This guide will show you how to train a pigeon to fly from your home and back.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure you have a carrier pigeon and / or a racing pigeon
The other types are for show and will not fly back from great distances.
Step 2. Build a house where the pigeon can enter
Step 3. Make sure that the house is equipped with a large opening in which the pigeon can fly
Space should be predator-proof; you should be able to lock up the birds for their safety.
Step 4. Leave the pigeon in this enclosed space without letting it out for about 4 weeks
Feed him substantial food at least twice a day (once in the morning and once before he falls asleep), but be careful not to overeat him.
Step 5. After about 4 weeks, take the pigeon out by pushing it out of the opening
Repeat this until you are able to do it yourself.
Step 6. Once the birds recognize the dwelling as their home, they will recognize it as a safety and shelter
Birds will be able to enter and leave the house continuously when you let them go.
Step 7. Some bird species, such as carrier pigeons or roller pigeons, can be let fly away, they will return after a few hours
Step 8. If you don't own a carrier and / or racing pigeon (if you have an expensive one for example), you can fly it to see it return
The next step only applies to racing pigeons.
Step 9. After about two weeks, the bird will have flown nearby and will know the surroundings
You can then take the bird and take it to a place miles away. Go north, south, east and west, and he will learn to come back from all directions. Repeat this a couple of times and then start drifting further and further away. Start by moving one kilometer from home and then increase from time to time. Carrier pigeons are able to return from considerable distances, even from 80 km, although some birds with extraordinary talents are able to return from greater distances. A racing carrier pigeon will return home for hundreds of kilometers.
Warnings
- Letting your pigeon fly too soon will mean letting it fly away never to see it come back. Make sure you leave the bird in the attic for at least 4 weeks.
- Be prepared for a long-term commitment to the pigeon, as it will be back for several months or even years.
- Older or more experienced carrier pigeons may not be suitable for this training. They may have already been trained to return to another attic. This means that no matter how long you keep them or how you treat them, they will always try to return to their old home (even if it's tens of miles away)!
- Be careful not to injure any animals during this workout.
- Many animals are carriers of disease, so when you come in contact with them wear protective clothing that you will wash afterwards.
- Artificially changing the behavior of animals will cause them suffering.
