May 10, 2011 (Powerhomebiz.com) Homing pigeon care is an indispensable thing for people with fascination for pigeons. They follow pigeon rearing and consider it as an enjoyable activity. These interesting birds usually differ from those pigeons that we see at parks. They find their way home when released from hundreds of miles which is a curious thing. Scientists assume this ability of homing pigeons as inbuilt magnet located in their brain that draws or pulls them home.
Normally there are considerable differences between a homing pigeon and a wild pigeon. The basic dissimilarity is that a homing pigeon looks more muscular than a wild pigeon and normally has an identification band on its leg.
Raising homing pigeons:
Raising homing pigeons is an amusing activity that is thoroughly enjoyed by most people. There are no hard and fast rules for homing pigeons and there care can be easily managed.
When you decide to cage pigeons you need to follow simple things. For example you require a loft or a house with an indoor and outdoor area that comes in different sizes. It gives shelter to the pigeons from predators like dogs, cats, raccoons, opossums and hawks. You can select the appropriate size as per your requirement and number of pigeons. It can be sheltered with wires to avoid the pigeons from flying away. Provide a roost for the pigeons as they generally prefer to sit and sleep on something high.
Make use of small tubs or pans to supply adequate water for drinking and bathing and to keep the homing pigeons cool. If the water gets dirty or unfit for consumption, change it frequently and keep it clean.Normally food to the pigeons has to be provided twice a day where you can give rice, barley, peas, popcorn and pellets. These items are easily available at any grocery shop or pet care stores. Usually the food that you give to the homing pigeons has to be in raw form that is uncooked.
Sometimes, it is good to allow the pigeons to fly away. It helps them to stretch their wings to keep them active. At times, you may allow the homing pigeons to leave the cage. The pigeons normally do not fly away as they have a strong homing instinct and return soon to their home.
The most important thing that one must constantly practice is continuous cleanliness in the pigeon cage. The rest place or the cage is likely to get filled with fecal matter and spills of the homing pigeons, hence needs timely cleaning on a regular basis.
How to care for homing pigeons:
· A daily dose of revital tablets can be given to keep the homing pigeons fit and strong.
· Give vitamins and calcium daily
· In case you are developing the pigeons for race, you can mix a vitamin solution into pigeon’s drinking water and give it to them for three days prior to the race
· Give soaked grains for a week prior to the race
· Timely cleaning of pigeon’s feet has to be practiced by using a warm water solution containing Dettol
· Regular dose of antibiotics will help to improve the pigeon’s immune system
On the whole there are certain basics things that are to be considered for homing pigeon care. For example the pigeons must have dry surroundings. Moreover, it should be kept in mind that a male and female pigeon remain mated for life. They work together to build their nest when they decide to breed. Provide nesting materials like hay, straw, or pine needles. As soon as the nest is built, the female lays eggs. Both the partners incubate the eggs alternatively. This whole process is an integral part of homing pigeon care that can be easily managed. For pigeon enthusiasts it is an interesting hobby and they thoroughly enjoy it.
About the Author:
Clint White is a genius who writes interesting and thought provoking content on a variety of niches like pet care tips.To get a word of knowledge on how to take care of different kinds of pets see Pet Care. http://www.petcaregt.com