Homing pigeons come equipped with internal radar: the ability to find their way home even from long distances. It is thought that the sport of racing pigeons began as early as 220 AD. It was the fancy of Royalty. The first recorded history of pigeon races was in Belgium in the mid 19th century. One of the bloodlines for the Racing Homers was developed in that country and later inbred with the English version to create today's Racing Homers. The Belgium birds were known as Voyageurs.
Housing Racing Pigeons
There are as many plans for pigeon lofts as there are for chicken coops but some of the same rules apply. Necessities like good ventilation that allows fresh air and sunshine are two of the prerequisites for maintaining healthy, strong stock. The loft should have good elevation and be as predator proof as possible. Cats, foxes and other mammals will prey on the pigeons, if they can gain access to the loft, especially when they are nesting. Use a good quality nesting material and clean the roost area regularly. Make sure the pigeons have a dry environment. Leaky roofs or broken windows need to be fixed immediately.
Training the Pigeons
The homing instinct is bred into the birds but they must be trained to return to a designated place. When you get the young birds you should put them in the loft with feed and water, which should be changed daily, and leave them locked up for a least two weeks. They begin to associate safety and nutrition with this space. It is more difficult to train a mature bird since they are likely to return to their birthplace when set free. When you are ready to let the pigeons fly choose an early morning hour on a fair day with very little wind.
Generally the pigeons will, at first, seem disoriented but shortly will begin to circle an area in close proximity of the loft, returning, then venturing out again. When they return at dusk be sure and lock them up overnight. The next morning, weather permitting, let them out again. This practice should take two to three weeks. After you are assured that the young birds know where home is located take them out five miles and turn them loose. Gradually increase the mileage checking to see which birds return soonest so you can gage your flock and groom for your first race.
Racing Pigeons Distance and Judging
The distance of races are generally between 100 to 600 miles with the lesser distance more ideal for first time flyers. Average race distance for mature birds is usually 300 miles. Races that are started from 500 to 600 miles away can be completed in one day. Less mileage usually takes just a few hours. In order to determine the bird's identity and speed a rubber ring, that bears a serial number specifically for that bird, is placed around the bird's leg. Before the birds are released the number is recorded and a specially designed pigeon racing clock is set and sealed. As the birds return home the band is removed by the trainer who then inserts it in a slot in the clock. Information gained from this method determines average speed of flight and when everything is calculated the identity of the winner. Another method is an electronic timing system. The bird's leg is fitted with a band that has a tiny RFID chip which is read when the pigeon re-enters the loft. The pigeon's serial number is scanned on arrival determining how fast they made the flight.
Pigeon Predators
If you race pigeons for a hobby or fly them for pleasure you will have to understand that there will be losses. Not only can the pigeons be attacked in their loft they can literally be snatched from the air by hawks and falcons. There is also the danger of the birds encountering bad weather and losing their way, as well as accidents of all forms involving people and traffic. Some birds, however, have been known to return to their lofts after being gone for several days or even weeks. Sometimes they get distracted by other pigeons in flight and sometimes sustain an injury that puts them down to recuperate.
Sources:
Canadian Racing Pigeons Union Inc.
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