My youngbirds are getting a liking to the peanuts, the thing is i am eating more of them than they are, one for you three for me, seriously i was wondering if they are needed for the short races, of up to 200 miles, and when is the best time to give to them, I know fanciers say they always have a few in their pockets to give to birds when they go into the loft, if i were to do that my birds would be too fat and would'nt be abe to fly, i was figureing to give them a few the day before they go basket, and hopfuly they will have it in their system to help them in the race,

jojo67 wrote:My youngbirds are getting a liking to the peanuts, the thing is i am eating more of them than they are, one for you three for me, seriously i was wondering if they are needed for the short races, of up to 200 miles, and when is the best time to give to them, I know fanciers say they always have a few in their pockets to give to birds when they go into the loft, if i were to do that my birds would be too fat and would'nt be abe to fly, i was figureing to give them a few the day before they go basket, and hopfuly they will have it in their system to help them in the race,

I wouldn't feed peanuts for the shorter races. Unless it looks to be a particulary hard day for them, meaning they may be on the wing longer than usual. I haven't used peanuts in a while, but when I did, I would give each bird 2 peanuts each, just as a treat. On a race beyond 300 miles, I would throw some in the floor and let them fill up. On a race where they may be held for 2 days before releasing, I let them eat all the peanuts they want shipping day. Well, not ALL they want, because I honestly think they would try to clean out a 50 lb bag.......but I give them quite a few.........

Thankyou renee, i was reading up about using them, and have seen as you said, more for the longer races, are as you figure if you thought there was going to be a hold over,, Its said they hold water well and if the bird does'nt drink in the race crates it won't dehydrate as easy, and also they are supposed to be easy for the pigeon to digest,

Heres one of the things iwas renee www.allpets.co.za/allpigeons/steven/peanuts.htm