How to Train Pigeons for a New Owner

Keeping pigeons makes for a fascinating hobby.

People have kept and trained pigeons since ancient Egyptian times. Whether you want to keep pigeons to compete in races and deliver messages, or you simply want to raise beautiful birds, pigeon keeping proves a rewarding hobby. However, a new owner may find it challenging to re-train pigeons, as pigeons might instinctively want to return to their original home. But if you are prepared to invest time and commitment, you can help the pigeons to feel safe and at home with their new owner.

Things You'll Need

• Elevated loft
• Nest box
• Grit
• Pigeon feed
• Water
• Pigeon basket

Instructions

Training

1. 

   Picking up pigeons helps form a relationship.

   Pick up and interact with your new pigeons. Do not make any sudden movements, but move slowly and deliberately, and feed them by hand. They should be tame enough so that they know and trust you, and you can pick them up at any time. A pigeon from a previous owner may be wary of a stranger at first, but with time the new owner can develop a relationship with them.

2. Keep the pigeons in their new loft and do not let them out for at least two months, or they will fly back to their original owners. Provide them with food and water, and visit them at least once a day.

3. 

   A piegon must be familiar with the new owner's buildings.

   Place the pigeons on top of their loft roof every few days. They will fly around a little, but will return if you leave some food or shake some grain.

4. Wait three to four months before placing the bird in a pigeon basket (available from pet stores) with food and water. Familiarize them with the basket by keeping them in it for a few hours, and then overnight a few times before you are ready for their first flight. It is not a good idea to use their original basket, as it might confuse them, leading them to fly to their previous owner once released.

5. 

   Pigeons can easily fly 500 miles home.

   Drive with your pigeon basket about one mile away from their home, and let them go. The pigeon will fly back to your loft. Gradually build up the flying distances every few days until they can cover 70 or 80 miles and can find their way back to the new owner's home. If you continue building their stamina, a typical pigeon will be comfortable flying distances of around 500 miles.

Tips & Warnings

• Pigeon that have not been trained before they are 2 or 3 years generally do not make good racers, and the ideal time to train a pigeon is during its first year.

• If you wish to compete, it is worth investing in a pigeon specifically bred for racing. They will have more stamina and a superior homing instinct.

• In order to keep your birds healthy, you must keep their loft and nest clean, with bathing facilities and plenty of food.

• If the new owner's pigeons fly back to their old home, they should be met there with a cool reception and not be fed.

• If the pigeons continues to fly to their previous home, the new owner might find it easier, if possible, to train and look after the pigeon in their original home.

References

• "How to Raise and Train Pigeons"; William H. Allen, Jr.; 1974
• "Pigeons: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual"; Matthew Vreinds et al; 2004