Housing Young Birds

[Leroy]

I could do with a bit of advice and or opinions please, sorry if i go on a bit;

 

Im new to keeping racing pigeons having kept fancies for years, and have started with some whites bought from a couple of members on PB (thanks again Paul and Paul)

 

After having a bad start - dog got into loft and killed two plus my modenas - I am due to get 4 new young birds within the next month. The current birds are now well settled in a 6x4 loft/shed with 7x5 aviary attached to which they always have access. But I was hoping to settle the YB seperately to train them and allow them out. Due to limited space my intention is to build what would be a large cote/hutch about 4ft x 3ft but only 2ft tall, and have it built on legs so I can still use the space underneath.

 

I would attach a sputnik type trap to allow the birds constant access to outside and to see around prior to release, and I have a training programme all worked out in theory, and it will be partly made from perspex to allow plenty of light inside.

 

My questions are these:

 

Does anyone see any problems getting the birds to home to a large box rather than a loft?

 

Would it be OK to house them with a hen fantail that does fly out and come straight back?

 

Can YB be trained to be hungry so they return promptly or do they need constant access to food because they are still growing?

 

What age should I get them and how long before they become strong enough to fly?

 

sorry to be a complete novice - any advice gratefully received!!!

 

Lee

[DUBLINFLYER]

 

 

My questions are these:

 

Does anyone see any problems getting the birds to home to a large box rather than a loft?

 

Would it be OK to house them with a hen fantail that does fly out and come straight back?

 

Can YB be trained to be hungry so they return promptly or do they need constant access to food because they are still growing?

 

What age should I get them and how long before they become strong enough to fly?

 

sorry to be a complete novice - any advice gratefully received!!!

 

Lee

1, not really a problem but not ideal either, each to their own but woudnt be me

2,regards the hen fantail yeah that would be perfect u'l hav the youngbirds in an out in no time!

3,never let the young birds out when hungry if the get into trouble so to speak then they will go into another loft with no hesitation, always make sure they have something in the tank

4, 25 to 28 days old would be grand not to strong but when u get them lock them up for 3 to 4 days so they can adjuet to their new surroundings...... hope this helps but just my opinions maybe u should get a bigger loft dnt know to many men with boxes that keep pigeons an win

 

[Guest shadow]

start with the biggest loft to fit in your garden otherwise you will be wanting more accomodation before the first season is over

[Castleview]

If you can't fit a big loft in your garden you can always selective breed. Work with a small team of youngsters and keep the ones that always come 1st in your loft. Then at the end of the YB Season, sell the ones that are no use to you e.g those that never came first.

 

Be strict in you loft. Let the YB's make one mistake only i.e return in a box, stay out for a night. Next mistake get rid of them. This should by you time until you can buy a new YB loft or a bigger loft. I know some people cannot afford these nice big lofts, I have to do with an 8 x 5 garden shed that's converted. Next year I'm going to buy a 7 x 5 for my youngsters. If everything works out I might even get a 6 x4 Stock loft, but that one is not until 5 or 10 years down the line. The birds need to prove their retirement, and to do this I'll be selective breeding with one male line only.

[Leroy]

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

I have no plans to race yet, just keeping for pleasure for now, as I have such little space. I also have to compromise with the missus - more birds or a bigger loft is likely to mean more shoes... ;D

[Castleview]

Sacrafices have to be made  ;D

[Leroy]

tell me about it, i spend so much time on pigeon forums, she insisted on looking for shoe forums all night on saturday. No forums but loads of shoe websites - sad haha !!!

[Guest]

tell me about it, i spend so much time on pigeon forums, she insisted on looking for shoe forums all night on saturday. No forums but loads of shoe websites - sad haha !!!

 

So what is wrong with looking at shoes then?,I've spent all night looking at greyhound coats....perfectly normal,besides Tammy_1 is paying ;D ;D ;D ;D

[sammy]

 

So what is wrong with looking at shoes then?,I've spent all night looking at greyhound coats....perfectly normal,besides Tammy_1 is paying ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

yir kiddin is all on chrissy yi seen his wallet yet  ;D ;D ;D

[Leroy]

 

So what is wrong with looking at shoes then?,I've spent all night looking at greyhound coats....perfectly normal,besides Tammy_1 is paying ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

us fellas always end up paying - one way or another!!!

[Leroy]

And in relation to the original topic, have decided to partition off the existing loft, the current birds have way too much room! Any views still appreciated though...

[Guest TAMMY_1]

 

So what is wrong with looking at shoes then?,I've spent all night looking at greyhound coats....perfectly normal,besides Tammy_1 is paying ;D ;D ;D ;D

 

Well I pay for everything else so why not that ? ;D ;D

[Guest TAMMY_1]

 

yir kiddin is all on chrissy yi seen his wallet yet  ;D ;D ;D

 

SEEN IT ? She's got it aff me  > >