Meat pigeons are typically ready for market when they are between 20 to 25 days old and weigh between 350g and 500g. However, to enhance the quality of their meat, improve taste, and achieve better economic returns, a short period of fattening is often implemented 5 to 7 days before sale. This practice helps increase the fat content and overall flavor of the meat, making it more appealing to consumers.
1. **Fattening Candidates**: Pigeons that are between 15 to 20 days old and weigh at least 350g are ideal for fattening. They should be healthy, active, and free from injuries or disabilities. The best candidates are those with a well-proportioned body, full muscles, and smooth feathers. However, if a pigeon is over 20 days old but still weighs less than 350g, or if it has any physical injuries, it is not suitable for fattening.
2. **Fattening Coops**: For a small number of pigeons, old coops can be used as fattening houses. But if a large quantity of pigeons needs to be fattened, a dedicated coop should be constructed. These coops should be designed with ventilation in mind, using materials like double-row structures, but with reduced height and smaller windows covered with curtains to control light and temperature. The floor should be tiled or cemented for easy cleaning, and the room temperature should be maintained around 25°C for optimal growth.
3. **Fattening Equipment**: Essential tools include the fattening bed, feeding devices, and immersion boxes. Fattening beds are commonly used in China, usually measuring 70cm in height, 30cm in depth, and 70cm in width. Their length matches the size of the coop. The bed is divided into small sections using bamboo boards, each about 1 meter long, accommodating up to 20 pairs of pigeons. Feeding methods vary, including hand-feeding, oral feeding, hopper feeding, syringe feeding, and automated feeders. Many farmers now use modified duck feeders due to their simplicity and ease of maintenance. When filling these feeders, care must be taken to avoid damaging the pigeons’ mouths and tongues.
4. **Fattening Feed**: A balanced diet is crucial. Common ingredients include corn, wheat, brown rice, rapeseed, and legumes. The feed should be in small particles for easier digestion. A typical formula consists of 75–80% energy-rich feeds like corn and wheat, and 20–25% protein sources such as beans. Winter diets should have higher nutritional value, especially in terms of energy content. The water used for soaking feed should be warm, ideally between 25°C and 35°C. Large grains should be soaked overnight to soften them before feeding, which helps improve digestibility and nutrient absorption.
5. **Fattening Techniques**: Place the pigeons on the fattening bed and feed them regularly. Maintain a stable temperature of around 20°C. Each pigeon should receive 50–100g of feed per meal, with two meals per day. After feeding, ensure a quiet environment by drawing the curtains and allowing the pigeons to rest. This helps reduce stress and promotes efficient weight gain. Regular monitoring of the pigeons’ health and weight is essential to adjust feeding strategies and ensure successful fattening.
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