“Don’t get too attached,” says Joseph LaQuiere, a 16-year-old youth ambassador for the American Racing Pigeon Union. In 2019, LaQuiere bought six pigeons on Craigslist. The next year, the first pigeon he entered in a race never made it back. Sometimes birds will join wild flocks, die on power lines or get lost in strong winds. You’ll never know for sure.
You can’t race pigeons just anywhere; the finish line must be their home, which they find using some combination of the sun, magnetic fields and an olfactory map of familiar smells. Make the birds want to return home by treating them with kindness, feeding them well and providing clean accommodations. Start training banded, vaccinated birds at around four to six weeks old. “The youngsters are pretty tame,” LaQuiere says. They will learn to fly by circling the loft. Once the birds are strong, take them half a mile away and release them. The general rule is to conduct two outings at each distance and then double that distance. Once the pigeons fly home from around 70 miles away, they’re ready to race several hundred miles. “Let them practice flying in most types of weather, excluding heavy rain, thunderstorms, snow and fog,” LaQuiere says.
Humans have been capitalizing on pigeons’ homing abilities for centuries; Genghis Khan used pigeons to relay commands across Asia and Eastern Europe. These days, the fastest fliers tend to be highly bred and pedigreed, like racehorses. In 2020, a female racing pigeon named New Kim sold for around $1.9 million at an auction in Belgium. Still, you don’t need to be wealthy to race. “A lot of pigeon people are willing to give you birds for free to get started,” says LaQuiere, who has bought several pedigreed birds, including progeny of a bird named Porsche 911, which he is now breeding.
Although they have a house in suburban Detroit, LaQuiere and his parents and four siblings have spent months traveling up and down the country, towing a trailer outfitted with a pigeon loft for his 30 birds. Until he can get back home to train birds himself, LaQuiere is focused on breeding racing birds. “My mom will say to me: ‘I haven’t seen you all day. Where have you been?’” LaQuiere says. “And I’m like, ‘Out with the pigeons.’”
Pam please tell Donnie these Hansennes do indeed have a lot of class. Large wings like I've never seen like maybe on a duck or owl. They have a lovely prance, and their Roman noses takes the cake. Love it! Keep up the good breeding Donnie.
Dear Don,
Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you. When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos. I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock. Have a good breeding season with your birds.
Received birds this morning here in Missouri. They are safe and both beautiful.
Beautiful female pigeon. Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture. I figured her picture wasn't the best pose. The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together. Thanks again they are gorgeous....
The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens. Thanks alot
Hello. I received the birds today they look great. Thank you very much.
The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her. She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus. Thanks so much!
Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today. Thanks again!
Hi Don, birds are adapting well. I like their presentaion & calmness. Looks like they will fit in with my birds. I see what you mean about the BB. We'll see how he produces. Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.
Regards
Jim
Halo! Just picked up bird from post office. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
