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antipodi
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Joined: 25 Jan 2006
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Fri May 05, 2006 1:20 am
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 Pigeons ..for the Beginner
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Pigeons ..for the Beginner
Keeping pigeons can be an exciting and satisfying hobby. As with all new adventures, reading and researching ahead of ordering and receiving pigeons is the best plan for success.
There are 3 fundamental groupings of pigeons: performance breeds, fancy breeds and utility breeds. Additional management techniques may vary based on the type of pigeon you purchase.
Housing for pigeons can vary. Understanding pigeon behavior will enable you to construct your own loft or modify an existing structure. There is no single loft plan. Housing structures for racing birds will be different than those for the fancy and utility birds.
Well designed lofts include a secure building with a floor and protection from predators; interior nest boxes/aviary space; exterior landing board & trap; ventilation system and storage space for feed & equipment. Loft size varies based on the number of birds you plan to keep. In general, allow 8-10 cubic feet of air space for each pair. You may want to have separate interior aviary space for young birds, breeding birds and older birds.
Commercial pigeon feed contains whole grains. In general, the birds should eat their feed within 20 minutes. Pick up uneaten feed. Clean water daily is a must. There are many styles of waterers available. Offer grit, optimally containing trace minerals if available in your area. Provide oyster shell. Store feed in rodent proof containers.
Always house new arrivals in a quiet area away from your other birds for about 2 weeks. Your birds will need time to recover from the stress of shipping. Your new birds should have been wormed prior to purchasing with a broad spectrum wormer.
When purchasing a new bird remember Young bird plumage is often different than adult plumage.
One of the most common beginner questions is how to sex pigeons. Behavior is the clue, although even the experts can be fooled. The male is usually larger and heavier than the hen.
Both sexes coo and set on eggs. In general, the male sets on eggs morning to midafternoon, the hen the remainder of the day. The male bows and scrapes: bowing his head toward the ground, while scraping his tail feathers on the ground. Observing mating is another way to determine male and female.
Another common question is about the performance behavior. Spinning/rolling involve backwards somersaults with a vertical drop. Tumbling is turning sidewise at the same altitude. Young birds have the genetic propensity to perform but need opportunity to practice and to thus increase their skill.
Much research should be done before starting this as a new hobby to ensure success of your birds particularly Racing birds...It would be interesting to hear from other Pidgeon fanciers out there ...
_________________
Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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