Gun Dog Forum

Searched a bit and read even more.... Looking for more info and links on raising pigeons (probably homers) for bird dog training. Trying to convince myself to go for it. Would appreciate any links info you may have, perhaps I have not seen some of em. One particular question I do have that I have not found a solid answer to is, How far away from the coop is the max I will be able to train with the birds and expect them to return home?

Thanks in advance.

We fly them up to 600 miles. Tell us what questions you have and we will be happy to teach yhatever we can. Just need to know what you want to know.

Ezzy

Thank you for your open offer.

I think I will just start by sharing what I would like to accomplish and see what questions arrise from there (sure there will be plenty). I am trying to create a system so I have birds to train with on a regular basis, without constantly buying or acquiring them elsewhere. Hense I thought Homer Pigeons...

I live on the edge of Phoenix, about a mile or so from where it becomes more desertous. I train my pup "Copper" at a very large park with fields surrouunding it that is about 4 miles away. I have managed to acquire birds and keep them in a coop for a limited amount of time but of course, once I train with them a few times they are typically set free/die/etc.. I would like to convert this coop (4' x 4' x 4') into a home for about 6+ homers and use them at the park with the expectation they will return back to the city and find their way home for our next training session. Is this reasonable? What issues may arise if I go to the pet supply pick up a few young homers and aquaint them with their new "home" then take them out and train and relase them? Any suggestions to make this a successfull process is appreciated.

Check out this link. It might help
http://www.spanieljournal.com/wingtips10.html

Mike