New to Pigeons but thankful for the advice

[hollyo44]

Hello: I am new to this pigeon hobby-a "self-retired" racing pigeon adopted our family in the last few months, and he is now fed on corn and will need to be moved when we buy a house in a couple of weeks-he was injured (tore a claw off) last week, but luckily he is still eating and flying and is safe on our roof, for now. I will need to catch him and move him in a cage and then transfer him to a more permanent loft when we move. I am thinking of a starter loft, but have a few questions:

I think that he would be happier (although not necessarily safer) if he could fly during the day. Is this naive? I am hoping that if we make a predator-proof loft (plenty of advice on this website), would that be wise? I would not fly him for 5-6 weeks or so so that he could orient himself.

Will he be lonely without a girlfriend? He has a "wild one" now that shows up once in awhile. The local club could get me a couple of birds to start, I am sure.

Thanks for any advice that you might have.

Holly

[Charis]

It wouldn't surprise me if your bird has a nest and a mate near by. The reason I say that is because you said sometimes a wild pigeon shows up.
Do you see him around all day?

[ND Cooper]

Hi, H44! Pigeons are really something!, arn't They?
It's really great that you care about this pigeon!
Is it really a racer?, doe's it have a band on it's leg?
Are you sure that you really want to have pigeons, in your new place?
Have you checked out the NPA (National Pigeon Association)?
How about the the AU (American Racing Pigeon Union)?

[RoundAbout]

Holly, we got into pigeons later in life and have enjoyed them a lot. We have a loft in the backyard of a half acre yard and we let some of our pigeons out to fly regularly. They come back quickly for their breakfast after flying and rolling around in the sky. If you do let your pigeons fly, there is a way to train them which includes making sure that they will recognize your loft and know the area around it so they can return. I usually put the young birds out in a caged "porch" on the loft, so that they can get used to the sights. If you don't take the racer, or if you do, he'll need company and you might get some breed to raise for fun. We have Birmingham Rollers who are small and gentle and easy to keep healthy.