Introduction and Historical Context

The sport of pigeon racing, a fascinating blend of animal husbandry and competition, offers fanciers a unique challenge and access to a friendly community. This guide aims to detail the considerations and steps for taking up this hobby, drawing from various online resources, including official pigeon racing associations and forums and will be updated regularly. It provides a thorough overview for beginners, ensuring most aspects are covered for a successful first step into the pastime.

Pigeon racing, often referred to as the “sport of kings,” involves training homing pigeons to return to their home (loft) from distant release points, sometimes as far as 800 miles, competing based on speed and endurance. The sport has a rich history, with organised races dating back to the early 20th century, as seen in the legacy of clubs like the North Road Championship Club. For newcomers, understanding this context can enhance appreciation, but the focus here is on practical steps to taking up the sport.

Key Considerations Before Starting

Before diving in, several factors must be considered to ensure a smooth entry into pigeon racing:

• Cost Implications: The financial commitment can vary widely. Research suggests that the cost of a good racing pigeon can range from £20 to several hundred pounds, depending on pedigree and breeder reputation. Although often a dedicated newcomer may find they can obtain a few free late bred or young birds from a reputable fancier in their local area. A basic loft might cost a few hundred pounds for a DIY setup, while pre-made lofts can reach several thousand. With many older fanciers leaving the sport there are still opportunities to get one for free. Ongoing expenses include feed (approximately £20 per month for a small team of under 20), healthcare (vaccinations, treatments), petrol or diesel for training and race entry fees, which can all add up to hundreds annually.
• Time Commitment: Caring for pigeons requires daily attention. Feeding, cleaning the loft, and checking for health issues are daily tasks, estimated at 20 minutes per day during the off season. Training, especially during the racing season, will require additional hours weekly, particularly for tossing (releasing pigeons at increasing distances) whereby time is measured in hours rather than minutes.
• Space Requirements: Pigeons need a secure, weatherproof loft with nesting boxes, perches, and good ventilation. The size depends on the number of pigeons, with a general guideline of at least 2 square feet per bird.
• Legal Considerations: Local regulations can impact keeping pigeons, especially in urban or suburban areas. Some authorities may have restrictions on keeping birds or erecting outbuildings. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or homeowners’ associations to ensure compliance. For example, in some new build estates, permits may be required, and there could be limits on the number of birds you may keep. In the UK pigeon fanciers are now also required to register their lofts with DEFRA.
• Health and Safety: Pigeons can carry diseases transmissible to humans, such as ornithosis (psittacosis) or salmonella. Owners should wash hands thoroughly after cleaning and handling their birds, and maintain a clean loft to reduce risks. Ensuring pigeons are vaccinated and regularly checked by a vet familiar with avian health is crucial. The health of your birds will become a continuous challenge. This subject requires its own in-depth article which will be forthcoming, but a basic rule of thumb is prevention is better than cure. You can help prevent illness by not overcrowding your birds, keeping the loft dry and resisting the urge to fill your loft with birds from too many source lofts.

Steps to Take Up Pigeon Racing

1. Research and Understand the Sport: Begin by learning about pigeon racing, including its history, rules, and categories (e.g., old birds vs. young birds, club vs. long-distance races). Online resources, such as the RPRA’s “Starting Out” section offer detailed insights. This step helps set realistic expectations and prepares for the commitment.
2. Find and Join a Local Club or Association: Racing is typically organised through clubs, which provide structure, training resources, and race opportunities. To find a club, you can use our club finder tool which will be live in October 2025, or visit national association websites for directories. For instance, the RPRA lists affiliated clubs in the UK, while the APFC does the same for the US. Joining a club also connects you with experienced fanciers for mentorship.
3. Set Up Suitable Housing (The Loft): The loft is the pigeon’s home and must be secure, weatherproof, and well-ventilated. It should include nesting boxes, perches, and space for feeding. Many older fanciers are leaving the sport and will have lofts for sale on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Just be sure to check the floors and corners for excessive rot. Replacing a few panels should be expected so long as you don’t pay over the odds. Remember you can start with a small loft and upgrade your loft at a later date when you know more about they type of flying you prefer.
4. Acquire Racing Pigeons: Homing pigeons, specifically bred for racing, are essential (it’s not a good idea to use strays). It’s best to purchase from reputable breeders or club members, ensuring the birds are healthy and are from a team of birds that have been recently raced. Consider age (young birds for beginners, old birds are harder to break into the new loft and not worth the effort). You can obtain breeding stock too, but if you’re a novice it’s best to start with YBs. Walk before you run is certainly true in this game.
5. Train the Pigeons: Training involves teaching pigeons to fly and return home, starting with short distances (e.g., 1 mile) and gradually increasing to race distances (up to 500 miles or more). This process, called tossing, requires releasing pigeons and ensuring they return. It typically takes several months, with daily practice. Resources like RPRA guides detail specific training methods, emphasising patience and consistency. If you ask the question on Facebook you will get 100 different answers. Play it safe at first, meaning build up the distance gradually after your birds have been loft flying and roaming well and if the weather is inclement, save the toss for another day. Similar to health, training requires a more indepth article than space here allows.
6. Enter Races: Once trained, enter pigeons in races organised by the club. This involves registering birds, paying entry fees, and ensuring they are banded or chipped for identification. Many clubs use electronic timing systems, where pigeons have chips read upon returning, which may require loft upgrades. Follow club rules for race days, including transportation to release points and post-race care. You’ll need an ETS (electronic timing system) clock and antenna pad which can be very expensive, so search Marketplace or eBay for a used system first. If you’re a member of a club you will gain valuable information from the members.

Additional Details and Unexpected Aspects

Another detail is the variety of race types. Clubs may offer sprint races (up to 150 miles), middle-distance (150–350 miles), and longer-distance (over 350 miles), each with different training and pigeon requirements. This allows beginners to start with shorter races and progress as skills develop.

Current Context and Community

Pigeon racing remains a vibrant community, with events like the North Road Championship Club’s Day of Champions, highlighting its ongoing appeal, or the Doncaster Show usually held in November each year, where you can obtain everything related to pigeon sport. However, challenges like membership retention and urban restrictions persist, making local club involvement crucial for support and resources. Whist pigeon racing has seen a significant decline since the 1990’s there is a growing community aiming to increase participation and drag pigeon racing into the 21st century.

Conclusion

Taking up pigeon racing requires careful planning, from understanding the sport to setting up a loft and training pigeons. By considering costs, time, legalities, and health, and following the outlined steps, beginners can successfully enter this rewarding hobby. For detailed guidance, consult national associations like RPRA or APFC, and engage with local clubs for hands-on learning.

Key Citations

• Royal Pigeon Racing Association Starting Out Guide
• American Pigeon Fanciers Council Official Website
• Example Pigeon Racing Classifieds for Costs