How To Train Racing Pigeons Pigeons have an uncanny homing instinct. In fact, they were used as mail carriers as far back as 5000 years ago. In the early 1800's, a sport has been developed using these magnificent creatures as racing animals. The pigeon's disposition to fly home even after long flights has made the sport a favorite hobby among pigeon lovers. Let the bird get used to the command "come" and always have a stick for your pet. If you will be training your bird outside of the cage, be sure to get it used to being taken outside or in a basket for at least 5 to 10 minutes every day. This will lessen the stress and panic it will feel about being transited outside of its comfort zone. It's a good start to keep the loft in a slightly elevated position. Placing the loft on a pair of stacked cinder blocks can definitely do the job. As for the height of elevation, 18"-25" off the ground should be good enough. This set-up allows air to circulate under the loft to keep it dry. The ability to return to its owner after traveling thousands of kilometers by flight is certainly an amazing quality especially for a bird. Let alone migratory birds fly the really long distances. But whenever pigeons lovingly return to the arms of their owners, the feeling of elation is just unavoidable. Once the right racing pigeons have been selected, then you have hurdled one stumbling block in becoming the leading fancier in your community. Now selecting the best means you are compelled to ensure that they are well-attended to. This means that raising and maintaining these birds and their lofts should be prioritized. If bowel diseases are present, the nutrients that are found in quality grains will be decreased, and not all of the energy and protein present will be maximized fully by the racing pigeon. A healthy mix of quality grains must also be prepared. Use at least eight different grains to achieve a good balance of protein.