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At this time (12-10-21)

AT THIS TIME

 In this time experienced fanciers sometimes get questions from novice fanciers (there are still there) what they can do to help the pigeons through the moult perfectly. The answer is astonishingly simple:

 You don't have to do anything special with healthy louse-free pigeons. Except for one thing: A regular bath. That is an absolute MUST.

 Sedochol is allowed, tea is allowed, brewer's yeast is allowed, but none of these are necessary. Then vitamins? Ah… vitamins. These have been controversial in science for so long. Both for people and animals (read pigeons). They can, if well fed, do without, as so many studies show.
These could only and very possibly be useful in the event of shortages. And during the moulting season there IS a shortage: of plumes.

 OTHERS
So, although I never used them myself, vitamins are possible (!) not a waste of money. But that pigeons can do without is proven in countless lofts of countless champions.
For some, vitamins are useful for their peace of mind.
So that they have the idea that they did what they could to bring the pigeons into optimal condition. You won't do much harm with buttermilk and stuff, but again, pigeons can do without. The birds also do not have to be released dailyif there are many birds of prey around.

More and more fanciers keep their pigeons from mid-September to mid-February inside. In practice, this is no problem at all.
Minerals (those known slightly reddish powders) are said to be more useful than vitamins. Not just now, but for a whole year. And what about linseed? Also forget! It is not even without danger.

It is very perishable and easily gets stuck in the throat. Karel Meulemans (an icon who is now 87!) can talk about that. It cost the life of a national winner in his loft.

BATH
There are fanciers who do not dare to let out their pigeons, because of birds of prey, and because they do not clean (eg straw or floor covering in the lofts), giving them a bath is problematic. What they do is 'give the pigeons a bath' themselves, i.e. immerse them in water. Some even do this after every race and they massage the pigeons lightly.
The intention is good, it shows concern, but in my opinion it is completely pointless. Because pigeons do not spontaneously raise the feathers, the water does not reach where it should be.
Feeling like a taking a spontaneous bath has a lot to do with the weather, by the way. When people need it (dry, sweltering weather) pigeons usually have less sense. They like to bathe in rainy weather. 

WHITE COAT
Recently I read in a report about a great champion something that shocked me. When it came to medical supervision, the man let it slip that he relied completely on his vet.
The advice of the 'white coat' was followed blindly, because, as he said: 'That is the man of science. He has learned for it.' Great for that vet to have clinets who have such confidence in you, but ... 'man of science?' And 'learned for it?'
What did he  learn for?Pigeons are not covered at all in their studies. The 'veterinarian from your village' will therefore plainly say: 'I don't dare to touch pigeons. I never learned before and I know nothing about it.”Why then 'specialised?' The 'specialised' vets have developed themselves. Mostly out of interest and love for the pigeon and the sport.
Some say: 'A vet can only help you in case of worms, trichomones and coccidiosis. Hmmm.

 OTHERS
There are veterinarians who have become so proficient that they have made themselves almost indispensable.
When I once went to a vet with a buddy (his pigeons sniffed) I asked: How do you see the difference between chlamydia and mycoplasmosis?The vet: 'I don't see that.' Still, 'my buddy' was given medicines and they have helped enormously. Thanks to the conscious vet.That vets often contradict each other is unfortunately a fact that is extremely confusing for the average fancier.

 I MYSELF
Of course, veterinarians can make mistakes too. And of course they can have major consequences. But who doesn't?
In the past a friend and me sometimes went to vet Dr. Lemahieu, an authority and according to many (at the time) the best. We were always the last to come so that the three of us could have a chat.
My friend always took his best pigeons with him (out of a sense of pride) and those were usually the pigeons that looked the best."You're doing that wrong," I said. "You have to take the pigeons that look the worst and don't be ashamed of anything. Now I think differently.I read about Pascal Arien that he advised that the pigeons that look the best should be presented to a vet for examination.
He may be right. ARIENPascal Arien: 'When I go to a vet I take my best pigeons with me. They are usually fine. Thus the pigeons do not get any medicines, not even the lesser ones who may suffer from something.”
So what he means is “a perfect way to get rid of those weaker pigeons.” What can happen if you let the unhealthiest pigeons research is that you are going to cure an entire loft in order to cure just a few pigeons. A common and big mistake in pigeon sport. Because remember: 

The perfect way to get pigeons completely out of shape is to give them excessive excess antibiotics that they can do without. 

Last summer I myself was out of shape for over a month. Because of some courses of antibiotics. Now I can still talk about that, most pigeons cannot…