Mixed grains are a perfect source of energy and protein, but they are very low in vitamins and minerals that are required to raise top-caliber racing pigeons. Grits, on the other hand, supply the pigeons with a sufficient amount of salt, calcium and minerals that they need. Vitamins for Extra Energy Racing pigeons can actually survive on grains and grits alone, but if they are being led to racing most of the time, then they have to be fed with food having an extra amount of vitamins. The use of the pigeons then spread towards China, India, and Greece. To top it all, some military agencies still utilize the pigeons to run their communication systems with the other units. Through time, raisers of homing pigeons surfaced. They have taken particular interest to these birds and have realized that they can make a hobby out of it. To set the record straight, the futurity race is a kind of event that is being sponsored or held by loft managers or the pigeon clubs. The entire purpose for which is to bring together all the top trainers from different countries who will then compete against each other for a stipulated prize. South Africa holds one of the hugest futurity races. However ideal the traits that your bird has acquired, absence of proper training won't allow you to harness its full potential and winning is close to impossible. So how do you train a racing pigeon to become a winner? Let's start with the basic needs: food and shelter. Food for pigeons need to be clean, fresh, and of high quality. The maximum time that the birds will be out is for 2 hours, and this is a great sight as you watch batches of pigeons pass you by. But the best thing about this activity is that these pigeons get the exercise that they need and they become more accustomed with their lofts. Training tosses tips There are some factors too that needs to be practiced when doing the first few training tosses. As we all know, dry droppings are much easier to clean than wet droppings. And don't even plan on using formica type material for floors, perches or for any part of the loft that requires regular cleaning. Sure, the smooth surface makes it easier to scrape, but the stains that stick to it are bound to give you more headaches.