Have They Forgot The Way

[Gav-87]

Whilst i was out walking today i noticed amongst a group of ducks,geese and wild pigeons there was Four racing pigeons all four had rings on two still had race rubbers on. How come they are not making there way back home?

 

Would you say they have forgot the way??

 

I see on here that birds are missing each week from races and training are some birds just not upto the job?

 

Just to add these birds looked fine no sign of any injury.

[greenbar]

I reckon some of them,lose their homing instinct ,due to all the hassle they get during training and racing.hawks,wind frame,clashing bad weather etc.just my opinion.

[billt]

I think some birds go down on race day for whatever reason and go into survival mode but given the right conditions they can revert to homing mode, you'll notice how many turn up on following race days when obviously caught up by the days race

[JohnQuinn]

IMO it's all instinct. When finally realising they're not making it home they look for company to join because nature makes their gregarious side kick in. They then stay with the streeters because of safety in numbers and availability of food.

When it comes to pairing up time the following year they discover there are no empty nest sites so they then head home to mate and rear Ybs. Or they get a nest site and never go home because they're getting everything they need to fulfill natural instinct.

[KIDDON]

I think it is down to intelligence and determination some have what it takes others haven't, some pigeons are like some of there owners numpties