Rock pigeons are also known as Homing pigeons.Most rock pigeons are found in large cities, where they eat scraps of food off the sidewalk.Europeans introduced rock pigeons to North America in the 1600s.Over 5,000 years ago, rock pigeons were used to carry messages from one place to another, as they have an innate ability to find their way home.They were used in World Wars I and II to send messages.People continue to train rock pigeons.
Step 1: How much do you want to spend?
Birds that you can afford should be purchased.If you want to purchase a larger number of pairs of a lower quality, it's better to buy a smaller number.Unless you are buying a specific pigeon, you should only buy pigeons in pairs.If you want to buy pigeons for racing, base your buying decision on performance.This can include the performance of the pigeons you buy, the family line, or even the breed.If you want to buy pigeons for show purposes or just want a really cool looking pigeon, then you should base your buying decision on the shape of the bird.Judges pick winning pigeons based on physical characteristics.Homing pigeons can cost between $50 and several hundred dollars depending on the breed.In addition to the cost of pigeons, you must also pay for shipping.Depending on where you are ordering from, shipping can be quite expensive.
Step 2: Before pigeons arrive, build a home for them.
Be prepared because your pigeons are going to need a place to live when they arrive at your door.There are a variety of sizes and configurations for pigeon homes.You can build your own, hire someone to build one for you, or order one pre-made.The maximum number of pigeons you can have depends on the amount of space you have available for a loft.Some of the most important things to remember about a loft are that it should protect your pigeons from predators, have both interior and exterior protected space for the birds, and have an excellent ventilation system.If you are breeding pigeons, you will need to separate out a space just for them and their offspring.Pigeon lofts should be located in an area that is free of obstructions.Pigeons fly so wires, trees, lamp posts, etc., can be a distraction when trying to train them.Racing pigeon lofts should be designed so that the birds don't spend a lot of time on the roof.If possible, the roof should not be flat and bird spikes should be used to deter pigeons from landing.
Step 3: Order your pigeons from a breeder or seller.
Pigeon breeders and sellers can be found around the world.If you are concerned about the cost of shipping your pigeons, you will probably want to choose a breeder that is close to you.You should choose a breeder based on pigeon performance.It is not something you will have to do once you receive your pigeon, because most breeders band their pigeons when they are young.If you are unsure about the reputation of a breeder, ask for recommendations from a local pigeon club.
Step 4: Your pigeons will be introduced to their new home.
If these are your first pigeons, you can put them in the loft immediately.If you want to add new pigeons to your collection, you need to keep them separate from your existing pigeons for a couple of weeks.
Step 5: Take good care of your birds.
Every day, your pigeons need clean water.You should give them food within 15-20 minutes.Remove anything they haven't eaten after 15-20 minutes.They need grit to get vitamins and minerals, as well as assist with digestion.Feed your pigeons twice per day using the 15-20 minute technique.It's important to clean your loft on a regular basis.There are online stores that specialize in pigeon care.If you are new to the world of pigeons, their level of experience will be helpful.Pigeons need more energy if they are breeding.When they are racing.The contents of the feed should be listed on the bag.For breeding season you should feed them a crude mix.You should feed them a mix of 14-15% crude.In the off season, you will want to feed the 16% crude mix to your pigeons.Not all veterinarians will take care of birds on a regular basis, even though they have learned to care for birds as part of their training.If you already have a vet whom you trust, they can treat your pigeons.If not, ask for referrals to a bird specific vet in your area.You can ask for referrals from pigeon rescue organizations.
Step 6: Birds are 6 weeks old when you start your training program.
You can help your pigeons figure out the trapdoor at 6 weeks.The trapdoor is designed to allow your pigeons to get into the loft whenever they want, but you will be able to only let them out when you want.You may have to help your pigeons get in and out of the trapdoors at first.It's possible to put together a training schedule so you have something to do every day.Knowing what you need to be ready for each day will help keep the training consistent.The training schedule should allow for training to occur at least once a day, and either the method or distance being worked on should change on a weekly basis.During week 1 practice going in and out of the trap door with the pigeon, and during week 2 practice returning to the loft from 1 mile away, are examples.There are pigeon club blogs written from your area.You can get advice on your geography and climate from local blogs.
Step 7: Pigeons have incentive to return to their loft.
Being treated like royalty, good food and comfortable lodgings are what makes your pigeons want to come back.Feed your pigeons with the highest quality food and lodgings you can afford.
Step 8: After being released, begin training your pigeons.
When your pigeons are between 6 and 8 weeks old, this part of the training can begin.Take your pigeons 1 mile from home and then release them.This can be done several times a week.Pigeons can be carried in a cage or basket to the release location.
Step 9: The training distance should be increased by 5 miles per week.
Each week you have to go further away from home to release your pigeons.Don't expand the distance too fast.Continue training your pigeons at the last distance if they are having any trouble.The longest pigeon races can take several hundred miles in a single flight.Do not go to these distances until your pigeon is able to return from shorter distances, in any direction, consistently.
Step 10: Be aware of bird loss.
Bird losses are not uncommon.For a while, reduce the training distance and Frequency if you experience bird loss.If you were training at the 10 mile distance, reduce it back to 5 miles.If you lose a bird, you can take advantage of the lost bird reporting processes.People who find lost birds can report them on these websites.You can get in touch with the finder and get your bird home.Some pigeons need time to rest after a long journey.It may take them a few days to return if they have stopped for a break.
Step 11: Put your pigeons in a second home.
If you train your pigeons to fly between two loft locations, you can teach them to return to your home loft.Feed your pigeons frequently to encourage them to return to each loft.If they are hungry, they will fly to the other loft to find food.
Step 12: You can join a pigeon racing club.
The American Racing Pigeon Union is the national organization for pigeon racing.There are hundreds of affiliated clubs in the United States.Most homing pigeons will come with a band.You can find the nearest club by using the Find a Club link on the website.There are a number of different memberships available, including junior memberships, family memberships and memberships for people who are unable to participate in pigeon racing.Before you can join a local club, you have to be an active member of the ARPU.
Step 13: Attend racing events.
You can determine when a club will host races by using their website, Facebook page, or newsletter.There are two types of birds: young birds and old birds.If you have time and money, you can attend the American Racing Pigeon Union's annual convention.Each year the convention is held in a different location.A race is usually included in the convention.
Step 14: Get advice from pigeon racers.
Those who have only flown one racing season and would like some assistance or advice on how to be a better pigeon racer can take advantage of the "Help-a-Beginner" Program.During the season, beginners are matched with mentors and breeders.
Step 15: Pigeons are entered in racing events.
You will be able to enter your pigeons in races if you are a member of a local club.The best race for beginners is usually a shorter one.If you want to see how pigeons perform, try racing them in different races.Beginners who have raced more than one season are not allowed in the program.Make sure to apply after your first racing season if you are interested in this program.
Step 16: You can race your pigeons.
Pigeons race from a certain location to their home loft.You own your house.The organization will determine the actual distance between the release point and your home loft, as well as the time the pigeon took to travel, to calculate speed.The fastest pigeon wins.