how do we know

[cateyes]

Hello

I had an offer for 150 for a pair of white homing pigeons, the breeder said his usual price is 200 per chick but is giving me a deal since i am a newbe, i was just wondering how can we tell if this person is legit? i mean should i ask for pedagrees? he states that his birds are good quality and have won at races. How can you prvent yourself from being "ripped" off?

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Hello Cateyes,

Same way as anything else. Are you an expert in used cars ? No, you say ? Then what would you do ? You take an expert with you, when you go to buy that car.

Are you an expert in pigeons ? Then take a trusted expert with you to shop for the birds. Don't have an expert ? Perhaps you should either buy from a well known, reliable breeder, or simply buy them at an auction.

http://www.racingpigeonauction.com/A...AuctionPro.asp

Plenty of white homers out there for a song and a dance. If he was really interested in helping a newbee out, he would give them to you for a song.

I don't know who or what was being offered. My guess is a healthy pair of $25 or $50 birds, would be just as fun to own.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

PS.

Don't be afraid to slow down....and take some time to research your choices. Do you have a loft yet ? Have you read any books on the caring of pigeons ? Have you sought out some local fanciers ? Found a club ?

Take a pet dog for example. Many people will run out and purchase a Great Dane, without considering that cute puppy will grow into a small horse. They may not have considered that a 3rd floor apartment was less then ideal !

There are many things to consider, and much to think about. Almost the very last thing you do, is pick up a pair of pigeons. Do your homework first. Be a responsible pet owner.

[Giuseppe]

For someone who is just starting out why would you want to spend that kind of money on a pair of white homers. You can buy them on the web for $25 each or at an action for $5 each. Dont do it. Try this site

Fancy Pigeons

[cateyes]

PS.

Don't be afraid to slow down....and take some time to research your choices. Do you have a loft yet ?

i do not have an actual loft built yet however i do have a 2ft by 2ft cage i am hoping that would be enough for a single pair? i would let them fly around during the day of course and keep them in their at night. My parents also have a lot of land and they own a KAOs that would be an amazing loft and its not being used at all yet. SO i was thinking about using that (as long as its ok with them LOL) IF i plan on having more then 2 pigeons in the future. If i am not able to use that i have a few other options i can do such as build my own loft, or get a shed and make my own loft, or hire someone to build a loft for me. But i did not want to get a huge loft just yet until i get more birds AT least.
Have you read any books on the caring of pigeons ?
actually just the other i purchased a great book on raising and caring for pigeons
Have you sought out some local fanciers ?
yes i have viisted a few local fanciers (2 exactly) one of them has a long faced rollar hen no cock to go with it but he told me that the breed is difficult to breed.

The other carries homers but does not have anything id be interested ( i do not want adults because i want to fly my birds.


Found a club ?
yes i have found the canadian fanciers assocation and the eastern ontario combine (for shows and races)


I also have a friend of mine who raises pigeons HOWEVEr his are crossed and i would rather raise a pure strain of a specific breed then mixing them.

I hOPE im on the right track!

[cateyes]

and for predator control land based predators are NON existant due to my dog (large german shepherd male) ever since hes been here no fox no racccoon skunk snake or feral or domestic cat has come ANYWHERE NEAR our house. and hes been here for awhile so most animals know of his existant and i think they just avoid the property. I am concerned however about areal predators, HOWEVER the only HAWK i have ever seen here are red tails as i am fairly close to the city and ive heard they do not attack pigeons? i have never seen a falcon or coopers hawk here and our land is sourrounded by a residential area (when you get past fields) its very open so im hoping a hawk would not be able to sneak up on the birds? i also planned on putting out a bird feeder to attract and feed crows around the area hopefully keep them around as REG customers. Anyways im hoping im on the right track!

[re lee]

On a racing homer unless you can see the wins on records and how it has placed and flown. You do not really know how good it is for racing. But it may be good for loft flying. A pedigreed if detailed shows linage and how the different parent lines flew and placed. I have had ped, on birds that went back over 50 years. But the bird in hand is what really counts. how its doing relating to the family line. Befor you pay much for a bird. check its back ground. And then you will know if you are getting a deal. Theres alot of 2 dollar birds that are better then some of those high dollar birds that just carry a piece of paper.

[whitesnmore]

Cateyes,
Welcome to our forum. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in here. You will be hard pressed to find a PURE bred pigeon. They just dont exist. However, you can find a specific bloodline more concentrated that you may prefer over another. I personally like the Janssen blood but cross it with other bloodlines to achieve the "perfect" bird I am looking for. This is part of the fun in raising pigeons is that you can "play" with the genes and get some pretty neat coloring if you are not looking for just a superior racer. Good luck in your search.
Ken

[upcd]

That sounds crazy to me. Here in the USA Birds run $5.00 up and avg. $20.00 ea. If it's super who knews. Your racer friends are here to help. I see you ask good questions. I think when you get birds you'll do good.

Debbie