I think so, but honestly I wouldn't know what to look for to determine if they weren't. They appear pretty nervous when I open the door to the loft. They are reluctant to enter the aviary, but do so from time to time. I have never seen them eating food yet, but they are pooping everywhere, so I assume they are eating. They have been aloof to me when I approach them, but I'm hoping to change that. Although I was told that pigeons mostly hang on perches, not nest boxes, and only use nest boxes when breeding/setting, etc, I have noticed my squeakers mostly sit in the next boxes, but occasionally I'll find one on a v perch.
If you have not seen them eating you must be feeding free choice? I believe most racing homers are fed a set amount, once or twice a day, depending on when they fly. They also stress its important to always make a whistle or sound when feeding as this will help you be able to call them to the loft as well as build trust with you. Remember the magic of peanuts as Hokum Coco has pointed out
. Apparently a pigeon is capable of consuming a days ration in 15 - 30 minutes. Then you can pick up the feeder so it doesnt attract mice. If you have time to hand feed they can become even tamer, although I think homers are a bit more aloof than other breeds.
Your babies are not long out of the nest box and maybe that's why they're still hanging in the boxes.
I think its so cool your birds will have a job!
helping train your dog. The history of humans working with pigeons in different ways goes back thousands of years. Some believe their first 'job' was to lure in wild birds which were then eaten. Your training activity, releasing the bird to fly back, is pretty much how racers are trained. So maybe you can race too. Recommended to make the first releases very short distances in different directions so they become familiar with the area.
As far as why I say your birds look great: The health part is easy, like all birds nice shiny feathers(feathers mostly protein a sign of good nutrition) bright clear eyes and clean beak and legs, alert posture, etc. The well-bred racer part I admit exceeds my expertise, BUT, over the last few weeks I immersed myself in over a hundred hours of Racing Pigeon Videos, interviews with winning owners showing off their best birds, loft tours, watching the birds returning from races, etc, etc HAHA(I'm mostly retired so I have time to become obsessed!). Anyway, your birds look to me like they would fit right in. Sleek, well-put together and have that 'born to fly' look. You can never tell for sure what they've got til you race them.
