Should there be 1,000 mile races?

[Kal-El]

What do you guys/gals think of the possibility of having a special 1,000+ mile old bird futurity season? It seems in the United States, the maximum distance old bird races is 600 miles. I know that's the case in the Federation I compete in. Logistically speaking, is this idea possible? If so, who would be interested a futurity race like this?

[Alamo]

NO !!!!.........As much as I like long distance racing,I think anything over 700 miles is cruel and unjust,and it just doesn`t prove a thing...Any of my long distance pigeons can home from 1,000 miles or more...But if it`s going to take a week or more,because of the lack of feed/water intake,and rest,it is not a race..It`s just plain punishment !! How would you like it if they took you 100 miles from your home,and let you walk home,as fast as you can,and YOUR NOT ALLOWED to eat at any restraunts etc,and sleep in any hotels etc?? And you not allowed any money to purchase ANYTHING to EAT !!! Have a nice walk,and I bet you can`t do it !!!........Alamo

[Kevin]

Yeah, I think that would be a little too much for the birds.

[Birdman79]

I agree it's too much.

[Crazy Pete]

I think as long as its not done in the heat of the somer there should not be a problem. Fabry, trenton, sion, and a few others are bred for such races. how many times have you had a bird come home with muddy feet, they don't pay for water, and they will set down in a field and eat.
I wouldn't put my Houbens or any other sprinter in that kind of race, as that would just be wrong.
Dave

[bbcdon]

I think it is up to the individual, but me personally, I could not do it. They would have to not only rely on their homing instincts, but also on their instincts to stay alive. I, as probably everyone else on this forum pampers their birds, as they are given good feed, clean water, a nice shelter to live in, vitamins, and meds when they are ill, but to have to forage for feed and water like feral pigeons just to stay alive to make it home is too much for me to deal with. But, like I said, it is up to the individual, so please remember that I do not mean to offend anyone.

[MaryOfExeter]

YES. I think we should have the option of having at least one extreme long distance race in the US. Preferably in the spring or fall when it isn't so hot or cold, and if they picked the best week weather-wise to have it. If I had the birds that could handle it, I would enter.

Also, I believe pigeons are smart enough to stop for food and water when they are hungry or thirsty. And of course they are going to stop each night to sleep.

[Alamo]

Pigeons are smart,but finding food,and GOOD water to drink for,I don`t know how many days it would take to get home....Put your self in their place...NO MC Donald`s,Wendys,KFC etc...No Hotels to sleep in...No money to buy anything...I have been in the Marines....They put us on an island,with only a knife,and one canteen of water...They gave us a compass,and said get to this location within 5 days....Well folks,you wound`nt want to be in my place that week,and God forbid that would have been in War times....You are not being realistic here...I don`t care if you had this so called race in March,when it is cool/cold.....The closest thing for animals that I can compare this 1,000 mile so called race is the ITENEROD in Alaska..BUT,at least,the dogs have MAN there to feed,doctor and make a nice rest bed for the dogs...Who`s going to feed..water...and give a perch for them to rest on,out of the night when other creatures are looking for food as the birds sleep ????........Alamo

[Lovebirds]

No.......but I'm too tired to explain why..........maybe tomorrow.

[Charis]

A 1000 mile race is just CRAZY! I find it somewhat worrisome that you even questioned it.

[SmithFamilyLoft]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

What do you guys/gals think of the possibility of having a special 1,000+ mile old bird futurity season? It seems in the United States, the maximum distance old bird races is 600 miles. I know that's the case in the Federation I compete in. Logistically speaking, is this idea possible? If so, who would be interested a futurity race like this?

Interesting question, but I think my opinion is irrelevant. The longest race I send my birds to is 400 miles. But I doubt that any 1,000 Mile Futurity type race will happen. Consider why these types of events, have ceased to exist in the first place....

I question who would want to gamble losing their 500 and 600 mile champs, in a 1,000 Mile Race ? The task requires a breed that for all intensive purposes, may no longer exist. I always suspected these races required a good old fashioned "Homing Pigeon" who has survival skills. Maybe the kind of bird who in a 100 mile race, he comes home at 5PM, in a 200 mile race, he comes home at 5PM, in a 500 mile race, he is home at 5PM, after stopping at Mrs. Jone's bird bath and feeder down the street.

[Kal-El]

I just tossed the idea out because in researching about pigeon racing, I've read that many European fanciers pride themselves in breeding and racing pigeons for extreme distances. I think the idea is fascinating, but that's just my take.

[george simon]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

I just tossed the idea out because in researching about pigeon racing, I've read that many European fanciers pride themselves in breeding and racing pigeons for extreme distances. I think the idea is fascinating, but that's just my take.

HI KAL-EL, You must keep in mind that when European's race it is kilometers that they use, and 100km is only 60 of our miles so a 1000 km race in Europe is realy only 600 miles.There was a time that they in Europe raced twice a week 100 km = 60 miles which for most of us here in the USA is just a traing toss. Think about itGEORGE

[RodSD]

I wont do it. If a bird can't come home in one day, it is too much for me. Very few birds actually make it in those extreme long distances.

[Alamo]

My birds(6),and probally 1,200 or more birds from five states were liberated @ 6:30 am from St Louis,Mo....There is a N to NE wind on the course,so our combine probally will not get any day birds...Only the Ohio lofts will get some...NY birds,MD,Pa,WV will not make it home today...Unless the wind changes course,or stops all together...I don`t think any harm will come to my pigeons,or anyone else`s birds,if they were PROPERLY prepared for this race...This IS pigeon racing...2 days at the most to get home...Not a week or more !!!........Wish me luck !! I might need some !! .........Alamo