Cinnamon For Racing Pigeons

Pigeons have a peculiar relationship with cinnamon.

It makes a good deterrent because pigeons don’t like its strong smell, and some keepers also give it to their birds as a natural supplement.

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Some keepers mix 1 tablespoon of Ceylon cinnamon into 1kg of pigeon feed, which hides the scent. Don’t rely on it to treat canker or E. coli; that needs an avian vet.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is a spice.

It is the bark of certain trees and is highly aromatic, it is used by all global cuisines in a massive range of sweet and savory dishes.

It is the second most commonly used spice in Europe and the USA.

Ceylon Cinnamon

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Cinnamon also has a long history in traditional medicine.

It has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians, and researchers are still studying the health benefits of cinnamon.

Why Is Cinnamon Used for Racing Pigeons?

Keepers give cinnamon to racing pigeons (and pigeons in general) because of those possible health benefits.

Most of that research was done in the lab or in people, though, and what works for humans doesn’t automatically work for pigeons.

In lab studies, cinnamon has shown these effects:

Anti-bacterial
Anti-fungal
Anti-parasite
Anti-inflammatory

Some keepers also believe it helps circulation and digestion, although this hasn’t been tested in pigeons:

Good circulation matters for a pigeon’s energy and endurance.
Good digestion means the bird gets the most from its food.

Some people call cinnamon a ‘superfood’, but there is no evidence that it makes a pigeon healthier than a good diet and a clean loft do.

The healthier a bird is, the better its performance is likely to be.

Having said that, cinnamon is not a steroid or stimulant, so it won’t enhance a racing pigeon’s performance abnormally.

It won’t add go-faster stripes.

At best it is a small extra on top of good feed, clean water and a clean loft.

Using Cinnamon To Treat Canker & e-coli

Some keepers also use cinnamon against pigeon diseases, most often canker and E. coli. There is no good evidence that it works for either.

Canker is one of the most common pigeon diseases.

It is very widespread among pigeons.

It is easily transmittable, and more so by racing pigeons who may pick it up from pigeons outside their own loft.

Cinnamon is not a proven treatment, so if you suspect canker, see an avian vet for a diagnosis and the right medicine.

E. coli is also common and can leave birds open to more serious diseases. A sick bird needs an avian vet.

Some owners try garlic and apple cider vinegar or cinnamon as well, but none of these replaces treatment.

Where Can You Get Cinnamon For Racing Pigeons?

The same cinnamon that you have in your kitchen cupboard or that you can see on the shelves of your local supermarket is what you can administer to your birds.

If you use your own existing spice, make sure it is in date!

So many people keep spices in their cupboards for years.

While cinnamon may not “go-off”, old and stale spice will not have the potency of fresher spice.

If you are going to buy bark/sticks to grind yourself, be aware that there are two types of cinnamon – Ceylon and Cassia.

Ceylon cinnamon is the premier type and is better than the much cheaper cassia that comes mainly from China.

You can buy it in almost every grocery store or supermarket, you can also buy it online from places such as Amazon.

How Do You Give Cinnamon to Racing Pigeons?

There are several different methods by which a racing pigeon can be given cinnamon.

The trick is to mask the natural scent of the cinnamon as much as you can, and this will often involve adding a small amount of the spice to a larger amount of food that can act as a disguise.

One of the most popular ways to administer cinnamon to a pigeon (or group of pigeons) is to add approximately 1 tablespoon of the spice to approximately 1kg of corn.

This might seem like a drop in the ocean. Nobody has worked out a proper dose for pigeons, so keep it small.

An extra trick is to use 1 tablespoon of lime or lemon juice in the corn to ensure that the grains of cinnamon powder adheres well to the corn.

If they have the chance, pigeons might opt to peck around the cinnamon and eat the plain corn instead.

Don’t give them the chance!

Also Read: Turmeric For Racing Pigeons: Benefits & Does It Actually Help?

Do Racing Pigeons Like Cinnamon?

The ironic thing about this is that pigeons don’t actually like cinnamon.

When it is disguised by various other flavors in food, then you shouldn’t have too much of an issue with getting a pigeon to digest it.

The scent of cinnamon can be used as a pigeon deterrent.

The aroma of cinnamon can irritate the sinus of a racing pigeon, causing it to stay away from any area where the smell is strongest.

When mixed with water in a spray bottle, a cinnamon solution can be used as a deterrent to keep pigeons away from certain areas.

They hate the spicy and pungent scent!

Cinnamon is a harmless extra for most pigeons, but it is not medicine. Don’t use it in place of treatment from an avian vet, and don’t give antibiotics without one either.

In small amounts it is unlikely to harm your racing pigeons, and many owners like using it.

This guide is general information. If a bird is injured or seriously ill, contact an avian vet or a wildlife rescue as soon as you can.

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Last updated 22 October 2026 · Health