Next Step Releasing?

[Glen Walker]

I have released my young birds for a couple of days now. One stayed out overnight the first night but returned the next morning. So far I have only released them from their loft. I have a hard time getting them to leave. They want back in the loft shortly after releasing. Is it time to load them up and try releasing away from the loft? I was thinking about 1/2 a mile or so.
Thanks
Glen

[Joel]

Hi Glen,
You might want to slow down just a bit. Let your birds get well acquainted with their immediate surroundings before any tosses begin. The best way to do this is let them explore on there own. In a few weeks they will start to route (leave for a period of time before returning). When they begin routing you can start to train or sharpen the homing instinct. One thing you can do now is get them used to the training basket or cage. Basket them up and release them in your yard. I lost several good birds when i started because i couldnt wait to take them out. I hope this helps.

Joel

[Glen Walker]

Joel,
Unfortunatly I read your reply after I had already released my birds. Your right I am probably rushing things. The pair stayed out all night but returned the next day. I was relieved to get them back. I will take your advise and just let them wonder out on their own for a while. I also have three more young birds in the same pen. I figure they can venture out too if they like. Thanks for the tip.
Glen