questions

[grazktr]

Hello all,
I am just getting started raising pigeons and have just a few ? to ask. I will be getting some white homers soon and have been doing some research online to try and educate my self before I get my birds.
As I look at the different supply companies and the materials that have there are some things that I am not sure If I will need. First are the dummy eggs to prevent the hens from laying too much if so how long do I leave them in the nest ?

Will my loft need a floor warmer or is this just an option ?

what type of meds will I need to have on hand ?

The birds I will be getting is some young birds and have not been trained to any loft....How long will have to keep them before I start trying to train them to my loft. I do not know how old they are .


grazktr

[AZWhitefeather]

Originally Posted by grazktr

Hello all,
I am just getting started raising pigeons and have just a few ? to ask. I will be getting some white homers soon and have been doing some research online to try and educate my self before I get my birds.
As I look at the different supply companies and the materials that have there are some things that I am not sure If I will need. First are the dummy eggs to prevent the hens from laying too much if so how long do I leave them in the nest ?

Will my loft need a floor warmer or is this just an option ?

what type of meds will I need to have on hand ?

The birds I will be getting is some young birds and have not been trained to any loft....How long will have to keep them before I start trying to train them to my loft. I do not know how old they are .


grazktr

It's great to see you are doing your 'homework' prior to acquiring your pigeons.

I'm thinking your thread may be better addressed if moved to the racing section in the 'Pigeon for Sport' forum. This section is specifically designed to address questions regarding the care of pigeons as well as issues with lofts, training, etc.

I will go a head & move your thread so our show/racing members versed in this area can begin addressing your questions.

I wish you the best of luck in your new venture.
Pigeons are wondrous birds!

Cindy

[grazktr]

Thank you very much Cindy for your reply and your help moving my questions to the right place as I am very new to this forum and do not know all the end and outs .

[AZWhitefeather]

You are most welcome. I wanted to make sure you read my post before I moved it.
Even though your thread is being moved, please feel free to utilize all the forums. If you have any other questions or concerns, by all means please post them.

Again welcome.

Cindy

[Pogohawk]

First off I would say you should be just fine without fake eggs. Due to the fact that you are getting young birds egg laying shouldn't be too big of a problem. In the event of eggs being layed I would normally just through them out if they are unwanted. second heated floor is not neccesery. Although I'm sure the birds would enjoy it. I live at 9,000 ft. and in the winter we get plenty of snow and my birds do just fine without heat. You should try and keep the loft as dry and clean as possible. Third, meds. This is a huge question as there are thousands of opinions on this. Some people don't medicate at all. Some do. If you are looking to medicate your birds I would focus on the more promenent deseases. Canker, Cocci, worms. Just about any med should do for these. Make sure you get the right med for these problems. Other than that you should be well on your way. Email me if you have any questions. Good luck!!!!

[Pigeonpal2002]

Originally Posted by grazktr

First are the dummy eggs to prevent the hens from laying too much if so how long do I leave them in the nest ?




grazktr

Yes, this is correct. You really should have dummy eggs on hand, for later on down the road. If you're not intending to breed them much or often, this allows the hen to complete her entire brooding cycle before laying more eggs. The contant egg laying will have a negative impact on her calcium reserves and could cause bone problems or becoming egg bound which is very serious and can be life threatening. You would replace the eggs after the second one is layed with dummies and allow her to sit on them for approx. 20 days or until she abandons them herself. If you just throw the eggs away, a healthy pigeon will lay another set in a week or so.

As for medications on hand, a responsible person should try to prevent diseases or illnesses first. By keeping a clean, dry pen/loft, providing a healthy diet of good quality seeds and fresh clean water daily - THIS goes a long way. However, you should have some things on hand anyways. You should have a medicine for canker, worms, coccidia and something for lice and mites. There are many products to choose from from the various pigeon houses. Other members can make some suggestions for you if you need help deciding which to get or offer their experience which they find best.

[grazktr]

Thanks to all of you for your advice. I think things will work out ok. I will try to keep a good stock of birds by doing what you all suggest.