New to Pigeons--need some help with questions!

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biophiliac said:
If this doesn't work go to youtube and search: training birmingham rollers...(name of video) done by ppotty1 Your birds are coming soon now, no?

I think it will work now, tested it. ;D
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My current plan is to just build a cage with wood frame and 1/2" wire but with one of the sides missing (open), and to train them to use the bob trap door I am just going to have somebody hold it against the door and I will ratchet strap it on the loft, and just take it off when I'm done training them for the door.

I finally finished my loft this past weekend by building and affixing the aviary, as well as putting up perches. All I have left is to fix some dowels in the aviary for them to sit on, fix wire all around the legs, and sink an anti-digging strip along edges as well, such that it is much tougher for critters to get to ground below the loft and eat feed scraps, and stain my pigeon perches so they are easier to wipe clean. Just some finishing touches really. It came out nice, and was pretty fun to build actually.

Here are a few pics below. If there is anything any guys of you think I did wrong or should change, let me know!





 
biophiliac said:
I like the aviary. Do you have a way to close it off in cold weather?...or is that not an issue where you live?
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Yes! I thought of that being a potential issue because of how large the aviary is and because it faces north (I live in Michigan), so I was extra careful making the cut for the aviary and made sure I got very clean cuts, and then I saved the rectangular cutout, and fixed 4 barrel bolt latches onto it (two on each side), so whenever I need to close it off I can just slap it right on there and close the latches and it's good to go! I will post a picture of it later on when I get home.
 
Sounds perfect!
big_smile.png
For the floor I'm thinking hardware cloth like yours and then plywood on top...cut into 3 pieces...so the 1, 2 or all 3 can be lifted/ or slide back to regulate ventilation.
I'd like to go with a 4 x 6 footprint and just tall enough for me to walk in, so that's another reason for the solid floor. I want to copy the general look and design of yours. My brother will build it for me and your pics will help alot!
 
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biophiliac said:
Sounds perfect!<img alt="
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I'd like to go with a 4 x 6 footprint and just tall enough for me to walk in, so that's another reason for the solid floor. I want to copy the general look and design of yours. My brother will build it for me and your pics will help alot!
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I first was concerning myself with ways to modify mine for better ventilation, but once I decided on building the large aviary I did away with those ideas figuring an opening that size, plus the open wired bottom, was enough.

Just something to think about for your loft, maybe consider buying a pre-manufactured wood shed and just modifying it with an aviary and bob door. I saw some at Home Depot last weekend and thought "man if I had the space for a loft that big, that would really make a nice one and avoid the hassle of building one". Those sheds eliminate the need to frame something up, come with a door, and a nice roof and everything. The insides of them are just roughed in, so plenty of flexibility to build nest boxes and perches. If I ever move and want a bigger loft, I'll be doing that. This 4'x4' loft took me every bit of 4 total days to build, and I don't want to fuss with this again, even though it was sort of fun lol.
 
LamarshFish said:
Hi all. I'm not too new to caring for birds (I have a pair of chukar partridges), but I am new to pigeons. I am picking up 6-8 racing homer squeakers in about a week (I think my loft size will be maxed out at 12-15 birds). They come from very good racing lines. I have my loft all built, just need to put the aviary on the side and build some perches on the inside (nest boxes are done).

I have a few questions though, and was hoping for some insight:

How long before I can let my pigeons out to fly? I hear 2-4 weeks, and was going to play it safe and wait 4. I plan on first starting to train them to use the bob one-way door, so they know how to get back in before I fly them.

How do you guys feed the grit--do you mix it into their food, or do you put it in a separate container? Also, I plan on feeding only the amount of food they can eat in a day so as to be able to fly them hungry and properly train them--but do I need to do the same with the grit, or can I just load up a feeder full of grit and only refill it when it gets low?

Do I need to give them crushed oyster now, or only when I start seeing them lay eggs?

Any other pointers you guys can think of that you'd like to pass along, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!
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Homers id give them 5 weeks before releasing I know u said there youngsters play it safe! I feed my birds fortified red grit in its own container the size of a fruit cup and between my pair with squabs they eat evry bit and its a good blend for homers in the cold months I would feed my birds hole kernel corn it's all carbs Wich helps them keep that fire inside burning
 

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