Back Yard Pigeons

[skagit]

Has anyone tried raising pigeons in their backyard for bird dog training?  It was nearly impossible to find pigeons this summer to train my dog and I hoping to get a few homing pigeons that I can get multiple training sessions out of. I am curious how they do during the winter and if you need a heat lamp or something?  Am I better to wait until spring to get started with pigeons?

Thanks,

[wildweeds]

Pigeons around here need nothing special.A dry draft free coop that is predator proof will get you more birds than you can shake a stick at.I started with 5 breeding pairs one year and by the end of summer had over 30 of their offspring that I was able to use for training.Disaster struck when coopers hawks and a weasel went on a killing spree,I lost 15 birds in one night to the weasel and the hawks picked em off one at a time.I free range mine,it's cheaper on the feed and makes for no chores,downside is the population goes up and down.If I locked them up I'd more than likely have 40 or more.

[skagit]

Thanks for the information!

[wildweeds]

I should have added that your coop needs to have good air flow venting wise,so the air is not stagnant.Kind of contradictory with "Drafty" and good airflow but look up some plans online and you'll get a good feel for what you need to build.

[Tyler_and_Henry]

I'd recommend Training The Versatile Hunting Dog by Chuck Johnson.
Good plans for pigeon coop in the back. Library should have it.