How to home pigeons.

[nchls school]

I'd advise that you keep them locked in as long as you can; if not permanently. Those fancy breeds and younger birds will accept a new loft easier than older homer birds. Some do look like homers. Look closely at the eyes and ceres. Young birds have darker eyes and a less developed cere. This is readily seen if you compare one bird to the other. Pictures on the net could help you.

It has been a long time since I had pigeons. I'm considering starting a flock; homers or Indian fantails. What is stopping me is the large number of hawks in our area and not wanting to keep the pigeons locked in. Something you may need to consider. Free-flying pigeons are are prey for hawks.

 

[Brianlee543]

I'd advise that you keep them locked in as long as you can; if not permanently. Those fancy breeds and younger birds will accept a new loft easier than older homer birds. Some do look like homers. Look closely at the eyes and ceres. Young birds have darker eyes and a less developed cere. This is readily seen if you compare one bird to the other. Pictures on the net could help you.

It has been a long time since I had pigeons. I'm considering starting a flock; homers or Indian fantails. What is stopping me is the large number of hawks in our area and not wanting to keep the pigeons locked in. Something you may need to consider. Free-flying pigeons are are prey for hawks.

I'd advise that you keep them locked in as long as you can; if not permanently. Those fancy breeds and younger birds will accept a new loft easier than older homer birds. Some do look like homers. Look closely at the eyes and ceres. Young birds have darker eyes and a less developed cere. This is readily seen if you compare one bird to the other. Pictures on the net could help you.

It has been a long time since I had pigeons. I'm considering starting a flock; homers or Indian fantails. What is stopping me is the large number of hawks in our area and not wanting to keep the pigeons locked in. Something you may need to consider. Free-flying pigeons are are prey for hawks.

Thank you very much, I live in Ireland and don’t have many birds of prey in our area, but I will keep that in mind. Good luck with your flock!

 

[nchls school]

Lucky you. I can't let my smaller birds out of the coop unless I am right by them. And even then it's not totally safe. Last week, I was on the patio and a hawk swooped down less than 15 feet away and almost nabbed a bantam rooster.

 

[Brianlee543]

Lucky you. I can't let my smaller birds out of the coop unless I am right by them. And even then it's not totally safe. Last week, I was on the patio and a hawk swooped down less than 15 feet away and almost nabbed a bantam rooster.

That’s not good, I’ve always had my hens and even quail free range and never had a hawk problem.

 

[backyard pigeons]

You should be able to resettle them, by keeping them locked in for a few weeks, and try to get them down on eggs. Every time you feed them, ring a bell, whistle, or do something so that they know when you do that, it's good time. Let them out hungry, and when it's time for them to come back so your call. Get a cage, move them around the yard, so they know their surroundings. Remember, NEVER fly a bird you can't bear to lose. Not just BOP can get them, but cats, dogs and cars. Good luck with your flock, and keep us posted!

 

[backyard pigeons]

When I say a few weeks, I mean atleast a month

Edit: looking at the pictures, I would say to not fly the ones that resemble homers. They likely will go back to their old loft. I'm not sure which are your three, because their are more birds pictured than three.

 

[Brianlee543]

When I say a few weeks, I mean atleast a month

Edit: looking at the pictures, I would say to not fly the ones that resemble homers. They likely will go back to their old loft. I'm not sure which are your three, because their are more birds pictured than three.

They are all mine, but three of them are from an animal rescue and have come in injured. Thank you very much for the advise.

 

[biophiliac]

Looking at the tail feathers of the birds facing away ,I see very ragged ends. These could be caused by feather mites or rubbing on something. So check all your birds for external parasites.

 

[biophiliac]

@Brianlee543 you might like to check out the link below. It is a pretty active thread.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-talk.1276029/page-882#post-21921449

 

[Brianlee543]

Looking at the tail feathers of the birds facing away ,I see very ragged ends. These could be caused by feather mites or rubbing on something. So check all your birds for external parasites.

As i have said I don’t actually have the birds yet, but when I get them I will defiantly check. Thank you for the advise