Yes it can be expensive to start up, But yes you can get second had lofts, baskets, clock etc pretty cheap, And some of the best birds i have had have been given me or cheap! the birds i paid 100s for well!!!
As for being to expensive for kids to start up!! i disagree. Kids get xbox and ps3s bought for them, go and watch football every saturday, Get designer trainers/football boots bought for them. (my 11 year old just skinned me for £50 for new footie boots)
Kids these days just want everything done for them, and (guilty) get most things to easy.
so if 1 or 2 do mention getting pigeons to their parents, And realise what dedication and work would be involved. No thanks!!!
Sad but true, My son is keen as at the moment, but will it last, he goes high school september, He tells his mates he keeps pigeons, And they will say thats "gay" as they do! And because they all follow the crowd at that age (well most) then will he want to be be waiting for pigeons on a saturday with his dad?? or be playing footie with his mates or sitting on his ass all day, playing on his xbox?? I know which 1 im hoping for, But can see the other option winning through Just my thoughts :-)
But mealy will gladly help ypu out with some birds when u start up again mate :-)