An Interview with Carranza Loft: “Do You Medicate Your Pigeons?”

At Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club, we often receive questions about how experienced lofts manage the health of their pigeons, particularly when it comes to the use of medications. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Hugo Carranza of Carranza Loft, a nationally recognized champion, to discuss his approach to pigeon health and whether he relies on medication in his loft.

FSRPC: Hugo, one of the most common questions we get is whether top lofts medicate their pigeons regularly. What’s your approach at Carranza Loft?

Hugo Carranza: I'm not a big fan of medication. If the birds are healthy and showing no signs of illness, I avoid using medication altogether. I believe that good health starts with strong foundations, and if we can maintain that, there’s often no need to intervene with medicines.

FSRPC: During the racing season, are there specific health issues you watch out for?

Hugo Carranza: Yes, during the racing season, some of the most common issues we face are canker and respiratory problems. After a training toss, I closely observe the birds when they return. If I notice most of them sneezing or yawning, that’s a red flag. In those cases, I’ll administer doxycycline, Tylan, or another respiratory medication. But it’s important to emphasize that I only do this when it’s clearly needed. Medication is never my first line of defense.

FSRPC: What steps do you take to minimize the need for medication?

Hugo Carranza: There are several factors at play. First, genetics is key. Selecting birds that are genetically resistant to common diseases is crucial. Next is loft design. A poorly ventilated loft with lots of dust and high ammonia levels can lead to respiratory problems, so I’ve made sure our loft minimizes these risks. Nutrition is also vital, what you feed your pigeons directly impacts their overall health.

To support their gut health, I focus on acidifying their gut microbiome using natural products like apple cider vinegar, copper sulfate, and lactic acid. This helps create an environment that’s less favorable to harmful bacteria.

FSRPC: You mentioned gut health. How do you manage that at Carranza Loft?

Hugo Carranza: Gut health is incredibly important. In addition to the natural acidifiers, I give my pigeons live bacteria to promote a healthy microbiome. I actually cultivate this bacteria myself using methods similar to making kombucha or apple cider vinegar with the mother. It’s all about keeping the good bacteria thriving so they can outcompete the bad bacteria.

FSRPC: Young Bird Disease (YBD) is a big concern for many breeders. How do you handle it?

Hugo Carranza: YBD, or Circovirus, is something all pigeon breeders deal with. It’s often the gateway to other diseases. My focus is on strengthening the immune system and gut microbiome of the birds. If you can keep those two things in check, you’re much less likely to have problems with YBD or other secondary infections.

FSRPC: When you do decide to medicate, how do you ensure you’re doing it correctly?

Hugo Carranza: That’s a great question. When I’m not sure what’s wrong just by observing symptoms, I use a microscope to identify the specific bacteria involved. This allows me to medicate precisely based on what the birds need. A lot of people make the mistake of guessing, but that can lead to more harm than good. Medication can wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad, which is not something I want to happen.

My goal is to keep the pigeons healthy from the start so that medication becomes a rare necessity. It’s all about building a strong foundation through genetics, loft design, and proper nutrition. If you do that right, the need for medication diminishes significantly.

FSRPC: Thank you, Hugo, for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that Carranza Loft’s success is built on a deep understanding of pigeon health and a thoughtful approach to managing it.

Hugo Carranza: Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to share what we’ve learned, and I hope it helps others in their journey with pigeons.

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At Fort Sutter Racing Pigeon Club, we believe in sharing knowledge from the best in the field. Carranza Loft’s careful approach to pigeon health is a testament to the fact that success in racing is about much more than just the races themselves, it's about the day to day care and attention that keeps the birds in peak condition.

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