This is because of the birds' natural instinct to look healthy even if they're not. The only way to find out that a racing pigeon is already weak is by holding it with your hands. You'll notice right away that the pigeon is now as light as a feather. This is caused by bio-organisms and bacteria that gradually stress out the pigeon, making them lose their appetite when eating. You may have heard of the so called "Pigeon Posts" which were of course established across the globe mainly for military purposes. Some are still in service today though. A Quick Look at Pigeon Racing In this sport race, there is a single starting gate where the birds bred specifically for this are to start off. Depending on the kind of race, the birds should return to their lofts or home and are clocked in. Clocking in is done by the removal of a number rubber band that is commonly attached to their legs and then putting it on a special clock. Therefore, the exact time of arrival is recorded. Prior to the race, the distance between the starting point and the home has already been measured. Actually, the family is divided into the granivourous species or those that are known as the seed-eating members, and the frugivorous species or those that feed on fruits. But of course, the pet pigeons can be introduced to a much well-rounded nutrition that is composed of pork or beef fat, fruits, seeds, meal worms, and egg shells. And because they are a source of joy, you must ensure that you pay attention to their health concerns. Illnesses must be given due notice before a simple symptom develops into a bigger problem. What are the things you must do to be sure that everything is going smoothly with your racing pigeon's life? To help you in the assessment, let's have a breakdown of these three key features: The Physical (gait, feather, wing) The physiology (fitness parameters). Psychology (attitude and competitiveness). The best fanciers also realize that the race basket is the best determinant of a pigeon's racing qualities.