Letting Birds out

[usschicago1]

Im getting ready to let my pigeons outside to roam around the yard in the near future. Im nervous that they wont come back in, are they like chickens in the sense that they put themselves in at night? I know you withhold food for the day before you let them out. I would like to let them out in the morning though, thats when im usually home. Any tips on what you do?

Thanks
Mark

 

[HeelerDawg]

As long as they are homed to your place, they should do fine.

 

[sourland]

Do you have them whistle trained when you feed? If so, let them out hungry-- then whistle them in and provide feed. This is a good practice to teach while they are still in the settling cage.

 

[usschicago1]

Hi,
Thanks for the advice, no I dont have them whistle trained. They are just fancy pigeons, I wasnt sure if they were smart enough to understand that

I will try it!
Thanks!

 

[apbgv]

Mine always come in for the night, they do the same thing everyday at the same time. Around 6pm we take a quick flight around the neighborhood, run around the roof on my car port, watch me and the chickens about 7:30 they are roosting.

 

[larrylofts]

You Have Those Tiger Swallows Do,nt You ? I Would Not Let Them Out First They Are To Rare And They Are Fancy Birds That Have Been Bred For Generations Protected From Predators . I Just Can Not See Letting Birds Out That Are Not Bred For Flying .i Know Alot Of People Will Disagree But Look At All The Sad Storys Of Hawk Attacks Cat And Dog Run Ins People Shooting Birds Just To Many Dangers

 

[usschicago1]

Thanks for the advice, I guess I wont let them out

I couldnt afford to replace them if I lost them right now anyways.

 

[srsmith69]

If you let them out, there is a good chance they won't all return. They will put themselves to bed...unless a hawk gets them during the day. They are like potato chips to hawks. Can't eat just one.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

All pigeons are smart enough to be feed call trained. It's especially important for any birds you plan to let out, even fancy ones (in fact, it's more important with them). You don't want your pigeons out all day with no motivation to come inside when you call them. Hawks will wreak havoc on your birds, especially if they aren't homers because they won't be quick enough to outfly them or have the homing ability to come home if they are chased too far. I advise feeding them twice a day. Makes it easier to keep them hungry but not starving.