How to Care for Post Race Homing Pigeons

Study your pigeon's body mass. Know what the fat to muscle ratio should be for a racer. The type of food you feed your pigeon determines the speed of the bird.

Learn how a pigeon must replace their lost body fluids after a race to normalize blood glucose. Flying depletes a pigeon of fluid and sugar glucose burns when muscle is used.

Make sure that the pigeon has a full 24-hour period to recuperate after a race. A long distance race for a pigeon is like a marathon for a human.

Give the pigeon food filled with vitamins and minerals to correct the imbalances in its muscles. You will not use the same food for training as you do for post race recuperation.

Purchase salts that your pigeon will drink in its water--this will immediately begin recuperation. Choose from a variety of mineral salts available.

Watch your pigeon for at least 32 hours after a race. There are health risks that arise after a stressful pigeon race. Observe and care for your birds--respect the extraordinary effort the pigeon just made for you.

Ensure that no training occurs for a minimum of 36 hours after a race. The health and recuperation of a pigeon after a race is the most important part of the race. Better training occurs when the pigeon is at full strength.