UK pigeon owners

[CCUK]

Also the main fancy pigeon show is held at the end of November in Barnsley about an hour from me!

 

[biophiliac]

I'm now conflicted. I love my racers and won't give them up for anything, but since I've got the fantails and have the archangels on order I keep thinking about the world of fancy pigeons and it seems also to be alot of fun. I spoke to a guy from the NPA which is the national pigeon association and he was great fun too talk too! I'm still having a few problems with local clubs for racing and I'm not sure I can be bothered with chasing around all the time. And even with my loft extension, I still won't have enough birds to last a season with inevitable losses. I know it's a personal choice but I was wondering what you guys may think.

I agree that racing is a lot of chasing around and with your other activities and obligations is maybe too much to be comfortable. I get a thrill from seeing mine loft fly. I think you would get as much pleasure from fancy breeds and have more control of your schedule. The main thing is that all pigeons are awesome! Also, the pretty fancies might seduce your DW into selling the last of the bunnies. If you do go that way we will expect lots of pics and some show ribbons in your future. You'll need a large aviary to keep them safe?

 

[CCUK]

I agree that racing is a lot of chasing around and with your other activities and obligations is maybe too much to be comfortable. I get a thrill from seeing mine loft fly. I think you would get as much pleasure from fancy breeds and have more control of your schedule. The main thing is that all pigeons are awesome! Also, the pretty fancies might seduce your DW into selling the last of the bunnies. If you do go that way we will expect lots of pics and some show ribbons in your future. You'll need a large aviary to keep them safe?

That's kind of what I am thinking. I'm surprised how totally hooked I am with them. I never really gave too much thought about show pigeons and although the two fantails I have are not even close to show quality, I just love watching them! I can still keep up with loft flying and doing some tosses but my life outside of work is full on!

 

[backyard pigeons]

CCUK, I understand where you are coming from. It is really up to you, but here is what I think: I Think you should keep and maintain your flock of 15+- racers, and then also have a breeding flock of fancys... I don't think racing would be doable in the small space you have, but I could be wrong.

 

[CCUK]

CCUK, I understand where you are coming from. It is really up to you, but here is what I think: I Think you should keep and maintain your flock of 15+- racers, and then also have a breeding flock of fancys... I don't think racing would be doable in the small space you have, but I could be wrong.

It's definitely a numbers game! Whenever I spoke to the owners of all the strays that visit, they all have 200+ birds. It an awful lof of management, which I quite enjoy, but I just don't have the space to have a loft big enough to accommodate. The fancy pigeons seem alot more doable at the moment. Although the world of showing can be just as cutthroat as some of the chicken SOP's I see on here!

 

[cavemanrich]

I'm with all the above thinking/attitudes.
I have been around pigeon racing peeps going back many years. I liked pigeons then, but racing them just did not interest me. I did like the homing capabilities of the homers for sure.
When I did get my own flock, ALL I desired was to loft fly them, and do some tosses. I also LUV'd all white eagles... That's what my grandchildren called them. Grandpas' Eagles.

You can ALWAYS get into racing at a later time. In the meantime, enjoy doing loft flying, and short tosses for fun. Enjoy those newcomers, (fancy breeds) and don't get too stressed that you need to show them. Just having, and enjoying them should be personally satisfying.
You may consider doing Honorable releases. Having a young child, (family or friend's) release one on their birthday may be REWARDING to you and lil one. (not cash rewarding, but soul rewarding and memories)
They don't have to be white doves ether. You would just need a decorative release cage.
I got this one for that purpose.

 

[biophiliac]

nd don't get too stressed that you need to show them. Just having, and enjoying them should be personally satisfying.

 

[CCUK]

Hey @cavemanrich how are your new chickens getting on? Are they still hiding in the tree! Finally managed to get a picture of ash's squabs. They are 5 days old and tiny!

 

[CCUK]

I've been real busy. So I've not had too much time on here. But here's where I am with the loft to date. The sides are done, roof is done, front is mostly finished and ventilation added to the top of the front. Still to do, nest areas, I want either 6 or 9 on each side. The centre partition needs fitting, doors to the loft and doors to the avairy. Bob wires need installing to the avairy. And painting! Loads of painting! I don't really have any plans but I know what I want to do so I'm kind of making it up as I go along! Hopefully I'll be finished in another week!

 

[biophiliac]

Hey @cavemanrich how are your new chickens getting on? Are they still hiding in the tree! Finally managed to get a picture of ash's squabs. They are 5 days old and tiny! View attachment 1870693

I've been real busy. So I've not had too much time on here. But here's where I am with the loft to date. The sides are done, roof is done, front is mostly finished and ventilation added to the top of the front. Still to do, nest areas, I want either 6 or 9 on each side. The centre partition needs fitting, doors to the loft and doors to the avairy. Bob wires need installing to the avairy. And painting! Loads of painting! I don't really have any plans but I know what I want to do so I'm kind of making it up as I go along! Hopefully I'll be finished in another week!
View attachment 1870694 View attachment 1870695 View attachment 1870696 View attachment 1870697 View attachment 1870698 View attachment 1870699

Looks great! Possibly add more ventilation? .... Down at the bottom?