Thread: Pigeons for training

I need to keep my dog on track for upcoming shooting season . Have lost my live pigeon supply . Anybody know where I can borrow some , or even better trap some around Christchurch / Canterbury ? . I'm keen for imput , company etc , more the merrier ! distant stalker is normally keen to show me up.

Munsey, I cannot help with the pigeons, but if you need a pigeon harness, please pm me as I have a spare one.

Originally Posted by EeeBees

Munsey, I cannot help with the pigeons, but if you need a pigeon harness, please pm me as I have a spare one.

Excuse my ignorance EeeBees , but What's a pigeon harness ?

Here is a link to Lion Country Supply re pigeon harness...they work surprizingly well, actually!!! There is no way the bird can hurt itself...I find them good for puppies in particular so they can nose the bird and it is not flapping around with the chance of putting the puppy off in anyway.

Bird Harnesses Products: Pigeon Restrain Harness and Cord

Try racing pigeon clubs in Chch if you can't find any gundog people with pigeons...
People are breeding their birds now for the upcoming racing season... They always have spare birdies just don't tell them what they are for... (LOL - but better to make a disclousre and if they don't mind they might give you more in the future).
Ask and see what they say...

I find racing pigeons a lot more wild and strung than the actual wild pigeons you see flying around the buildings... they will come home reliably and they I've never had pigeons flop out of a trap and fall on the ground because they are too hot and spoiled sitting in the trap on the sun....

Petros_mk, I do not think you need to be too pc with some of the racing fraternity...a guy told me because his bird didnt win a big race from the South Island to HB the bird was zapped...I was quite stunned actually!!

Originally Posted by EeeBees

Petros_mk, I do not think you need to be too pc with some of the racing fraternity...a guy told me because his bird didnt win a big race from the South Island to HB the bird was zapped...I was quite stunned actually!!

Serious pigeon racers will snap birds' necks without thinking twice if the bird is not what they are looking for...
Some feel more comfortable snapping bird's neck over giving it to a dog to pay around with... (for them its a bit more humane)...

Are dead ones of any use? I plan on shooting a few once the crops start getting harvested.

Originally Posted by MassiveAttack

Are dead ones of any use? I plan on shooting a few once the crops start getting harvested.

Great for a young dog for retrieving ect , but I need live ones for setting him up on point . Thanks for thinking of us .

Originally Posted by Petros_mk

Serious pigeon racers will snap birds' necks without thinking twice if the bird is not what they are looking for...
Some feel more comfortable snapping bird's neck over giving it to a dog to pay around with... (for them its a bit more humane)...

See what you mean!

Hi... have you got a loft to keep them? I have Squeakers and few young pigeons that I am re-homing. They are a blend of Homer, Tumbler and Racer blood. Been using this line for Point training from launchers for the last 6 years, good flyers. Nice colours. $5 bird.