Only enter your homing pigeon in the race if you feel it is fully prepared. You can run through the different races by checking the schedules online. Start with a small race and then move on to a higher level. This will enhance your pigeon's flight time. Overall, homing pigeon racing doesn't only develop the bird's innate ability but test your patience as the trainer. How To Avoid Racing Pigeon Sickness Birds are indeed great animals to keep as pets. They are wonderful to have around and are often a cause of joy to the entire family. Racing pigeons also count as one of the best pets to keep at home. And because they are a source of joy, you must ensure that you pay attention to their health concerns. The sport itself involves releasing a group of especially trained racing pigeons. They cover either short or long distance racing. After which, they are able to return to their homes. The race includes covering a measured distance. The basis for the winning pigeon is the time spent by the animal in covering the specified distance along with the rate of travel. Take account of these three key features in both the male and the female and the probability of producing quality stock should increase. 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). 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. In fact, both of them are treated to be symbols of peace and love. Like athletes, these birds are molded to compete. That is why, they are trained to become racing pigeons. Like any other creature, pigeons also have that sense of wanting to belong. The bird can't stand being away from its habitat. In cases when there is a loft assigned to it since its young age, it will always come back no matter what happens.