Newsletter January 2009

New Year


It is time for good resolutions. We all make them. But a lot of these resolutions end in good intentions and no actions. Good resolutions are also made concerning the care of doves. It would be great if these resolutions became reality for a change.


As a veterinarian, I listen to the people during expositions, parties and other gatherings. In this economical crisis, we try to limit the expenses, even the little things.
One makes the choice to buy cheaper food of to economize in other ways. It is understandable. But this won’t lead to better performances, of course.
In the pigeon races, the results are so close to each other; that sometimes details make the difference. But the most important thing is to take measures to optimize the care of the pigeons. In some pigeon lofts, it would be advisable to limit the number of pigeons, just to guarantee the care for the others.
A question I get from time to time is: Haven’t you got some sort of a ‘stimulating drink? Something the successful pigeon fanciers use?
Sometimes, this kind of question makes me tired. These ‘successful men’ do no more than to use their common sense. And that means meticulous working, a good care of their pigeons, not too much messing around with medicines, but above all a thorough selection.
It cannot be stressed enough: a thorough selection is one of the basic elements to get better species and that way, reach better performances. By using medicines excessively, we do not improve the health of the doves in the pigeon loft. We have to look further on than the present for the long term effects.
The young doves who are being weaned have to be left alone. These animals have to get the chance to get in contact with the children’s diseases and to develop a mature resistance. A lot of pigeon fanciers think it is wise to give them cures against children’s diseases with or without reason.
I can understand this. If all the doves in the pigeon loft start to vomit, get diarrhea or die, there must be something we can do.
This is true. But again, these actions are a bit late. If there had been measures before that to optimize the immunity in young doves, the chance they all get sick is strongly reduced. Some pigeons can still get sick even if these measures are taken. But it are only the weakest specimens that are affected. By removing these individuals, the strongest pigeons remain. We also reduce the infection in the pigeon loft that way. It are usually the weaker specimens who are more sensitive to infections young doves can get. Because they have a less developed immunity. These animals function as ‘barrels’ in which the infections develope themselves. That way, the infections in the pigeon loft rise sharply, and even the stronger pigeons get ill.
At that moment, there is nothing left to do than to administer them cures against the diseases. But a good pigeon fancier has to try to prevent this stage.
In some rare cases, the stronger doves get also sick from an infection. But this is seldom.

The pigeon fanciers who ask for ‘these stimulating drinks’ should think about optimizing the immunity of their young pigeons. This can be obtained by administrating them Bony-SGR 2-3 x a week and by performing a severe selection.
The doves have had a good preparation for the racing season, when there was no (or not much) need for medicines.
Besides that, it is important in this period of growth to take good care of them (good food, omega-3 oil, good minerals etc.).

Don’t leave the good resolutions for another year. But try to raise the resistance of the young doves as soon as possible. Even if you have to keep less pigeons to provide them the care they need. The young and your finances will feel the advantage of these actions. And You will probably have more pleasure with your hobby.

New product

Bony M

Bony M is a mix of minerals for doves. It is a complete supplementation of minerals, micro-elements, amino acids for the doves , something they need besides what they get from their daily food. The rich composition of these natural raw materials gives the doves the energy they need in the reproduction, race, moulting and resting periods, to recover quickly and to refill their reserves.

The rate of acceptance for this food is very high (90/100 %) for the older as well as the younger pigeons.
The moulting period is shorter and they get a beautiful plumage, an optimal condition and a good skeleton.
The special raw material grain in this mixture is given to us by the firm Firr® and plays a big role in the positive effects we’ve seen.
It also prevents thin feaces and prevents diseases by supporting the immunity of the doves.
Bony M provides the daily needs for minerals, grit and gravel.

UTILISATION

In these periods that require a lot of energy like the reproduction, racing and moulting period, it should be administered several times a week.
In periods of rest: administer 1-2 times a week.
The young doves should get it several times a week when they are in the growth or in the racing period.

COMPOSITION

Seaweed grit, Silex , Calcium, Oyster shells , Stomach gravel, Clay, Minerals , Lactic acids , Milk yeast, Crumbs, Micro-elements, Growing grains, Firr. mmc, Grains containing oil, Oregano, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Co, I, Se . Vit. A,B1,B2,B6,B12,D3 and E .

In cvontradiction to the other products, it is not possible to sont You the Bony M by post, because it would get too expensive. Therefore, this mix is only available in our clinic. Or on expositions.

Good luck

Veterinarian Peter Boskamp