The old bird race season usually starts in late spring, and the first race is usually around 100 miles, and ends at a long race, commonly 500 miles or more. The old birds are the best flyers, being mature, experienced and well trained. Young birds are flown on a natural system, using hunger as an incentive, old birds have often flown by the widowhood system where birds have eggs or young. Either the hen or cock are flown widowhood. Not all fanciers fly the widowhood system, but most try to keep their flying methods a secret. Some flyers depend on the eye sign of a bird to determine if the pigeon is a good bird. The makeup of an old bird flying team should reflect a group of birds 2-5 years old. Over half of a race should be yearlings. Too many flyers stop flying birds at 5 years old, but in the opinion of many, that is too young to stop them racing.
It is so important to keep records of race results and any other important information such as the weather or events that might have affected the race. With these records to fall back on, you will start to get an idea as to the birds that are sprint birds and those birds that do well in the long races, 500-600 miles. This is not learned in one flying season, it is learned over time, and sometimes a particular strain may be famous for their ability to fly well in the long races and not so well in the short sprint races (100–300-mile races). Do not give up on a bird after the first year of flying, I strongly suggest you give it 3 years. Get your old birds out to 40-50 miles before the races start, with lots of free loft flying. In season training should include at least two long tosses, Tuesday thru Thursday 60 miles and a 20-mile toss on Friday before a Saturday race. Those flyers that are not raced on that Saturday should be trained out to 100 miles.
Racing pigeons is fun, but it is not cheap and requires a lot of your time to be a consistent winner.
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.
