The Pigeon Boss speaks out: this is the week to give your pigeons a break – for their well-being and for your long-term success!
Week after week, we’ve faced the same challenge in 2025: northerly winds. Often strong, sometimes gusty, but always demanding. Our feathered athletes are giving it their all, battling headwinds in race after race. And while pigeons are resilient and built for endurance, even the best need time to recover.
That’s why I’m saying it loud and clear today: a strategic rest week could be the key to a spectacular second half of your season.
The Power of Recovery: What Happens Inside a Pigeon?
Many fanciers underestimate just how intense racing is—especially with constant headwinds. A 300 to 500 km race against a northern wind is an enormous physical effort. It pushes:
- Muscle tissue to its limit
- Mental focus to the edge
- Energy reserves to near exhaustion
A rest week allows the pigeon’s body to:
- Repair micro-tears in muscle tissue
- Flush out lactic acid and toxins
- Relieve strain on liver and kidneys
- Reset the immune system
- Rebuild mental motivation
And that last point is often overlooked: a mentally refreshed pigeon flies with joy and confidence.
Why Now?
The weather conditions make this the perfect time. Multiple weekends of headwinds have taken a visible toll. Birds are dropping in weight, and more and more lofts are reporting that their pigeons are starting to look “just a bit off.” Without rest, you risk:
- Overtraining
- Loss of form
- Mysterious dips in performance from June onward
- Longer recovery times after upcoming longer races
Let’s not forget: the championships are won later in the season.
What Does a Week of Rest Actually Bring?
You might be thinking, “But I’ll miss points, positions, rankings!” The truth is, a rest week can be the opposite of a setback. It can:
- Position your pigeons for peak form when others begin to fade
- Boost chances of top results in the second half of the season
- Reduce the risk of injuries or common illnesses like ornithosis
- Strengthen the bond between fancier and pigeon
Fanciers who dare to rest now are building toward a true peak – exactly when it matters most.
How to Structure a Rest Week
Rest doesn’t mean shutting everything down. It means staying active without pressure. Here’s how:
- Light training around the loft, no forcing
- A short toss on day 4 or 5, max 20 km
- Focused attention on nutrition, recovery, and gut health
- Support the respiratory system with natural products or herbal blends
Let your pigeons feel they’re recovering – and preparing for something great.
In Summary
Pigeons are not machines. Top performance is something you build toward, with timing, vision, and courage. Giving your colony a week off now is not a weakness—it’s smart sports management.
And who knows… maybe that one well-timed rest week will make the difference between “almost” and an unforgettable victory.
🕊️ Trust your instincts. Trust your pigeons. And trust rest as a powerful tool. Believe the Boss…
Until the next tip!
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
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