Do not neglect the natural environment. Many fanciers are convinced that their breeding birds should live as close to the natural environment as possible in order to have strong and healthy young birds in the nest bowls.
The expression, close to nature, is in fact not very useful here: the racing pigeon as we know it is far removed from the pigeon that we find in nature. Our racing pigeons are fully fledged, well nourished and well looked after domestic animals. Wild pigeons such as the wood pigeon or the collared dove will not breed during the winter, just like any other European bird. Birds that live in the wild cannot breed because of a lack of nutrition. They can find just enough food to stay alive, without the complication of breeding youngsters.
A Dutch proverb says that every bird lays an egg in May (in mei legt elke vogel een ei). Still, pigeon fanciers falsely believe that the winter breed is a natural process for their pigeons. The opposite is true: breeding in winter is in fact against their nature. There is a food shortage in the winter months and due to the shorter days a wild pigeon does not show any breeding activity. However, a racing pigeon has been a domestic animal for decades and a fancier can give it a helping hand to get through the winter.
You have to stimulate your pigeons to make sure that they will breed or reproduce in winter. The length of the day and the outside temperature, greatly influence the sexual activity of a bird. A healthy and well fed pigeon is usually less influenced by these factors when it comes to breeding. Still it is very important to monitor the temperature in your loft and to lighten your pigeons from time to time if you want to have a successful breeding period in winter.
As a fancier you can gradually increase the breeding activity of your pigeons in November by exposing your separated pigeons to artificial light for about twelve to fifteen hours. You can monitor the lighting yourself and control it with an automatic clock that is pre-programmed. In a normal situation the sex organs of the pigeons and birds in general are inactive by the end of November. The testicles and the ovary are much smaller then compared to their normal size in the summer months. This is a normal and natural phenomenon. By lightening your separated breeding pigeons in the darkest days of the year, you stimulate one of the bird’s optic nerves. This nerve in turn stimulates a small yet important gland that is located below the brain: the hypophysis.
This gland is the main hormone producing gland in the body. If a light beam reaches the retina, the light is converted into electric signals. These signals are sent to the lower part of the brain, where the visual cortex and the hypothalamanus is situated. These two sections of the brain sit near the hypophysis. This is where the electric signals are converted into a chemical stimulus, which in turn triggers the production of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
This takes place in the hypophysis. This gland reaches the ovary and the testicles through the body’s bloodstream. The FSH makes the hen’s ovum grow and develop and it increases the level of female hormone. The FSH also triggers sperm maturation in the male pigeon and it increases the level of male hormone in its blood. This process is fairly complicated and it usually does not occur in winter. However, it is possible to initiate this physiological process in an artificial way.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.
