Just like athletes, racing pigeons can be trained as well. Here we will start with the basics you would do with your first young birds. Once your birds have settled down for a day or two in the new surroundings in a section allocated for them in your loft (the pigeon's home/cage/aviary), allow them to see the outside surroundings as soon as possible. Your young birds need to acclimatize and see their outside surroundings around the loft before they become too strong in the wing, as they may fly off in panic if startled, and not return to their home loft.
It is best if you are the one who trains the bird consistently so that they understand you are their provider, coach and master. Keep working on repetitions even when there are times you may feel frustrated. Both you and your young birds are learning. Here are some simple training tips to get you and your birds comfortable with each other and their surroundings as quickly as possible.
Training the bird to sit on your hand.
If you want your young bird to be able to sit on your hand, then, you better let it get used to the presence of your hand inside the cage or loft. In that way, it will not be a cause of stress or alarm to the bird. While inside the cage or loft, take time to pet your bird and talk to it until such time that it becomes comfortable going near your hand or climbing on it.
Training the Bird to Move to another Hand or Finger
As the bird gets used to sitting on your hand, you can now train it to move to your other hand or fingers. Remember to be careful in handling it. Avoid mishandling the bird, be patient and build trust with your birds. Likewise, it is important to teach your pigeons to go back on their perch. The best way to do it is by moving it close and giving the command like “up”.
Training the Bird to Go Back Inside their Loft
Racing pigeons love to fly. After all, it is their essence of being birds. Therefore, you must give your young pigeons the chance to fly around outside their loft and teach them how to go back inside. When assisting your young birds outside on the roof of their loft for the first time, it really helps if you put them through their landing trap from the inside a few times. This way you will assist in training their natural instinct to return to the safety of their own loft by the same entrance. Also get the young birds used to a command such as “come”, whilst shaking a small container of seeds to encourage them, and treat them with their favorite seeds on their return to the loft.
You can also initially get them used to being taken outside in a basket, for at least 5 to 10 minutes every day. This will lessen the stress and panic the young pigeons may feel about being moved outside of their loft environment.
Be consistent with your commands and actions. Don't let the birds get confused because of your inconsistency. Keep on repeating the command words and actions that you use, so the bird feel comfortable and familiar with the training routines.
Training your racing pigeons is not difficult, just be consistent and patient. And enjoy your birds and the sport!
