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Breeding methods and management techniques before and after pairing
After over two decades of development, the pigeon breeding industry in China has evolved into a large-scale and highly organized sector. Breeding techniques for meat pigeons have also seen continuous improvements. However, many small farms and individual breeders still rely on traditional natural pairing methods, which are increasingly incompatible with the fast-paced modern growth of the industry. This outdated approach often leads to reduced fertility, lower productivity, and declining quality of offspring. To enhance the performance of meat pigeons, unlock their full productive potential, increase body weight, improve breed quality, and prevent genetic degradation, it's essential to understand and apply advanced breeding techniques. Mastering proper mating strategies lays a solid foundation for future breeding success.
The breeder's cycle in pigeons includes several key stages: from mating, egg-laying, hatching, to raising young pigeons. This entire process typically lasts 40 to 45 days and is divided into three phases: the mating period, incubation period, and brooding period.
During the mating period (10–12 days), mature pigeons are paired based on breeding goals and placed in cages to form bonds. Most pigeons develop strong pairings during this time, becoming devoted partners that stay together for life. They share nesting, laying eggs, and raise their young as a team.
The incubation period (17–18 days) involves both male and female pigeons taking turns sitting on the eggs until they hatch. This stage is crucial for the development of the embryos.
The brooding period (20–30 days) begins after the young pigeons hatch. Parents feed them crop milk and care for them until they can survive independently. During this time, the parents may begin to mate again, and by 2–3 weeks old, the young may start laying their first eggs.
Pigeons reach full maturity in about 4 months, though some breeds may mature in as little as 3 months. At this point, they exhibit all the characteristics of adult pigeons, including sexual maturity and reproductive ability. However, it’s not advisable to pair newly matured pigeons immediately; they should be fully developed before being bred.
Compared to chickens and ducks, pigeons have a longer breeding lifespan—typically 4 to 5 years. The most fertile period is between 1 and 3 years of age, when egg production is highest and offspring quality is optimal. Breeding performance declines after 5 years, but some individuals can remain productive up to 10 years. Male pigeons generally outperform females in terms of fertility and breeding duration.
Before pairing, it's important to prepare the breeders properly. Hens usually reach sexual maturity at 3–4 months, showing signs like increased activity and vocalization. While natural pairing occurs, it can lead to inbreeding and early matings, so artificial pairing is recommended to ensure better genetic diversity and higher-quality offspring.
To avoid early mating, breeders often separate males and females before pairing. This helps control breeding timing and improves the success rate of manual pairing. When keeping them separately, it’s important to maintain similar ages and sizes within each group to prevent aggression and stress.
Proper nutrition is also vital. Overfeeding or underfeeding can negatively impact fertility and egg production. A balanced diet with two daily feedings and unrestricted water is ideal. Additionally, disease prevention through deworming and regular bathing is essential. Pigeons should be bathed weekly, and anti-parasitic treatments added to their drinking water.
Preparing the lofts and equipment is equally important. Clean, well-organized cages with automatic feeding and watering systems support healthy breeding. Before introducing pigeons, the environment should be thoroughly disinfected using formalin or caustic soda.
There are two main pairing methods: natural and artificial. While natural pairing is simple, it often results in inbreeding and uneven maturity. Artificial pairing allows for better control, ensuring healthier and more uniform offspring. It’s especially useful in caged environments.
Before pairing, breeders should be selected based on health, weight, and age. Proper basketing ensures compatibility and reduces conflict. Once paired, pigeons should be allowed to adjust and recognize their nests to minimize disputes.
By implementing these practices, breeders can significantly improve productivity, maintain genetic quality, and sustain long-term success in pigeon farming.
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