To ensure racing pigeons develop excellent flying abilities, regular training is crucial. However, a major concern for many pigeon breeders is that their pigeons might fly away and not return. So, how can you prevent pigeons from flying away? Let's find out below.
1. Mixed breeding of males and females
Pigeons are social animals and live in pairs. When raising pigeons, we should put a male and a female in the same cage. Over time, the two pigeons will develop a bond. If we only raise one pigeon, it will fly away with the flock when it sees the other pigeons.
2. Trim the wing feathers.
If you want to prevent a pigeon from flying away, you can cut off five or six of its ten primary feathers (or eleven) until it can no longer fly. It's best to keep it in a cage for two months. Generally, after it starts brooding over the nest, it won't fly away.
3. Feeding should be done properly.
Like humans, pigeons will fly away to find food if they are not fed. Therefore, to prevent them from flying away, it is essential to feed them well and to ensure they are full. It is generally recommended to feed them twice a day, once between 7-9 am and once between 4-6 pm, at fixed times and in fixed quantities. Avoid feeding them before they leave the loft; feed them 30 minutes later to encourage them to return. Breeding pigeons should bring their squabs back to the loft after foraging. In addition, the feeding bowls should be cleaned daily, and the loft should be swept regularly to maintain cleanliness and provide the pigeons with a clean home.
4. Familiarize yourself with the environment
You can keep pigeons in a room or shed, providing food and water. Gradually open the doors and windows to allow them to familiarize themselves with the environment. They should adapt to their new home in about 10 days. Especially after laying eggs, the chicks will prefer their nest, as it's where they were born. So don't worry about them flying away.
5. Enhance relationships
Generally, food is used as bait. Signals are given during feeding, such as whistling or shaking the feed bottle, to create a conditioned reflex that stimulates the pigeon's appetite. While feeding, you can also make friendly calls and gently stroke the pigeon to cultivate its affection for its owner and obedience, so you don't have to worry about it flying away.
