Who Wants to be a Pigeon Racer?

So you've become interested in racing pigeons.

Whatever the reason - you've always had a fascination with their innate homing abilities and incredible speed.  Or perhaps a friend or family racer races.  Or, you've driven by a loft and thought it looked neat.  Or could it be you heard of Mike Tyson's upcoming reality show on racing pigeons.


However you heard about it, your interest is piqued and you want to learn more.  Before you go nuts and starting building a loft ask yourself - am I the right kind of person for this?  What do I need to do?  How can I find out more information?  What are the benefits?

 

What Kind of Person Does it Take?


It helps if you like birds, especially pigeons, since that's the only bird that is raced in Pigeon Racing.  (In case you are wondering, it is one particular species - the Racing Homer (Columba livia).)


Most pigeon racers are pretty competitive.  It also takes some dedication, and hard work.  A positive attitude helps too - you can't be a poor sport, because odds are if you are new, you won't win right away.

Most importantly, you must like to keep pets and be a pretty responsible person - its going to take some work, but the rewards are going to be great.

What are the Benefits?



One of the common responses to this question is - seeing your hard work pay off. When you do start winning some races, the fact that something you raised, feed, cared for and trained has won, is a feeling of great satisfaction.


Meet new people - some if not all clubs have a clubhouse for socializing and there are events held around the country that you can travel to.


Teach responsibility, learn breeding techniques, how to care for animals. If you are a parent looking for an activity that would provide your child with some or all of those opportunities, it can be a great sport for the entire family to enjoy.


Research, Research, Research
Look more into the sport to know what to expect.

CRPU Website
American Racing Pigeon Union Website
Ad Schaerlaeckens
Racing Pigeon Digest
Racing Pigeon Mall


Check out the sidebar for some other informative links.
Ok, I'm still interested, how do I start?Still interested?  Phone Monik at the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union Head office 1-866-652-5704.  She's really nice and will be happy to answer all your questions!






Coming Soon - How to join the CU and a Pigeon Racing Club.