Reservations on letting my young racers out for first time--Please Help!

[jak2002003]

You did everything correctly.. I am surprised the birds flew off.

If the place you got them from is close to your home I suggest you check with the old owner if they returned there.

It's quite possible that when you let the rest out and they start flying around the lost ones will see them and come back.

I had some of my young birds fly off for over a week before coming back... very hungry!!!

Wish you good luck with the others coming back to your loft.

 

[LamarshFish]

You did everything correctly.. I am surprised the birds flew off.

If the place you got them from is close to your home I suggest you check with the old owner if they returned there.

It's quite possible that when you let the rest out and they start flying around the lost ones will see them and come back.

I had some of my young birds fly off for over a week before coming back... very hungry!!!

Wish you good luck with the others coming back to your loft.

Thanks! I am inclined to let one or two out soon to try to lure the missing two in, but I am reluctant to do so, my confidence is sort of down.

I spoke with the guy I got them from the other night. He is a trusted friend, and told me that those squeakers never once left his loft to fly at all, and that he thinks it's extremely unlikely they'd come back to his loft. He is about 75 miles away from me..... In any event, I still described the leg bands I put on them, and I know if they return to his loft he'd surely let me know (not that I'd want them back after doing that though, but would just be nice to know, plus I'm sure he'd give me another two young squeakers for free).

I will keep you all posted! I appreciate the advice!

 

[barn206]

Great job Lamarsh.. make sure that you let the bird that was out already and returned to the coop go out again with the other birds. If a bird flies away then comes back and hits your roof, through a little feed or some grit on your board by the trap
Good luck!!!
One day I'm going to share a few old tricks with you but your learning properly and doing great
Pat yourself on the back, you advanced to breaking birds in.
If the same thing happens again, put the birds in a carrier I need the coop, leave the door of the coop open and put a light on in the coop
Keep up the good work. I'm sorry you lost those 2 ... I've lost hundreds I wish I was there to help you

 

[barn206]

( in the coop)

 

[biophiliac]

( in the coop)

Thanks Barn I kept telling him he was being to hard on himself instead of looking at the positive! But you are experienced so hopefully you will be believed! LOL

 

[barn206]

It's not easy learning in your own.. I was taught at a very young age.
Btw biophiliac , you give great advice. I like a lot of what you write !!!

 

[biophiliac]

Thank you! Experienced with animals in general but new to pigeons and so excited to be planning a small loft! Hope to have Racing Homers. Maybe 8 - 12 birds.

 

[barn206]

Great

 

[barn206]

Biophiliac
Are there any pigeon stores near you where you can buy birds?

 

[biophiliac]

Biophiliac
Are there any pigeon stores near you where you can buy birds?

No stores and not much on Craigs List. There is the Montello Racing Pigeon Club within an easy drive from me. They are holding a One Loft Race, I think entries close soon. Anyway I was thinking of contacting someone there for advice on getting birds. I cannot afford even a hundred dollars for a bird I could lose as a beginner. Your thoughts wouldbe appreciated.