Racing pigeons and islands...do they mix?

[cochinGurl]

hey everyone, i live on a small island just off the coast, under a mile from the mainland. I am planning to get some white racing homers this spring to do releases at weddings and such. I asked a simmiler question a while back when I got my Serbian high flyers. People said not to take them off island, as the water would keep them away. What about some good racing pigeons with strong homing instincts though? will they be able to brave the roughly half a mile of sea? (its a 5-8 minit ferry ride by car.) would there be some special training I could do to help them figure it out? maybe release them before we get to the other side a few times so they get used to flying over the water? any info would help.
Thanks! -cochingurl

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

Yes, racers can be trained to fly over water. It's required in many places. Europe and Hawaii being two big ones. English birds must fly back from France, Belgium, etc over the channel.

 

[deerman]

Quote:

just try to train them in good weather.....over water or land

 

[cochinGurl]

thanks for the info! @becky: wow, i didnt know that birds could be raced from somewhere as far out to sea as hawaii.

thats so cool. I cant wait for spring time!