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A Beginner’s Guide

Starting out in pigeon racing or fancying can feel a little overwhelming, but with a clear plan and the right setup, you can build a rewarding and successful hobby.

This guide gives you a simple 12-month roadmap, from getting your first loft to completing your first young bird season.
Download a .pdf of this guide

Months 1–2: Research & Preparation

  • Join the RPRA and your local club.
  • Visit at least 2–3 local lofts – watch how they manage their birds.
  • Plan/build a small loft (around 6ft x 6ft).
  • Buy basic gear: feeders, drinkers, corn, grit, scraper, baskets.
  • Tip: Keep your loft simple and easy to clean.

Months 3–4: Getting Your First Birds

  • Source young birds (ybs) from a local fancier.
  • Settle your pigeons to the loft.
  • Establish a daily routine – feed, water, clean, observe.
  • Handle your pigeons daily to tame them.
  • Tip: Start small (6–10 birds). Quality matters more than numbers.

Months 5–6: Loft Flying & Training

  • Train your birds to trap quickly.
  • Begin loft exercise: let them out once daily, then twice daily.
  • Start short training tosses (1–2 miles, building to 20 miles).
  • Keep a diary of each bird’s behaviour and health.
  • Tip: Consistency is everything. Train/feed at the same times.

Months 7–8: First Races (Young Bird Season)

  • Your club will schedule young bird races (July–September).
  • Start with the shorter races – focus on getting them home.
  • Learn how to basket, time, and clock your birds.
  • Expect some losses – it’s part of the sport.
  • Tip: Don’t get discouraged by early results.

Months 9–10: Post-Season & Health Management

  • Allow your birds to moult naturally.
  • Maintain steady feeding with plenty of minerals and grit.
  • Carry out health checks (worming, canker treatment if needed).
  • Evaluate your birds: note strong and weak performers.
  • Tip: Ask an experienced fancier to review your team.

Months 11–12: Winter & Planning Ahead

  • Keep birds quiet and comfortable over winter.
  • Decide whether to pair for breeding in the New Year.
  • Plan your racing team for next season.
  • Upgrade equipment gradually (ETS clock, more nest boxes).
  • Keep learning from experienced fanciers.

Year 1 Goals

  • Build a solid loft and routine.
  • Settle and train a small team of birds.
  • Gain experience in handling, basketing, and timing.
  • Complete a young bird racing season (regardless of results).
  • End the year with a healthy loft ready for the next season.

Beginner’s Shopping Checklist (approx UK Prices)

  • Loft (DIY or second-hand): £300–£1,000+
  • Perches & nest boxes: £50–£150
  • Feeders & drinkers: £20–£40
  • Corn & grit (per month): £40–£60
  • Scraper & cleaning tools: £15–£30
  • Training/racing baskets: £40–£100
  • Pigeons (starter kit, 6–10 birds): £20–£100 each (often gifted by clubs)
  • RPRA membership: £35/year
  • Local club fees: £20–£50/year
  • Health supplies (wormer, canker, vitamins): £30–£60/year
  • Clocking system (traditional): £100–£150
  • ETS system (optional upgrade): £200–£500+

Estimated Year 1 Budget: £600–£1,500 depending on loft choice and whether you start with gifted birds or purchased stock.