Beginner's Guide to Keeping Pigeons Australia | Pigeon Tips, Training & Care
Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
"Whether you're a complete beginner or returning to pigeons after many years away, this guide will help you understand the basics of keeping healthy, happy homing pigeons and preparing them for competition."
Why Keep Pigeons?
Pigeons offer:
- Friendship and community
- A fascinating hobby
- Incredible navigation ability
- Competition opportunities
- Family participation
- Education and history
Many fanciers describe pigeons as "the hobby that becomes a way of life."
Ring Identification Explained
One of the first questions beginners ask is:
"What do all the numbers on the ring mean?"
Example:
AUST 26 12345 0452538115
This generally identifies:
- AUST = Country or issuing organisation
- 26 = Year of hatch (2026)
- 12345 = Unique identification number
- 0452538115 = contact phone number for either the owner or club contact
The ring is the pigeon's lifelong identity.
It allows:
- ownership identification,
- age verification,
- pedigree recording,
- competition entry.
Never remove a seamless ring.
Choosing Your First Pigeons
For beginners:
✓ Obtain birds from a reputable flyer.
✓ Start with 6 to 10 youngsters.
✓ Avoid buying large numbers.
✓ Seek healthy birds rather than famous pedigrees.
Good pigeons from good lofts make learning easier.
Housing and Loft Design
The loft is the foundation of success.
The Ideal Loft
It should provide:
✓ Dry conditions
✓ Fresh air
✓ Plenty of sunlight
✓ Protection from predators
✓ Easy cleaning
✓ Adequate space
Beginner Recommendation
6 to 10 pigeons:
Approximately:
2.5 m × 2.0 m loft
with:
- wire front aviary,
- removable perches,
- good ventilation.
Avoid overcrowding.
Overcrowding causes more problems than almost anything else.
Feeding Your Pigeons
Good feed equals good health.
Most Australian mixtures include:
🌽 Maize
🌾 Wheat
🌱 Peas
🌻 Safflower
🌿 Milo
🫘 Various legumes
Feeding Beginners
Morning:
Light feed
Evening:
Main feed
Fresh water daily.
Provide:
✓ grit
✓ minerals
✓ calcium sources.
Breeding Basics
Only breed from healthy pigeons.
Most fanciers use:
One cock
One hen
Nest bowls
Separate breeding sections.
Allow pairs to bond naturally.
Record parentage (keep good records)
Weaning Youngsters
Youngsters are usually weaned around:
Approx. 28 days of age
Teach them:
✓ where feed is provided,
✓ how to drink,
✓ loft routine,
✓ trapping through the entrance.
Patience during weaning pays dividends later.
Training around the Loft
Before road training:
Youngsters must:
✓ confidently trap,
✓ circle the loft,
✓ exercise freely,
✓ respond to feeding calls.
Do not rush.
Some lofts allow:
2 to 4 weeks of loft flying.
Road Training
Start small.
Typical progression:
1 km
5 km
10 km
20 km
40 km
80 km
Then federation or club tosses (tossing is where you basket pigeons and take them up the road to fly home)
Only progress when birds return confidently.
Illness and Health
Healthy pigeons are:
✓ alert,
✓ bright-eyed,
✓ active,
✓ clean-feathered,
✓ eager to fly.
Warning signs include:
❌ sitting puffed up,
❌ green droppings,
❌ weight loss,
❌ breathing difficulties,
❌ reluctance to exercise.
If illness occurs:
Seek experienced advice promptly.
Avoid unnecessary medication.
Good loft management prevents many problems.
Keeping Records
Successful lofts keep records.
Record:
✓ breeding details,
✓ ring numbers,
✓ race performances,
✓ treatments,
✓ pairings,
✓ observations.
Good records improve decision making.
Immediate Race Winning Tips
Advice from a Current Successful Competitor
There are no magic systems.
However, consistent winners tend to follow similar principles.
- Health Before Form
If pigeons are not healthy:
Nothing else matters.
Do not basket birds simply because they are entered.
- Keep It Simple
Many beginners lose races by constantly changing systems.
Successful competitors:
✓ establish routines,
✓ maintain consistency,
✓ avoid panic.
- Basket Only Keen Birds
The pigeons should tell you.
Look for birds that:
✓ exercise strongly,
✓ trap quickly,
✓ appear mentally bright,
✓ show enthusiasm.
- Don't Overtrain
More training does not always mean better results.
Fresh pigeons often outperform tired pigeons.
- Feed for the Race Ahead
Short races:
Lighter mixtures.
Longer races:
Higher energy mixtures.
Match nutrition to the challenge.
- Observe Your Birds
The best flyers become students of their pigeons.
They notice:
- feather quality,
- droppings,
- exercise behaviour,
- attitude,
- appetite.
The pigeons often tell you exactly how they feel.
- Be Patient
Most successful lofts are built over years, not weeks.
Learn from every season.
Improve a little each year.
Enjoy the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pigeons difficult to keep?
No. With proper housing and routine they are relatively easy to manage.
Can children become involved?
Absolutely. Pigeons have introduced generations of young Australians to animal care and responsibility.
Are pigeons cruelly treated?
Responsible pigeon keepers prioritise welfare, health and good loft management. Modern homing competitions continue to evolve in response to community expectations.
How many pigeons should I start with?
6 to10 youngsters is ideal.
Do I need expensive pigeons?
No. Good management often beats expensive pedigrees.
Final Thoughts
Homing pigeons have been part of Australian life for generations. They have served in wartime, connected communities, inspired competition and created lifelong friendships.
Whether your goal is to enjoy their company in the backyard or stand at the top of the result sheet, remember:
The secret isn't finding the perfect system. It's caring for your pigeons, observing them closely, learning continuously and enjoying the remarkable partnership between bird and fancier.
Further Information
Visit the Australian Pigeon Council and Australian Pigeon Centre websites for additional articles, resources, club contacts and educational material designed to help both newcomers and experienced pigeon enthusiasts alike.
“Participation is the Key”.
For more information visit the Australian Pigeon Centre