The Pigeon Loft
Pigeons are kept in pigeon lofts. Chickens are kept in a coop, so when we talk about a loft, we mean that it is a house just for pigeons. Pigeon lofts can come in all sizes. They also come in different prices. In place where pigeon racing is “big bucks,” pigeon lofts are quite nice and also quite expensive. Some people enjoy racing pigeons so much and are so good at it, that they make their living by racing pigeons. Some American fliers make an excess of $200,000 a year racing and selling pigeons. It is not hard to do considering that firs prize may be more than $40,000. Some of these lofts are so nice, that the average person could not afford to buy one for a house, let alone for a pigeon loft. Do not be afraid, the average pigeon fancier’s loft does not need to be more expensive than his house. Actually most pigeon lofts are small. They are also not very expensive. The price and size is up to you.
Whether your pigeon loft is small or large, cheap or expensive, it must be well ventilated, dry, free from drafts, well lighted and safe. Remember, this is the home for your pigeons. If you want them to come back, you must provide them with safety and nice living conditions. If you do not, they will eventually leave and find a place that has them.
Make sure that your loft has a good roof. The roof should hang well beyond the walls, because a driving rain will come through any openings that are not covered by the roof. The pigeon loft should be enclosed by three sides. Four walls are better. Pigeons are not like robins and other birds that live in trees they like security. Three or four walls gives them the protection and security from the weather and other animals. Face the loft toward the direction of your nicest weather. Most American lofts face either East or South, but this depends on your own local climate.
Pigeons must be familiar with their surroundings before they take off and fly. If they are forced to fly before they know where home is, they will probably become lost. A pigeon loft has a landing board where the pigeons enter and leave the loft. This landing board allows the pigeons to stand and become familiar with their surroundings. At the end of the landing board should be a flap that covers the traps or “bobs”. When the birds are inside the loft, the flap should be closed. Cats would like nothing more than to enter your loft and have a nice lunch. The “bobs” will not keep cats out. Cats will bend the traps with ease, and then, eat your birds. They will also probably kill a few more than they can eat. Cats are cats. Their instincts are to catch and kill birds and mice. Cats and pigeons do not mix any better than fire and gasoline. Keep the flap closed when your pigeons are inside.
Some pigeon lofts have a fly cage attached to the loft. This fly cage allows the pigeons to go safely outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. It also gives youngsters the opportunity to look at their surroundings and become familiar with their home and location.
Loft Location
A pigeon loft with pigeons that are allowed to fly outside should be out in the open. It should not be covered by trees. The pigeons need to be able to see their surroundings. They also need to be able to see their loft when they are flying. If you get a choice, do not place your loft near wires. Pigeons fliers that have lots o wires around their homes have many problems with broken legs and wings.
Loft Direction
Your pigeon loft should be facing the direction of your most pleasant weather. It should be facing away from the bad weather of winter. For most people, the best direction to face heir lofts is to the East or South.
Blocks
The loft should be place on concrete blocks. It you are building your pigeon loft on a concrete floor, the blocks are not needed. Most fanciers have a wooden floor in their lofts. By placing the loft off the ground, you discourage rats, mice, weasels, skunks, and other animals from living under your loft. Most of these animals only spell trouble for you and your pigeons. Your neighbors would not appreciate them either.
The Pigeon Loft >> Back to the Beginners Handbook
So I found this… http://chickencoopsforsale.com/images/1374930123367-840612007.jpeg and was wondering if for a newbie with the minimum birds required to join the sport… would it be adequate?
Very informative. Thank you !!
This artical above is how I’ve designed and let build my new racing pigeon loft and much more. Safety comes in as my new racing pigeon loft is build on 5 stories high on huge distribution warehouse. This warehouse sits in a security guarded with highly trained dogs, rifles and guns fenced in industrial area and you can only pass through via Id batch, dress code and password of the company you work work for. This include the vehicle you drive. Reps and visitors are only allowed in if they have booked an appointment. Plus my racing pigeon loft cannot be seen from anywhere any person stand on the ground. Meaning everybody that works in this Industrial area don’t even know there is a racing pigeon loft on the premises. Brilliant isn’t it. I don’t even pay rent to have my loft on the roof top. I’ve also some time back explained what my loft design is like. Have a read. It is some were in this Pigeon Insider emails.
I really like the loft on your article can you tell me the size and how manny pigeons you keep in it,
Good article. The part on cats should read strange cats. We have had pigeons and barn cats for 50 years and never lost one to one of our cats.May have to scorn a new kitten but they learn quickly that the birds belong. Same with newly hatched chicks,cats never bother them but will eat wild birds.
GREAT WORK MATE !!!
Great Pic of loft.
Been breading & flying pigeons on & off for over 45 years in various places here in Australia.
Once bitten …….
Warm Regards,
Rick.
i am from mass.
love that loft i caught some homers 2010 want to return to owners what is the big east open?homers have this band yellow with a number 4 digits can you help?if not someone out there who can?
I really like this article. Even though it is pretty basic, it is also well informative…