What are the reasons for the low homing rate of racing pigeons?

Racing pigeons are different from meat pigeons. They are a type of pigeon bred specifically for racing competitions and are currently raised in many regions. They have good nest-recognition ability, but every year after the races, many racing pigeons fail to return home. So what are the reasons for the low homing rate of racing pigeons? Let's find out together.

1. Disturbed magnetic field at the loft

There are large mines near the loft, such as iron mines, which can affect the racing pigeons' magnetic field. We all know that the reason racing pigeons can accurately return to the nest is that they rely on the Earth's magnetic field for navigation. Once the magnetic field is disturbed, it is like a person going blind, so at this point wanting to return home is harder than reaching the sky. Therefore, the magnetic field near the loft must be stable and normal.

2. Improper feeding

Many people who raise racing pigeons do not give enough replenishment after the pigeons return to the nest, causing the pigeons to forage for food outside on their own. Over time, they no longer feel attached to the loft and develop the habit of intermittently not coming home. In addition, it is not advisable to feed them anything too complicated before a race. They may be raised very well normally, but improper feeding before a race will cause them not to return to the nest. Some people casually stuff some food into them before a race and also give them medication, all of which affect the pigeons' performance and, at worst, prevent them from returning home.

3. Giving medication after races

Many breeders encounter this situation: right after a race the pigeons are in relatively good shape with great promise, but later on they do not do well. This is because after each race, racing pigeons need a period of time for their bodies to recover in order to ensure good condition for the next race. If disease prevention measures are not taken properly after each race and the next race is rushed into, their physical condition will be relatively poor and they may not return to the nest.

4. Pigeons that have not been paired

Pigeons that have not been paired are also prone to getting lost. As long as the race course is relatively long, during the homing process the racing pigeon will encounter other pigeons, and the opportunity may be lost along with them. Avoiding the many pigeons encountered during a long race course has a certain impact on the racing pigeon's homing, so they must be paired at the right time. In addition, pigeons that are bullied in the loft are also prone to getting lost. Such pigeons must not be entered in long-distance races; once released for a long-distance race, the possibility of them returning is close to zero.

The above is an introduction to the reasons for the low homing rate of racing pigeons. We hope it helps you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.