sugar water

[mill pigeon]

does anybody use sugar in they're water?

[Pegasus]

Never done that and dont know what will be the result...My grandmother use to tell me "something you don't know might kill you"...In other words, curiousity kill the cat"...

[Kimberly_CA]

When they are sick and not eating.....along with salt. Or just pedialyte.

Do you use it regularly?

[TAWhatley]

Originally Posted by mill pigeon

does anybody use sugar in they're water?

Can't think of a reason to do so in a loft situation. Sugar in the water would be a great breeding ground for bacteria. Sugar and salt in water for a sick, injured, dehydrated bird is fine, but you don't leave that as the drinking water.

What prompted your question, Mill Pigeon?

Terry

[philodice]

Originally Posted by TAWhatley

Can't think of a reason to do so in a loft situation. Sugar in the water would be a great breeding ground for bacteria. Sugar and salt in water for a sick, injured, dehydrated bird is fine, but you don't leave that as the drinking water.

What prompted your question, Mill Pigeon?

Terry

Once again, my thoughts exactly. I've put lots of things in my water. Apple Cider Vinegar being a favorite way to keep bacteria out of my water bowls. I wouldn't do sugar.

[Trees Gray]

Sugar is absolutely not good to give pigeons, perhaps honey would be okay. I believe someone here has used it...but sparingly.

Here is one such post:

http://www.pigeons.biz/forums/showpo...1&postcount=10

[whitesnmore]

Yes honey is a good thing to give the birds right before a race. I put a little bit in the water right before basketing on long races. I have no proof that it actually does any good but was told by an "old timer" in the sport to do this. According to him it gives them the energy boost. Since we do better on our longer races than the sprint races I cannot say the honey has a negative impact.
Ken

[Trees Gray]

Originally Posted by whitesnmore

Yes honey is a good thing to give the birds right before a race. I put a little bit in the water right before basketing on long races. I have no proof that it actually does any good but was told by an "old timer" in the sport to do this. According to him it gives them the energy boost. Since we do better on our longer races than the sprint races I cannot say the honey has a negative impact.
Ken

Yes, organic/raw honey does give an energy boost, as I use it myself, never used in on the birds though. It is the best sweetner to use, not only gives energy but has B vitamins in it which are your energy vitamins, and is easy on the digestive track, whereas sugar burns energy (trying to digest it) rather then gives it.

[mill pigeon]

i read in an old prd that you should use sugar for glucose once a week i'll try to find the issue and post some of what it said

[ohiogsp]

Originally Posted by whitesnmore

Yes honey is a good thing to give the birds right before a race. I put a little bit in the water right before basketing on long races. I have no proof that it actually does any good but was told by an "old timer" in the sport to do this. According to him it gives them the energy boost. Since we do better on our longer races than the sprint races I cannot say the honey has a negative impact.
Ken

Same here. Tablespoon for gallon.

[John_D]

Maybe this is actually connected with giving a tired out bird a boost? Glucose, honey or (if absolutely nothing better available) sugar and salt, as stated by Terry, is what I would give a pigeon who may be dehydrated. It is a 'home made' electrolyte solution and helps to safely give the bird's system a little kickstart if it is exhausted and/or starving.

John

[LUCKYT]

First of, a tablespoon of honey per gallon would have no effect on a pigeon, good or bad.(too low a dose) Pigeons systems are not designed, in my opinion to handle sugar of any kind. I have used honey to a great amount for my own health, but have learned if it is below the taste level, the health effects are all but mute. I LOVE Honey, and would like to keep bees some day. I have found if the bird is stressed fresh cool water will do the trick, Salt is a No No, as it will dehydrate them even more, and sugar given to a stressed bird is asking for a BLOOM of nasty gut bacteria. JMHO. Dave

[John_D]

For a sick or injured birds, glucose (or substitute) and salt, in the right proportions, dissolved in warm water forms the 'international rehydration solution' (developed, I believe, as an emergency rehydration 'fix' for people in deprived parts of the globe). No, would not give it for a prolonged period, and would be no point giving to a healthy bird.

John