42,000 people in the UK keep and race pigeons. The pigeons are released from a certain area then timed to see how long they take to get home. If you have ever been tempted to get into pigeon racing or homing pigeons as they are also called this guide for beginners might help.

What To Look For In A Racing Pigeon

The pigeons themselves are bred for stamina and homing instincts. Check the feather quality, look for clear eyes and strong muscles. You could also do the balance test, place the bird on your arm and make sure it doesn’t lean to one side, if it can hold itself perfectly in balance it is a better sign.

Remarkably the most expensive pigeon was New Kim, a two year old champion racing pigeon who sold for $1.8 million. So, if you can get the hang of training racing pigeons there is money to be made.

Where To Get A Racing Pigeon

You can usually get a young bird through a local club. Look for well bred birds from previous competition winners. Those that have been carefully selected for racing, with the best bloodlines.

What To Feed Racing Pigeons

What they are fed has been adapted to meet their needs. Food for racing pigeons is carefully balanced to support endurance and strength, whilst ensuring they have a strong immune system and healthy gut. A proper diet is key to helping pigeons win races. Also make sure you always provide fresh water. Some trainers also add lemon juice to their water twice a week as it can help with their pigeons digestive and immune system.

Where To Keep Them

A pigeon loft that is protected from the elements and predators (birds of prey and cats) is the best place for your racing pigeons to be kept. Ideally position it facing the morning sun, so it provides a pleasant warmth for your pigeons. You will want to avoid drafts as these can lead to respiratory infections in pigeons.  Make sure they are not overcrowded in the loft as this can be stressful for them and lead to health problems.

Cleaning For Optimum Pigeon Racing

Proper hygiene maintenance is essential, the build up of dust and ammonia can also lead to respiratory issues for pigeons. As a result, it is advisable to do a daily clean of their loft. Make sure you also sterilize food and water containers regularly. This will ensure good health and optimum performance in pigeon racing.

Training Your Racing Pigeon

You can start training your racing pigeon as soon as it is weaned. Flights will start off very short and build up over time as you extend the distance from home. This will help your racing pigeon gradually build up their strength and stamina. Make sure they are well fed and rested before training. If they feel they need to look for food or water to survive that will be their main priority rather than getting home quickly.

Help Them Love Home

Be very kind and gentle with your racing pigeons so they want to get back home as quick and possible.

Health

Prevention is always better than cure. Healthy racing pigeons will perform much better in races. Make sure you medicate your pigeon regularly for mites and worms. Trichomoniasis (pigeon canker) is the most common of pigeon diseases, its vitally to treat quickly as it can lead to gastrointestinal and respiratory systems which will mean your racing pigeon is not in peak condition and not as inclined to fly as usual. Left untreated it can lead to further complications as your bird will struggle to eat or can even suffocated from the lesions.

If your pigeon loft is damp or unhygienic Coccidiosis will become more of an issue. Pigeons suffering with this will be lethargic and lose weight. It’s most commonly a problem in young pigeons but can be avoided by ensuring they always have very clean water and bedding.

Hobbies such as pigeon racing can be a powerful educational tool for children.