How to Use the Widowhood System to Train Homing Pigeons

Homing pigeons are fun to care for and racing them is a very popular hobby. One of the things you have to do if you're going to race your homing pigeons is train them to come back home fast. One very successful technique is the widowhood system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have your male homing pigeons (called cocks) raise one to two youngsters. Have your cock raise them until they're about 12 days old. Remove one youngster. Wait until the other is about 24 days old and then remove that one as well into an area for young pigeons.

2. Let your cocks sit on the next set of eggs for about 10 to 12 days. Some experts suggest 7 to 8; it all depends on what works for you and the health of your birds.

3. Send your cocks on their way with a training toss. Literaly toss your cocks into the sky for training; don't do this if you don't know what you're doing. Leave the hens in the nest.

4. Wait for the cocks to come back to their nest.

5. Let the cocks back out again and remove the hens, nest and eggs. Clean the area thoroughly and let the cocks back into the loft. Some experts suggest turning the nest bowl over.

Tips & Warnings

• This system only works for a few weeks and then the cocks should be bred again.
• Make sure you're consistent when training your pigeons.