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Lahore Homing Instinct

4.8K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  satinette tippler  
#1 ·
Wasn't sure if this question belonged here or in Pet Pigeons, so I'm risking that I've gone to the right place ... <grin>

This summer I added a pair of Lavender Lahore pigeons to my loft. They bred succesfully and I now have two young birds. Unfortunately I lost the mother hen to a Coopers Hawk, along with two pink Rollers. But, back to the Lahore's ...

Does anyone know if and/or how much homing instinct the Lahore's may have? These Lahore's that I have don't seem to be all that much bigger than my blue bar Homers, and they fly regularly and quite well. The other day there must have been a hawk trying to raid my birds or my neighbor's birds (mostly rollers). My male and the two young birds disappeared for two days and I thought them lost. But yesterday morning I was pleasently surprised to see the three on the landing board and wanting in for breakfast. So that, along with other thoughts, peaked my interest in whether or not the Lavender Lahore's had any sort of homing instinct. I think they must have some, since they did return after two days of hiding from that hawk. But the question is just how strong is their homing instinct, if they have any at all?

I'm tempted, but learily so, to start working my way out from home and giving them a toss or three and seeing whether or not they'll find home. Maybe start at only a couple of hundred yards or so away and working my way out. The worry, though, is that I like these birds and am not sure that I want to deliberately risk one on a whim.

Dave up here in Green Bay, WI
 
#2 ·
All pigeons have a homing instinct, that's why they return to their loft if let out to fly around. But the problem is that most show breeds don't have enough homing ability to actually find their way home from unfamiliar surroundings. lahores aren't known to have any more homing instinct than any other typical show breed. You could try it if you have extra birds, I don't think I would, I'm hesitant to toss any horseman. But hey. who knows what'll happen.
 
#4 ·
I had a frillback get out and dissapear for a day then shop up. I doubt it or your Lahores went too far however. When I was a teenager I had Russian Tumblers I used to fly regularly. I thought like you do with your lahores, and decided trying to see if they would come home. I took them to a local schoolyard only a few blocks away. I think there were about 6 of them. They went up and looked confused. I think 5 came home but it took them a day. One got lost though was later located and traced to me in the next county. I would enjoy them around your yard but not try to home them. BTW, Lavender Lahores are BEAUTIFUL! Love the color