Pigeon Experts

[First To Hatch]

Hey I've owned pigeons before (didn't take care of them they were taken care of at my cousins) most got eaten by cats and ones that survived were non-laying birds so they all died my cousins owned mutts so did I, looking to get some pigeons again they were fun to watch fly and see them eat in the garden. And good eating (I know I bet your all saying ewww he eats rats with wings) but what breeds are best to be able to get some good eating squabs will racing homers work I ask that because theres someone near us that has them actually found 13 breeders registered in NY I'm sure there is plent more, be cool to be able to get some for meat, and maybe sell a pair every now and then to pay the feed bill, but I'd hate to buy birds from that person and give them competition to deal with.
Also.. how do you sex them? Thanks anything tips, ideas, word of advice, answer to my questions will be much appreciated.

 

[Omniskies]

I recently bought a flock of pigeons and have been obsessing over information about pigeons, so I'll do what I can to answer your questions

Homers can be eaten for squab, but aren't the pigeon of choice. Kings are considered one of the top breeds (make sure they aren't Show Kings - you want the utility breed). They are giant white birds lay grow giant squab. I'm wanting some Texan Pioneers. They aren't quite as large as the Kings, but you can autosex them at birth and as adults by their color.

Sexing varies depending on the breed of pigeon. I heard that males will have larger nostrils than females and that they have a blockier head. The easiest way to tell is to toss them together and let them pair up. The female sits on the nest all night and the male sits on the nest all day. Go in and tag the male and female with a leg band and you're done.

So far I'm really liking my pigeon flock. I love the cooing noises and they're great to see flying around - especially the pure white ones that look like large doves. I'm also looking forward to trying squab.

 

[First To Hatch]

I think I could do the sexing then... looked at a bunch of pics and guessed the gender was 95% right, I really don't feel like paying 75$+ for shipping on king pigeons so i guess racing homers will do. You got any ideas for a cheap easy to build but strong loft? lol

Everyone I knew put nest boxes in the barn or goat pens lol, so after a pair, pairs up the cock will sit in the nest during the day and hen at night? or do they do that before they pair up as well?.... where would the males sleep do I have to make roosts for em coulda swore that the male and female slept together at night... or did you mean males during day females at night for when they are sitting on eggs?

Thanks alot.

 

[Ace_king_brahma]

I'm saving up to get a pair of Giant Red Runts from Strombergs. The adults can hit a weight of 3 1/2 pounds. And I might buy a pair of white kings too.

 

[First To Hatch]

Quote:
If not for the shipping I'd get it from them too.

 

[ButtonQuailBoy]

I have fancy pigeon eggs and I'm in PA...I have them in the bator but want an adult pair...I really don't care what type...But if I come across any I'll tell you...

 

[First To Hatch]

Quote:
Theres 4 breeders in PA

http://www.mumtazticloft.com/Pigeonbreeders.asp?Viewb=PA

I kind of looking for a 25 mile radius of me, why should I buy from a state away when I got someone like 15 miles away, unless shipping is 10-20$, no way im hatching any pigeons takes to much care, to care for em you have to feed etc etc.

I hope that link helps you find an adult pair

 

[First To Hatch]

bump

 

[Lofty Dreams]

Try reseaching about pigeons on book and web

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Kings (utility, not show), Carneau (utility, not show), Texan Pioneers are the best. I have yet to find any Utility Giant Runts. No one breeds them anymore it seems. Now they are just for show, and ugly. I wouldn't get them from Stromberg's or Foy's if my life depended on it. They are extremely overpriced and probably have not been bred for utility purposes (fast growing, fat babies).