The Role of Vitamins and Nutrients in a Bird's Survival To be able to keep your birds healthy and in perfect shape, they need to receive nutrients. Vitamin A is important for the bird to have good feathers and skin. Vitamin B, on the other hand, is essential for the bird's central nervous system. Meanwhile, Vitamin C is best in the prevention of different skin infections. When these birds are released to fly, the judges have to measure the bird's travel rate to cover the measured distance. The winning bird is the one that returns with the highest speed. The History of Pigeon Racing This racing sport instigated in Belgium in the middle of 19th century. The racing pigeons are considered to be the oldest among the domesticated birds. How To Train Racing Pigeons Pigeons have an uncanny homing instinct. In fact, they were used as mail carriers as far back as 5000 years ago. In the early 1800's, a sport has been developed using these magnificent creatures as racing animals. The pigeon's disposition to fly home even after long flights has made the sport a favorite hobby among pigeon lovers. Several years ago before any of the special clocks being utilized now have been invented, the pigeon was taken to the central meeting point to time in. Because of the evolution of the sport, the competing birds are now timed in through the use of the electronic clocks and the uniquely bar coded bands. In the United States, there is the Lou McElroy Futurity which was incepted in the year 2000. This race places the pigeons into various lofts and come under different handlers. What is basically great about futurity racing is that anybody who has hoped to join such event can enter his pigeons. Even when the birds don't have much training, it is still alright. If you really want your racing pigeons to deliver a top performance during competitions, then you must start taking care of their health. Here are the things that you must consider to give your pigeons a stress-free life. 1. Get Rid of Moisture Moisture is the number one drawer of viruses and parasites in your pigeons' loft.