?Newbie Starter Breed?

klorinth · April 28, 2009

Question about starter breed...

Should I be starting with Homers? This is what has been recommended to me. I like the homers and the rollers, both for looks and behavior. The Homers sell for $5-10 CAD around here( I went to an auction recently). I know the whole argument about the quality of breeding and such, but I am talking about a few birds to just learn to care for, breed, and train pigeons as a total newbie. If I really get into it I will build a new loft and start with better birds at that point. I just want something to start with that I can fly.

Are pigeons like pheasants? Is there a difference in difficulty for new people? Should you start with certain ones or just pick what you like?

Opinions please...?

pjc · April 28, 2009

personally i would decide what you plan to do long term, you may plan to race, keep them for pleasure or show them.

It would be a good idea to read about all three to help with information on careing along with whats involved.

You may be able to find some local fanciers you could also visit to again help with your plan.

Its better to start on the right foot rather than getting a bit of this and a bit of that and then deciding you want the other ina couple of years by which time you've got a loftfull of crosses that are of no use to anybody.

Phil

pigeonpete · April 28, 2009

personally i would decide what you plan to do long term, you may plan to race, keep them for pleasure or show them.
It would be a good idea to read about all three to help with information on careing along with whats involved.
You may be able to find some local fanciers you could also visit to again help with your plan.
Its better to start on the right foot rather than getting a bit of this and a bit of that and then deciding you want the other ina couple of years by which time you've got a loftfull of crosses that are of no use to anybody.

Phil

best advise you have ever given lol, totally agree with you.

klorinth · April 29, 2009

I totally agree about the "bit of this bit of that". I would not be getting more than one breed. At least for the first couple of years. It is more a matter of deciding which breed to start with. Homers or rollers. In the long run I like the looks of the Oriental Rollers. This is what I think I would like to fly. I just don't know if I can start with them. They are very rare here in Canada. It would be a fairly large outlay of money. Far more than getting a couple pair locally.

This is why I was wondering if there is a difference between breeds when learning on my own. I can't get local help with the Oriental Rollers, homers yes, rollers yes.

I also know myself well enough that I can see myself getting into the race thing, if I start.

klorinth · April 30, 2009

PJC,

I was thinking about what you said. You are right. I need to decide why I would want to have pigeons in the first place.

Chickens, turkey, ducks... all for eggs and meat, and pleasure of raising heritage breeds. Same thing for pigs and sheep.

Pigeons... I want to fly them around the property. That is what it comes down to. I like to watch them tumble and roll. I also like to watch them dance with each other when the cocks are trying to entice those little hens.

So I guess I should look at finding someone with rollers near here. Not the Homers. I don't know of anyone with rollers but I do know where to look.

Thanks