“I started with Modena pigeons in 1974,” says Rudi Proll. “From the very beginning, it was important to me to provide my birds with feed that was optimally tailored to their needs.”
That's why he has been relying on a tried-and-tested mixture for many years. “I feed Rassetauben ohne Mais (breed pigeons without corn) – it provides my birds with excellent nutrition and has proven to be just right,” he explains.
Proll attaches great importance to a balanced diet, especially when rearing young birds. “I add about 25% seeds to my basic mixture. This helps the young birds grow strong and healthy,” he says. “During the molting season, I even increase the amount to about a third of the total feed to provide the birds with the best possible support. This feeding also ensures that my pigeons are optimally prepared for upcoming exhibitions.”
His breeding program is also carefully planned. “The actual breeding season starts in mid-February every year,” reports Proll. “I mainly breed Modena Gazzi, with a focus on the hammered color variant.”
His stock currently comprises around 15 breeding pairs, which produce around 100 young birds over the course of the year. “This offspring is a highlight for me every year,” he says. “It shows how important a reliable food source is—because only healthy, vigorous animals can later impress in breeding and at exhibitions.”
