Breaking pigeons to a new loft

As most of you will know, we have found a buyer for our property in frogland, and will be moving back to the UK on or before the end of October.

My question is:-

How do you break pigeons to a new loft?

Bear in mind guys, it will not be possible for me to come back here to pick up any that might have decided to come back to their loft in France!

Are there any tricks that one can use to stop them going 'bugger off'? Or should I be reconciling myself to the fact that, whatever I take back to England, will NOT be able to fly out?

I am trusting that I might be able to get the birds bred this year and last, down on eggs, even if I have no intention of keeping the young birds they breed, just to give them a reason not to fly away!

Any advice would be most welcome.

Phil

blueskylofts wrote:

As most of you will know, we have found a buyer for our property in frogland, and will be moving back to the UK on or before the end of October.  

My question is:-

How do you break pigeons to a new loft?

Bear in mind guys, it will not be possible for me to come back here to pick up any that might have decided to come back to their loft in France!

Are there any tricks that one can use to stop them going 'bugger off'?  Or should I be reconciling myself to the fact that, whatever I take back to England, will NOT be able to fly out?

I am trusting that I might be able to get the birds bred this year and last, down on eggs, even if I have no intention of keeping the young birds they breed, just to give them a reason not to fly away!

Any advice would be most welcome.

Phil

No good asking me Phil Never have I had to do it etc . Problem you have   when stuck on the one little plot   for 45 odd years & I'm planning on being here also for another 45 odd years.

I'd get at least half dozen cut down fantails settled to new loft first of all, going in and out without probs (but not in winter the hawks will have them). This way you'll always have pigeons around to help settle new ones.
I'd have a large as possible aviary, even if it was temporary on the front of the new loft to get the racers outside and see their new surroundings.
Then another temporary stand alone aviary as far as garden allows opposite the main loft. If it's during winter and you have pigeons split, put hens in garden aviary one day and cocks the next, they'll see each other and call to each other and get to see the front of the loft. You might do this for weeks or months depending when you move.
It's a fair bit work but like you say you cant go fetch them.
When you pair and they're sitting I would try the hens out with the fantails late as possible in afternoon before the hens swap nest with cocks, but I'd wait till they were sitting at least 14 days. The hens should be only thinking about covering their eggs at that time. You always got the fantails to flit about if any strike up. Have them hungry too.
The hens should be keen at 14 days and hopefully you keep hold of them, but maybe yearlings not so keen.
I wouldn't try cocks out till they are driving the newly settled hens and you're confident these hens are happy with the local surroundings, so after they rear YB's or go onto second nest. But not out all together just a couple pair at a time, always with the fantails ready.
Not many hens leave a nest of eggs nearing hatching and not many cocks let their hen out of sight when driving.

Thanks Barnie. Sounds like really thought-out information. I will certainly bear everything you have said in mind when the time comes to move.

Cheers
Phil

sorry guys cant be of any help here I am afraid ...never had to do it

I have had to do it with 6 pigeons this year i got 5 to stay but 2 where 6 year olds i thought i would never get them to stay. I put a metal cage on the front of the trap so they can come in and out as they please for a week. Then i dont give them food for 36 hours then let them out and hope for the best It has worked good for me. Hope it turns out well for you phil when you move back

Think I mentioned it before. Moved mine quite often years ago. Could not take the loft but did take the nest boxes. Was enough to break just about all of them. 500 milers also. If you cannot take the nest boxes try to build some the same as what they are used to. I am sure you will settle most of them. JMO.