Greywings

I'm a little confused. I'm new to the whole pigeon thing and I'm just researching different breeds etc. I've heard rumours that rollers/tumbler pigeons sometimes roll and crash into the ground. Is this true? If so, does anyone know why? Also, what is it that gives these birds the ablilty to move like this? x

I've not kept pigeons yet but whenever cleaning out any birds in an enclosed space, especially with dusty bedding/nesting material in place as well, I always use a mask. It's a very small effort to make which will make a huge improvement and prevent nasty diseases/conditions such as "pigeon lung" etc. x

No, I'm talking about info on pigeons lol I'm just saying that when I eventually do have to start asking advice on my birds when I get them, that people won't be wary about answering lol x

I've recently joined as a newbie on this site. I wouldn't say I'm particularly old or young (I wouldn't say I was any age lol) but I would hate to think that any chances of getting help or advice on this site would be damaged by dishonest individuals. I'm just trawling through the archives for info at the moment but I'm sure the time will come soon when I need to ask for advice first hand. I would like it if there were people left to answer it that don't think I'm a secret agent lol x

plenty of moisturea will solve the problem cheeky!

Woop woop u go girl!! ;D Thanks lol ;D

No, that's a totally different area to what I'm used to. The requirements are totally different! I do know a few people who are into BOP and owls though, and it just seems like a massive leap into the unknown. I've been hunting etc a few times with BOP and it just isn't for me.

Thanks for all your replies and advice, I won't be after some birds for a while yet, as I need to do my research and get my loft sorted! I'm sure you'll be hearing from me soon enough!

Nothing like a bit of optimism to get you on your way then! I've kept bantams before, so I know what it feels like to have animals predated by foxes cats and spars, my aviaries have been swept with illnesses and other misfortunes that happen so fast they make your head spin :'( I've lost entire breeding clutches to vermin. I know the frustrations and hardships that come with keeping any kind of animal. I may be female but that doesn't mean I'm not thick skinned

Thanks again everyone for your warm welcome!

I forgot to mention, I have also kept and bred aviary-bound diamond doves. Are these similar to pigeons in any way? I found these birds remarkably easy to maintain in mixed aviary conditions. They are extremely beautiful birds!

As I said earlier I'm a complete novice and may decide to change direction in this sport, if I decide to get serious at all. Racing seems to be the most exciting and rewarding route.

You're telling me! I started off with 8 in my aviary and after 4 years I couldn't shift the buggers! I never intended to become a breeder lol I was just a small-time bird keeper!

As I said previously I have absolutely no idea how to train pigeons. Do they home naturally after they have settled in? or is there some kind of training involved? lol whilie we're on this subject are there any decent books I can look out for :B ;D

I'm in Kent at the moment, don't plan to be changing soon

No, never showed my zebs. I mostly did breeding. Thought about it a few times though

Thanks for all your prompt replies! I'm sure that there is lots of knowledge to be gained from this sport. Incase anyone is concerned I'm not going to be getting any birds until I'm 100% sure what I'm doing (may take a while ;D)

It seemed like a natural progression from keeping aviary birds. I want to get into the more active and dynamic side of birdkeeping, and what can possibly be more active than racing free-flying birds?

I'm not really sure what direction to take with this sport as a novice, I don't think fancy pigeons are for me so I am hoping to move into fully fledged racing (if you'll pardon the pun : after I've gained some experience!

Hi! After having kept just about everything feathered under the sun from Zebra finches to African Greys, I've found an interest in the world of pigeons. I know my bird biology and husbandry off by heart but am a complete novice when it comes to training and racing pigeons. I am totally willing to learn and I am here to listen! I am very much looking forward to entering the world of pigeon keeping!