Pigeon loft section question

[Pigeon28]

Currently building a 5ft wide by 10 ft long loft. 7 ft in the front and 6 in the back. I know bigger is better but this is as big as i can go at the moment. I was planning on starting out with 4 breeding pair and then developing a small race team from them. My question is that is the current 5x10 platform to small to turn into two sections? One for breeding and one for racing/loft flying. Each would have its own aviary on the back to accommodate more space as well as a front viewing platform but then I am cutting down on the number of birds I could put in each. I feel like even 4 pair is too many for the 5x5 space. Any input is appreciated

 

[biophiliac]

Currently building a 5ft wide by 10 ft long loft. 7 ft in the front and 6 in the back. I know bigger is better but this is as big as i can go at the moment. I was planning on starting out with 4 breeding pair and then developing a small race team from them. My question is that is the current 5x10 platform to small to turn into two sections? One for breeding and one for racing/loft flying. Each would have its own aviary on the back to accommodate more space as well as a front viewing platform but then I am cutting down on the number of birds I could put in each. I feel like even 4 pair is too many for the 5x5 space. Any input is appreciated

It would be a very tight fit for a breeding loft and a race team loft. It all depends on how much space and material resources you can devote to your pigeons. I think you could fit 4 breeding cages in a 5x5x6 space. You should try to draw the design of perches, bob traps, ventilation vents, human entry doors, breeding cages and see how it all fits together.
If it were possible to use the 5x10 loft for your breeders only, you could have 2 sections and separate cocks and hens after breeding your race team. You would then need a second loft for the youngbirds/race team.

 

[biophiliac]

Welcome to BYC! Do you have some pigeons already?

 

[Pigeon28]

It would be a very tight fit for a breeding loft and a race team loft. It all depends on how much space and material resources you can devote to your pigeons. I think you could fit 4 breeding cages in a 5x5x6 space. You should try to draw the design of perches, bob traps, ventilation vents, human entry doors, breeding cages and see how it all fits together.
If it were possible to use the 5x10 loft for your breeders only, you could have 2 sections and separate cocks and hens after breeding your race team. You would then need a second loft for the youngbirds/race team.

Thankyou for the quick reply! Looks like I will have to finish up this loft and then start the plans for the next one. I should have enough leftover materials to have a decent start on another or maybe make an addition onto it. I will have to get back to the drawing pad.

 

[Pigeon28]

Welcome to BYC! Do you have some pigeons already?

Thankyou! I don’t have pigeons but have had chickens, turkeys, quail, and pheasants in the past and learned a little bit about racing recently after finding a dead racing pigeon and thought it would be a cool thing to try and get into with my boys

 

[biophiliac]

My loft is on a 4x8 platform with 4x6 enclosed and 4x2 for the aviary.
I later add a 4x8dog kennel for a flight pen, the birds love it.
https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...-4-x-8-kennel-kit/1711668/p-1444430942935.htmI used wire fencing and zip ties to enclose the top instead of the canopy.
I feel its comfortable for about 16 birds, too small to divide in sections though. I have 3 built in nest boxes and if more is needed I give them a cardboardbox on the floor. I have to practice population control using fake eggs to swap out.

Thankyou! I don’t have pigeons but have had chickens, turkeys, quail, and pheasants in the past and learned a little bit about racing recently after finding a dead racing pigeon and thought it would be a cool thing to try and get into with my boys

Kudos to you! I think it is an awesome activity for the whole family. Pigeon racing is not as popular as it used to be and its great to introduce Young people to the sport!
My birds are racing pigeons but I don't compete with them. They are pets and I just get a thrill watching them loft fly.

Have you been able to connect with the local racing club where you live. That can be a source of great advice and even some good starter birds at little or no cost.

 

[Pigeon28]

My loft is on a 4x8 platform with 4x6 enclosed and 4x2 for the aviary.
I later add a 4x8dog kennel for a flight pen, the birds love it.
https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...-4-x-8-kennel-kit/1711668/p-1444430942935.htmI used wire fencing and zip ties to enclose the top instead of the canopy.
I feel its comfortable for about 16 birds, too small to divide in sections though. I have 3 built in nest boxes and if more is needed I give them a cardboardbox on the floor. I have to practice population control using fake eggs to swap out.



Kudos to you! I think it is an awesome activity for the whole family. Pigeon racing is not as popular as it used to be and its great to introduce Young people to the sport!
My birds are racing pigeons but I don't compete with them. They are pets and I just get a thrill watching them loft fly.

Have you been able to connect with the local racing club where you live. That can be a source of great advice and even some good starter birds at little or no cost.

I like the idea of that dog kennel being attached for the extra space. Do you usually pull your eggs to keep the numbers down? Or do you lose enough loft flying that the young keep you at the 16? And I’ve tried looking into local racing clubs but I’m out in the sticks and the closest one is just under 2 hrs away, but I have hooked up with a few guys who do a few training tosses a few times a year closer by me and was lucky enough to get out and watch a few releases with my boys so they are trying to help find something a little closer or at least let me know every time they are up which is great!

 

[biophiliac]

I do lose some to hawk predation, a couple have been hit by cars, … I put some squeakers on Craigslist and gave some away to a guy starting a new loft. Still I have had to pull dozens of eggs. I let them sit on fakes so they don't lay again right away. Racing pigeons are just breeding fools! Lol

 

[backyard pigeons]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! How big of an aviary are you thinking? If the aviary is larger, I think 4 pairs will fit great. But no more. Can I make a suggustion?

build the loft 8×12. Have a 6×8 section for breeding, and a 6×8 section for flying. I said 8×12 because that his with common lumber\plywood size, the 5×10 does not. Do the aviary as well. Make a large landing pad for easy training on young birds.

I like that you say 4 pairs. Many would say many more. Remember, quality, not quanity.

where are you located? Not by chance TN?

 

[backyard pigeons]

Fits... Not his.