New Pigeon Owner - Archangles

[Black Feather]

Hello pigeon enthusiasts!

I just brought home my first pair of pigeons about three weeks ago. They are a pair or bronze black-wing Archangles. Does anyone else raise these birds? I know very little about them as a breed and was just wondering if anyone here has ever shown them? I'm planning to show them at a show this weekend (weather permitting) and ask the judge lots of questions if I get the chance. I've researched as much as I can online but there does not seem to be a huge amount of info out there on them.

Are there any extra tips and tricks to getting a pigeon ready for show other than making sure they are clean? I brought them inside last night and cleaned up some dirt on one of their tails, but other than that they seemed pretty clean otherwise.

How do you tell the boys from the girls? I know about the cooing, but I have not heard any cooing from either of my two, but they are still quite young. One of them does seems to be chattier though. It/he/she makes noises, but I would call it a coo. The person who gave me this pair says he has another two that I can also have and he thinks they are two boys,. If I had three boys and one girl in a pen would there be problems? The pen is 4 x 4 x 5 ft.

Thanks! Any words of wisdom would be appreciated!

Cheers,
Urban Coyote

 

[Taylorbird]

I don't have that breed of pigeons, but I've been raising pigeons for about 6 years now. I don't think you would have any bad problems with 3 cocks and 1 hen in one coop. The cocks might fight over the hen, but unless you keep them in a tiny pen they shouldn't hurt each other.
Good luck showing them!

Taylor

 

[Feathered Wings]

I Have had these birds for 2 years now and they are more nervous and flighty than other pigeons. They are very good breeders and will defend their mate if confronted by another male. I wouldn't put three males in with the female as there will be alot of fighting with the males. They can injure eachother and pull out alot of feathers and if your wanting to show them you don't want missing feathers.

 

[Black Feather]

No, I certainly don't want them to fight or pull out feathers. The thing is, I'm not even sure if the two I have are a pair or not? I'll try to get some pics to post to get a consensus.

One other questions I have. Can you let pigeons fly free after they have gotten used to where home is? Or will they take off never to be seen again?

Urban Coyote

 

[Feathered Wings]

Arc Angels are not homers and i don't think i would risk loseing them.

In a pair the Male will coo and turn in a circle as he is cooing. He will also sit in the corner and kind of growl coo for the female to come join him.
The female will coo but not as loud as the male and when he is cooing you will see her nod her head.
2 females together are mostly silent unless they are strangers then they may coo a warning for the other to stay away. Males if brothers get along pretty well if there is no female and they both will coo and turn in circles.