Giving up

[sourland]

Well the last of my pigeons are leaving today. 6 are going to a young girl and her father and I've given the rest (third lot he's taken) to a fellow short on money who will take them to the auction. The hawks win - I can no longer justify flying them to be butchered.

 

[NovaAman]

Oh, so sad... Dang hawks!

 

[fowlsessed]

NOOOOOOOOOO! Have you tried different breeds that are better at evading the hawks? Why even fly at all, they don't need to. I guess it's too late now, seems. We need more people with pigeons. Sorry to hear that.

 

[Faith SL]

I am so sorry to hear you are getting out of keeping pigeons Sourland - I know how much of a pain the birds of prey can be. My Rollers stand little chance against an experienced bird of prey, which is why I mostly fly them during summer months when the hawks are usually not around. Out of the breeds of pigeons I have kept the Homing pigeons have proven to be the ones which survive attacks from birds of prey, as they are overall swift, evasive, and tough little birds. I fly the Homers all year round with very minimal losses from birds of prey. It mostly depends on the breed, bloodline, personality, intelligence and physical capabilities of the individual bird.

... Have you by chance considered Parlor Tumblers or Parlor Rollers? They are a breed which cannot fly, are easy to care for and train, and both can be enjoyable for show, performance or just as pets.

 

[aaabirdman]

I am so Sorry to hear that. how many birds did you have? I mean there are many birds that cant fly, like the fantails. At least stay with 5-10 birds. Keep them as real pets. I have taught some of my homers to stand on my hand. Besides, You are one of the top 10 responders in the pigeon and doves section. Dont bail out on your birds

. With the new generation, the community of people who raise pigeons is only getting smaller.

 

[sourland]

For me the real joy of pigeons lies in watching them in flight. I had primarily Birmingham rollers and some roller/homer crosses that I bred hoping for a more hawk evasive bird. This summer there was maybe a three week period where I flew birds without attack. I gave away somewhere around 120 birds. I did keep one pair of rollers and their two young squabs. Hidden in a corner of one of my lofts I found 2 squabs that were well hidden. I fostered them on the rollers and they are feeding 4 squabs. Daddy is a busy guy. The young man who took the six rollers is enthused, and if he so desires I will give him the remaining birds. I miss them, but could no longer justify putting them in harms way.

 

[suki'smom]

So sorry to hear :/ I used to have Birmingham Rollers but I too sold off my flock.

 

[ThiefPouter06]

I did the same, it last for a year. Then I went to clean the loft out and the memories came back to me. I could remember the birds just by a tail feather. I just bought 6 a month ago. I did however not get flying breeds. Your right you cant beat hawks. I dont know if I will want to show but it is nice just having them. I have been thinking about a new game. Perhapps short distance homing or something. Something that reduces the amount of time they are in harms way. In Malaysia/indonesia they have a game where the release their male birds a few hundred yards away and see which flies back to their mates the fastest. They seem to have them hungry, tame and sexed up, so they have complete control. There bird is in the air very little. I think its time we Americans change the pigeon flying game to suit are new "situation".

 

[albert w]

If you get to missing pigeons too much and decide to give it another go, try the breed called "kelebek". Guys who I've talked to say they have very few losses. And with the kelebeks style of flight I can see why. In this video the guy is flying a big mob but flying 3-5 birds at a time gives them more room and more action.

I fly doneks. They're a diving breed. They're only in the air for a couple of minutes, then I give the signal to dive and they're on the ground within seconds. It doesn't give a BoP much time to set up, unless he's already waiting in ambush.

Good luck!

 

[aaabirdman]

Sourland,

When Hawks knock you down you can choose whether or not to rise and continue. I have a friend that lost so many birds because of cats and hawks. You know what he did? He decided to sell about 100 birds and stay with 15 birds, 8 of which are fantails, Which like walking on his deck while he watches them. If I would be you I would stay with those young Squabs, but that is for you to decide. Good luck I hope you understand where I'm coming from.