How to Prepare to Race Homing Pigeons

Pigeons are enjoyable for all ages and pigeon racing is a family sport for millions worldwide. The publicity of pigeon races is close to none. The sport is called "horse racing in the sky" by enthusiasts. The health of a pigeon is a major contributing factor on race day. Some fanciers breed pigeons for speed while others focuses endurance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Loft
• Training baskets
• Mineral salts
• High protein bird food
• Cool and clean water
• Patience

1. Create a special loft for your racing pigeons. Keep them separate from the other birds. You want to protect them from disease and feed them differently.

2. Select a group of pigeons that you want to train. House these young pigeons with a few older hens. The older hens will serve as guides for the younger pigeons throughout the training process.

3. Start the training routine close to home. Don't take your whole flock of young birds, set them free 40 miles from home and expect them all to return. You will be lucky if any return.

4. Teach your young pigeons to return home at short distances. This will unleash their natural instinct. It is important to reward your pigeons with treats.

5. Feed your racing pigeons a different diet than the other pigeons. You want the bird to build muscle mass and deplete it of fat.

6. Purchase mineral salts to add to the pigeon's water. It is important before a race to boost the energy of the pigeon so it won't burn up its fuel in the first leg of the race.

7. Take the pigeon out for exercise on a regular basis. Routine training builds confidence and endurance in the bird.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time in training your birds. Build confidence and endurance through lengthy routine training.
• If you don't let the racing pigeon completely recover between training periods you will get depleted results.