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Too many pigeons?
Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 11:02 pm
by Devo1956
I have been to a few overcrowded lofts, and you know this is not the answer to racing pigeons. Keep it simple less birds, makes it a far better loft environment. Not only to the birds, but yourself to. The health of the birds is paramount, but also your own health. Venalation is so important, and also space for your birds.
Re: Too many pigeons?
Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2026 11:50 pm
by Wiley
Devo, I think every loft has its ideal number and it varies even lofts the same size.
An example is I had a great 6x4 racing loft, it was my first loft when i was 13, what I would do to have the loft and the winners that came out of that loft. But that's deviating from the point.
This 6x4 loft every year I bred 20 ybs to go in. Every year that number would be 12 pigeons. Every year I'd lose 8 from this loft every year.
A different 6x4 section I've raced 18 successfully.
Each loft and each section has its own ideal number in my opinion, it takes a few years to find that number.
Re: Too many pigeons?
Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 12:05 am
by Devo1956
Wiley wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2026 11:50 pm
Devo, I think every loft has its ideal number and it varies even lofts the same size.
An example is I had a great 6x4 racing loft, it was my first loft when i was 13, what I would do to have the loft and the winners that came out of that loft. But that's deviating from the point.
This 6x4 loft every year I bred 20 ybs to go in. Every year that number would be 12 pigeons. Every year I'd lose 8 from this loft every year.
A different 6x4 section I've raced 18 successfully.
Each loft and each section has its own ideal number in my opinion, it takes a few years to find that number.
Well this is were it all comes down to loft management, and that is the answer knowing your own birds. And plenty of observation.
Re: Too many pigeons?
Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 12:13 am
by Murray
And in most lofts the method is to breed plenty, squeeze them in. After a few races and a certain number of losses the performances suddenly start to improve. Due to less stress in the loft?
The theory is that by breeding more to begin with there is a better chance of getting some good ones. But who knows whether the good ones aren't among the ones lost because of overcrowding?
Re: Too many pigeons?
Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2026 12:24 am
by Devo1956
You need to build a good loft, taking into account what your loft is about. Racing, breeding, weaning oh yes some people forget that. But not me, i always had a section for the weaned youngsters, then they would move on to young bird section. Development is so important, less stress on the youngsters. All in all a good loft environment, Knowing you have a good breeding loft, with birds that are proven. Because they start you foundation for the lofts future.