How to Use Versele-Laga Pickstone Red in a Pigeon Grit Tray
By Gladwells Pet & Country Stores Online Shop | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Guias Práticos
Set up a pigeon grit tray with Versele-Laga Pickstone Red and learn when to offer pickstones so your birds get steady mineral access without waste.
Quick answer
Offer Versele-Laga Pickstone Red in a shallow, stable tray kept apart from the main feed, and refresh it regularly so pigeons can take mineral grit as they choose. Place the tray where birds can reach it easily without scratching litter into it.
Why a separate grit tray beats scattering pickstones
Pigeons pick at grit deliberately, not as part of a meal. A dedicated tray keeps the product clean, makes it easy to see how much is being taken, and stops grit from being mixed into feed or lost in bedding. It also lets you remove soiled material without disturbing the loft.
Versele-Laga Pickstone Red is supplied in a tray format, so you can use the container as a guide for portioning. A shallow layer is enough; deep piles tend to get scratched out and wasted.
When pickstones help and when they do not replace a balanced diet
Pickstones are a mineral supplement, not a food. They are useful for pigeons that need extra mineral access, but they do not correct a poor base mix or replace fresh water and proper feeding. If birds are on a complete diet, offer grit free-choice and monitor intake rather than forcing it.
The catalog notes that Colombine Pickstone Red is rich in minerals from several sources and helps keep pigeons away from fields. That makes it a practical loft-side option, but it is still one part of the routine, not a standalone fix for health or behavior problems.
Step-by-step tray setup and routine
- Choose and position the tray: Use a shallow, stable tray or the supplied Pickstone Red tray. Place it on a dry, flat surface in the loft, away from feeders and drinkers so it does not get contaminated. Avoid corners where droppings collect. Check that the tray cannot tip if a bird lands on the edge.
- Add a shallow layer of pickstone: Pour Versele-Laga Pickstone Red to a depth of roughly one stone, enough for birds to pick at without burying the tray. Do not overfill; a deep layer encourages scratching and waste. If birds scatter stones onto the floor, reduce the amount next time.
- Offer grit free-choice and observe: Leave the tray in place during daylight hours and watch how often birds visit. Most lofts do well with constant access, but if intake seems excessive, remove the tray for part of the day and offer it again later. Sudden increases in grit intake can signal a change in diet or health; note the pattern rather than guessing.
- Clean and refresh regularly: Remove any soiled or damp stones daily and top up with fresh product. Wash the tray weekly with a pet-safe cleaner and let it dry fully before refilling. Never mix old, damp grit with new; discard the whole layer if it has been wet.
- Store the unused product correctly: Keep the closed tray or bag in a cool, dry place away from moisture and pests. Use within the product's recommended period once opened. Label the opening date so you can rotate stock and avoid stale grit.
Product facts
- Versele-Laga Pickstone Red Tray 5+1: Versele-Laga Pickstone Red Tray 5+1 is a mineral-rich pickstone supplied in a tray. The tray format makes it simple to offer a measured layer and keep the product contained.
Versele-Laga Pickstone Red Tray 5+1 - Versele-Laga Pickstone Red Tray 5+1: The pickstone is formulated to help keep pigeons away from fields. Having grit available in the loft gives birds a reason to stay close rather than foraging for minerals elsewhere.
