targeted manner:
- When intestinal stability is in the foreground
- when the balance must be secured
- when regulatory intervention should be made
👉 The decisive factor is not the quantity of measures, but their timing.
Conclusion: Making conscious use of the weaning phase
The weaning phase is not a problem phase -
but she is a decisive development phase in the life of the young pigeon.
If you leave it to chance, you will often still achieve good results.
Those who provide targeted support often succeed:
- more stable young pigeons
- More even development
- a better basis for subsequent travel performance
Further information: The BergerPIGEONS weaning protocol
A concrete supply plan for this phase can be found here:
👉 Weaning protocol for young pigeons - day 1-7
👉 Weaning protocol for young pigeons - day 8-14
👉 Weaning protocol for young pigeons - day 15-21
Young pigeons are usually born at the age of about 24 to 28 days weaned as soon as they eat and drink on their own.
More important than the exact age, however, is the stage of development:
- Safe feed intake
- active behaviour
- Stable physical condition
Weaning too early can put unnecessary strain on development, whereas a slightly later time is often not critical in practice.
Many breeders deliberately feed in the first few days the same breeding feed, so as not to place any additional strain on the digestive tract.
This has proven itself in practice.
At the same time:
The digestive tract is in a phase of reorganisation anyway.
Therefore, it is not so much the change in feed that is decisive, but a Stable feed intake and good intestinal support.
After weaning, the intestine has to take on several tasks at the same time:
- Complete digestion of the grains
- Building a stable microbiome
- Protection against unwanted germs
A stable gut means:
- Better nutrient absorption
- Less fluctuations
- Higher resistance
👉 Many problems that occur later have their origins precisely in this phase.
WaterControl is primarily used when the Increasing infection pressure in the population, for example:
- for moist or unstable faeces
- with high stocking density
- in case of contact with other pigeons
In the first few days after weaning, it may be advisable to first Prioritise the development of the intestinal environment, before targeted regulatory intervention takes place.
The aim is not sterility, but a stable balance.
Show well developed young pigeons:
- Consistent feed intake
- firm, well-formed faeces
- Active, curious behaviour
- calm, even development in the portfolio
If these points are met, there is a high probability that the animals will remain stable in the following weeks.
When should young pigeons be weaned?
Young pigeons are usually born at the age of about 24 to 28 days weaned as soon as they eat and drink on their own.
More important than the exact age, however, is the stage of development:
- Safe feed intake
- active behaviour
- Stable physical condition
Weaning too early can put unnecessary strain on development, whereas a slightly later time is often not critical in practice.
Should the feed be changed after weaning?
Many breeders deliberately feed in the first few days the same breeding feed, so as not to place any additional strain on the digestive tract.
This has proven itself in practice.
At the same time:
The digestive tract is in a phase of reorganisation anyway.
Therefore, it is not so much the change in feed that is decisive, but a Stable feed intake and good intestinal support.
Why is gut health so important at this stage?
After weaning, the intestine has to take on several tasks at the same time:
- Complete digestion of the grains
- Building a stable microbiome
- Protection against unwanted germs
A stable gut means:
- Better nutrient absorption
- Less fluctuations
- Higher resistance
👉 Many problems that occur later have their origins precisely in this phase.
When does it make sense to use WaterControl for young pigeons?
WaterControl is primarily used when the Increasing infection pressure in the population, for example:
- for moist or unstable faeces
- with high stocking density
- in case of contact with other pigeons
In the first few days after weaning, it may be advisable to first Prioritise the development of the intestinal environment, before targeted regulatory intervention takes place.
The aim is not sterility, but a stable balance.
How can you recognise that young pigeons are coming through the weaning phase well?
Show well developed young pigeons:
- Consistent feed intake
- firm, well-formed faeces
- Active, curious behaviour
- calm, even development in the portfolio
If these points are met, there is a high probability that the animals will remain stable in the following weeks.