Young pigeons - darkening phase:

Stabilise feather formation. Relieve the metabolism. Develop calmness.

In the darkening phase, the aim is to guide the young pigeons into a phase of controlled plumage renewal.

The artificially shortened day length signals autumn to the body. The result:

• Increased moulting activity
• Increased need for amino acids
• Higher stress on the liver and metabolism
• Reduced, but still important training behaviour

The young pigeons are now not in a performance phase, but in a development phase.

Goals of the darkening phase

• clean and even plumage formation
• Stable development without setbacks
• Liver and metabolism support
• Calm, low-stress development
• Preparation for later training and travelling

Basic supply

Lining

• High-quality young pigeon or breeding/moulting mixture
• No excessive energy supply

BergerPearls as optional permanent support

BergerPearls No.1 can be used during the entire darkening phase.

Particularly useful:

• to support intestinal stability
• for an even supply
• for sensitive young pigeons
• in phases of increased stress such as vaccinations etc.

Recommendation:

• permanently in moderate quantities
• or specifically several times a week

RecoverAmin forte - Central support for the Mauser

RecoverAmin forte is particularly important in this phase.

The spring consists mainly of protein structures.
Demand therefore increases during the moulting period:

• Amino acids
• protein building blocks containing sulphur
• regenerative nutrients

Studies and modern moulting concepts show that methionine and other essential amino acids in particular are limiting factors during plumage development.

Recommendation RecoverAmin forte

Standard:

• 3-5× per week

alternative:

• every second day

Particularly useful:

• with intensive moulting of small feathers
• with stagnant moult
• for sensitive young pigeons
• during high temperatures

VitalDrink - Relieve metabolism & liver

VitalDrink is particularly important during the moulting period.

The moult places a considerable physiological strain on the animal:

• Liver
• Metabolism
• antioxidant systems

is a problem. Modern supply systems therefore recommend regular metabolic support during the moulting phase.

VitalDrink recommendation

• 3-5× per week
• Ideal in combination with RecoverAmin forte

Basket familiarisation already during darkening

An important and often underestimated point:

The darkening phase is an excellent way of introducing young pigeons to the system at an early stage:

• Transport baskets
• Rest in the basket
• Water absorption in the basket

to get used to.

Goal

The pigeons should learn:

• sit quietly in the basket
• Tolerate stress better
• Safe to drink over bars

The calmer young pigeons are later in the cabin express, the better they develop:

• Return home rates
• Orientation
• Load capacity

Experienced young pigeon fanciers also recommend early basket familiarisation during the darkening phase.

Example weekly structure darkening phase

Day	Recommendation
Monday	RecoverAmin forte + VitalDrink
Tuesday	WaterControl
Wednesday	RecoverAmin forte + VitalDrink
Thursday	WaterControl
Friday	RecoverAmin forte + VitalDrink
Saturday	WaterControl
Sunday	RecoverAmin forte + VitalDrink

Most important principle

No shape is „forced“ in the darkening phase.

The young pigeons should:

• Grow healthy
• clean moult
• Stay mentally calm
• Develop metabolic stability

The actual service phase does not begin until later.