How to Train Homing Pigeon With Routines

Pigeons—-either you love them or hate them. Educating people about the historical use of racing pigeons by kings in times of war is the first step in bringing positive awareness to the breed. Not all pigeons live wild in the parks and attics of our neighbors. A pigeon loft built for a homer is a complex layout of breeding rooms, feeding rooms and nesting rooms.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Training baskets
• Loft
• Schedule destinations
• Mileage schedule

1. Get a young flock of birds. On a regular basis, take them out for exercise. Start close to home and then work your way farther and farther away from home.

2. Find a club to join and take your young flock out with other fanciers. Never stop paying attention to the health and well-being of the homer.

3. Take older hens with you when you take out the younger pigeons—-the older pigeons serve as a guide and will keep the young flock together on their flight home.

4. Select a time of day that is consistent in your schedule. You will need to feed, water and exercise your pigeons on a schedule.

5. Start training a mile away from home. Take the training basket full of pigeons and release the baskets as simultaneously as possible.

6. Create a schedule of mileage for the homers. Do not push the birds to meet your schedule. If your homers are not returning, do not continue to release them miles from home.

7. Learn that, as with any animal, training is mostly about the owner. You will be on a routine with the birds. Your life will change as the pigeons become faster and stronger.

Tips & Warnings

• The birds will pretty much train themselves once they reach training age. You just need to establish a routine.
• After a race, always bathe the racing pigeon with a cleaner that eliminates bird diseases. It is important to protect your flock from illness.