Credit: Frank McLaughlin of McLaughlin Lofts
Source Credit: The Pigeon Insider
Dear Fanciers,
Widowhood is one of the most popular and successful racing systems used by many experienced pigeon fanciers. It is a system based on motivation, control, rest, discipline, and timing.
In widowhood racing, the cock birds are motivated through their attachment to their hens, nest boxes, and home territory. The purpose is not to keep the birds excited all the time, but to control their desire and release that motivation at the correct time before a race.
A successful widowhood system depends on three main points:
- Correct motivation
- Correct feeding
- Correct rest
1. Basic Widowhood Principle
In the first few races, the cocks may be allowed to spend around 30 minutes with the hens before crating. After short races, they may spend a few hours with the hens. After longer races, they may stay with the hens for a longer period, even overnight depending on the system.
After the first few weeks, many fanciers reduce the direct hen contact before shipping. Instead of showing hens every time, they may simply open the nest boxes for a short period before crating.
This keeps the birds motivated without making the system too predictable.
Important point: Too much hen contact can reduce form. Too little motivation can also reduce desire. Balance is the key.
2. Feeding Before Short Distance Races
For short distance races, feeding should be planned carefully before shipping.
A common system is to feed stronger on the day before shipping. For example, if shipping is on Friday, Thursday afternoon becomes an important feeding time.
A race preparation mix may include:
- Barley
- European mix
- Safflower
- Hemp
- Flaxseed
On the day of shipping, feed should be controlled. Birds should not be overfed late in the afternoon, because late heavy feeding may create dehydration risk during transport.
Fresh clean water is very important on shipping day.
3. Bath Before Shipping
A warm bath on the day of shipping can help relax the birds. It can calm them before basketting and transport.
Some fanciers give a bath after the final light feeding before shipping. The bath helps the birds stay relaxed and comfortable.
However, if rain is expected or weather conditions are not suitable, the bath may be skipped.
4. Feeding After Return From Short Races
After a short race, the bird needs to recover and rebuild reserves.
A good return feed may include:
- European mix
- Depurative mix
Recovery is just as important as preparation.
A pigeon that does not recover properly cannot maintain form throughout the season.
5. Return Day Water and Recovery
On the day of return, many fanciers support birds with recovery water.
This may include:
- Glucose
- Vitamins
- Electrolytes
- Friendly bacteria / probiotics
- Small amount of salt, if used correctly
Clean water, rest, and calm loft conditions are very important after race return.
6. Feeding for Long Distance Races
For long distance races, feeding must be richer and stronger than short distance race feeding.
Long distance birds need more stored energy. They need enough fuel to stay strong during long hours of flying.
A long distance feed system may include:
- Depurative mix
- European mix
- Safflower
- Hemp
- Rape seed
- Flaxseed
The goal is to send the bird with full energy reserves but not overweight.
7. Oil, Yeast and Minerals
Some fanciers use flaxseed oil or similar oils on the grain once or twice a week. After adding oil, powders can be mixed so they stick to the grains.
Common additions may include:
- Brewer’s yeast
- Pink minerals
- Whey protein
- Mineral supplements
Do not overuse oils or supplements. Too much rich feed or too many supplements can make birds heavy or upset digestion.
8. Grit and Minerals
Grit and minerals should be available regularly. Racing pigeons need grit and minerals for digestion, calcium, shell strength, body balance, and general health.
Useful loft minerals include:
- Mixed commercial grit
- Oyster shell
- Mineral block
- Pink minerals
9. Mid-Season Motivation Change
Sometimes birds lose form in the middle of the season. When performance drops, the system may need a small change.
One method is to allow the cocks to spend more time with hens after a race. The following week, hens can be brought in earlier before shipping, with nest bowls and nesting material.
After this, the system can return to normal widowhood.
Changing the routine can mentally refresh the birds and bring back motivation.
10. Keep Changing Small Things
Widowhood birds should not become bored. If the same system is repeated every week, some birds may become mentally flat.
Small changes can keep them sharp.
Examples:
- One week show only one good hen before shipping
- Another week show nest bowls
- One week crate without showing hens
- Another week bring hens earlier
- Sometimes use a separated stock hen to create extra spark
11. Managing Widowhood Hens
Widowhood hens are very important in this system. They must be healthy, controlled, and ready when needed.
Important hen management points:
- Do not allow hens to mate with each other
- Keep hens under control
- Feed them properly before they meet the cocks
- Do not allow hungry hens to distract the cocks
- Treat hens’ health at the same time as cocks when needed
A well-fed, healthy hen waiting for the cock after the race can be a powerful motivation.
12. Racing Frequency
From longer distances, cocks may not need to be shipped every week. For races around 300 miles and above, some fanciers prefer racing them every other week, depending on condition and form.
The fancier must observe the bird.
If the cock is acting sharp, healthy, active, and eager, it may be ready. If it looks tired, dull, or mentally flat, rest may be better.
Widowhood success depends on observation.
13. Training Widowhood Cocks
Widowhood cocks do not always need heavy road training during the race season. Loft exercise is very important.
A practical method:
- Free exercise around the loft for about one hour
- Four to five mornings per week
- Two or more evenings per week if possible
- Mid-week tosses only when needed
Too much training can break form.
Important: Do not always have hens waiting after mid-week tosses. Seeing hens too often can reduce race motivation.
14. Rest and Loft Calmness
Widowers must eat, exercise, and rest. This is the foundation of the system.
Do not disturb the birds while they are resting. Loft work should be done while the birds are out exercising.
A widowhood loft should be:
- Calm
- Dry
- Comfortable
- Warm when needed
- Free from fear and disturbance
- Protected from dampness and cold wind
15. Health Management
A good health program is necessary for any racing system. Birds must be kept healthy, clean, and free from major problems before and during racing season.
Common areas to monitor:
- Canker
- Respiratory condition
- Coccidiosis
- Worms
- Gut health
- Feather condition
Health management must be based on observation, testing where possible, and correct treatment only when needed.
16. Key Rules of Widowhood Racing
To run a good widowhood system, remember these rules:
- Do not over-show hens
- Do not disturb resting birds
- Do not overfeed early in the week
- Do not make birds heavy before short races
- Do not send tired birds
- Do not allow hens to mate with each other
- Do not keep the system the same every week
- Do not ignore recovery after race return
Conclusion
Widowhood is a powerful racing system when used correctly. It can bring strong motivation, excellent form, and consistent race performance.
But the system must be handled carefully. Too much excitement, too much hen contact, poor feeding, poor rest, or poor health can spoil the result.
The best widowhood fancier is the one who observes the birds daily and adjusts the system according to their condition.
Motivation gives desire. Feeding gives fuel. Rest gives form. Health gives performance.
Credit: Frank McLaughlin of McLaughlin Lofts
Source Credit: The Pigeon Insider
Regards,
KPRF Committee
Keelakarai Pigeon Racing Federation