Pigeons are the earliest known birds to be tamed and kept as pets. Early Egyptians kept them, perhaps even used them in some sort of racing. They were used early on in modern society as the popular carrier pigeons, used during wars to transfer data and orders across enemy lines. As the military developed new and more sophisticated methods of data transfer the carrier pigeon was put out to pasture. As early as the 19th century Pigeon Racing was an organized event and hobbyists began sprouting up all over the world. Today anyone can join many of the organized pigeon races across the country and even the world to compete for big money prizes. Who knew a little bird could bring someone such big bucks!
Trainers, called fanciers, work with numerous pigeons and train them according to standard practices and select 'secretive' methods developed through learned techniques or passed down from earlier generations. Many fanciers hold on to their trade secrets like CIA documents.
Most fanciers will begin training their pigeons when they are very young, usually around 23 days old. Young pigeons will be allowed to wander out in to a controlled environment and are constantly studying the environment to find their way back to their loft (home). After awhile they will fly out, sometimes for as much as two hours, then return to their lofts. Fanciers will begin taking them to different locales and releasing them to see how quickly they make it back to their home. This is the basic foundation of pigeon racing. The pigeon to make it back to their loft the quickest is the winner!
If you have ever been fascinated with birds the pigeon probably wasn't high on your radar for pets, but not only can they make great pets but a nice income as well. High quality bloodlines can fetch a handsome price on the market, and if you win one race you will pay for your investment many times over. Pigeon racing is a great family hobby to get involved with as well. Kids love pets and helping train these birds for competition can bring a new opportunity for bonding to a family.
We have only touched on the basics of Pigeon Racing here, but you can get more great information including advanced training tips, cool videos, and a guide to get your own Pigeon Racing business airborne.
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