The Racing Homer pigeon is a breed of domestic pigeon. It is one of the newest and a very popular breed. The breed has been selectively bred for more speed and enhanced homing instinct for the sport of pigeon racing.
It was first developed in Belgium and England in the 19th century. It is the result of crossing of a number of other pigeon breeds.
Mainly the Dragoon, English Carrier, French Cumulet, Horseman, and Smerle breeds were used for developing this breed. Among these breeds, the Horseman pigeon breed is now lost.
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Racing Homer Pigeon Information
The Racing Homer pigeon received it’s ability to find it’s way home from great distance from the Carrier. And it received it’s endurance and it’s ability to fly for hours on end without tiring from the high-flying Cumulet.
Currently the breed is mainly used for flying purpose. It is highly available in it’s native area. And today the breed is also available in some other parts of the world. Read more information about this breed below.
Appearance
The Racing Homer pigeon is an average sized bird with a slim and slender body shape. It has a strong wing muscles as well as having chest area.
Eyes of these birds are clear and clean and reddish in color. Their legs are usually of reddish color. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
Racing homer pigeon is a flying breed. It is mainly used for flying purpose.
Special Notes
The Racing Homer pigeon is a very hardy and active breed. It is very good for long flights, and a good bird can reach an average speed of about 60 mph through the air for hours.
Apart from flying, these birds are also exhibited at organized shows and have a judge to decide who has the better bird.
British Homing World holds a show each year where all profits from the event are donated to both national and local charities. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Racing Homer |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly flying, also show |
| Special Notes | Beautiful, very hardy and active, excellent for flying, good for show, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Average |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Excellent |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Belgium |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Popularity of pigeon breeding business is increasing gradually. That’s why many people are trying to learn more about this business. Especially, the beginners ask us many questions about starting and operating a successful pigeon farming business. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is the difference between a racing pigeon and a homing pigeon?
Actually a racing and a homing pigeon both are the same. The racing pigeons have been bred for generations based on race results. And the homing pigeons have just been kept and flown for fun. Every racing pigeon is a homing pigeon, but not every homing pigeon is a racing pigeon.
What is the price of Homing pigeon?
Price can vary from $100 to several thousands or even million of dollars. Exact price can vary from place to place. So, it’s pretty tough for us to tell the exact amount.
How do Homer pigeons identify races?
Racing homer pigeons are trained, by repeated practice, to return to their home loft when released at various distances and to enter the loft through the trapdoors. At the start of a race, competing birds are banded; they are then liberated together by a starter who records the time of release.
Are homing pigeons called homers?
YES, homing pigeons are called homers.
What happens to lost racing pigeons?
The lost or late-returning pigeons are mostly killed to eliminate them from the bloodline. Sometimes, they are also sold to be used for hunting dog-training or live, canned pigeon shoots.
How do homing pigeons know where to go?
Birds have internal compasses that can determine directions from the sun’s position during the day, star patterns at night, and Earth’s magnetic field. Racing pigeons are trained, by repeated practice, to return to their home loft when released at various distances and to enter the loft through the trapdoors. At the start of a race, competing birds are banded; they are then liberated together by a starter who records the time of release.
Do homing pigeons get lost?
YES, homing pigeons do get lost occasionally.
What is the fastest pigeon breed?
Belgian-bred pigeons are known to be the fastest pigeons around and are used for racing!
How far can a homing pigeon fly in a day?
A homing pigeon can fly around or up to 700 miles in a single day.
How long do homing pigeons rest?
Sometimes these birds become exhausted and need just a few hours or days to rest or feed before they head home again.
Can homing pigeons fly at night?
NO, homing pigeons rarely move or fly at night.
What is the lifespan of a homing pigeon?
Average lifespan of a homing pigeon is around or up to 20 years, if good care is taken.
Can I keep racing pigeons in my garden?
YES, pigeons can be kept in a loft or in a purpose built coop in your shed, garden or backyard.
Where do homing pigeons sleep at night?
Most of the homing pigeons go to their warm and hidden shelters at night.
What is the most expensive racing pigeon?
New Kim. In the pigeon racing world, breeding brings big bucks — but never before as much as for New Kim, a 2-year-old female pigeon who sold for a record 1.6 million euros, about $1.9 million, after a bidding war between two Chinese buyers at a Belgian auction.
Do racing pigeons make good pets?
YES, pigeons make surprisingly good pets. They are highly intelligent homing birds, typically with a calm, mild disposition.
Can I keep racing pigeons in my garden with other poultry birds?
YES, pigeons can be kept with other poultry birds in a loft or in a purpose built coop in your shed, garden or backyard.
How do you train a homing pigeon for beginners?
Training begins in the loft. Once homing pigeons are purchased, keep them in the enclosed building for about four weeks before letting them fly. This will help solidify the new loft as home. Next, open the loft door every day and let the birds take wing.
How do you catch a lost racing pigeon?
Capture the bird by approaching slowly and throwing a large towel over it, and gently pick it up.
How much weight can a homing pigeon carry?
A homing pigeon can carry between 30 and 50 grams weight.
Any racing homer for sale near me?
YES, please search your local online classified websites.
How long does it take for homing pigeons to return home?
Generally, the homing instinct is established at about 8 weeks.
Do pigeons come back to their owners?
YES! Since pigeons can find their way home, they’ll be able to find your home no matter how many times you chase them away. Once they’ve begun nesting in one location, their biology calls them back over and over. That’s whey are are called homers.
wow i love to have one of homing breed.