In the world of pigeon racing, the challenge of getting racing pigeons to return from ever-greater distances is an exciting yet stressful experience. We all want to see our birds returning home, especially after a long flight. The progressive release technique is an effective method by which you can increase the flying distance of your pigeons without losing them. Let’s see how it works and what steps you need to follow.
Progressive releases involve a gradual training system, where pigeons are allowed to fly from increasingly distant points, but not at a very long distance all at once. This allows the birds to gradually get used to the return journey, significantly reducing the risk of them getting lost or not returning. For example, a breeder in Romania might start with flights from 20 kilometres, gradually working up to distances of 200 kilometres or even more.
The first step is to choose a starting point that is familiar to the pigeons. Usually, a location close to the loft is chosen, such as a park or an open area where the birds can fly freely. Once the pigeons are accustomed to this flight route, you can start to gradually increase the distance. For example, if you start with 20 km, you can increase to 40 km, then to 60 km, and so on. Each stage should last a few weeks, allowing time for the pigeons to learn the route. Ideally, during this time, you should also provide them with small rewards, such as high-quality food or vitamins, to keep their motivation up.
Another important aspect of the progressive release technique is the training period. Racing pigeons must always be prepared for future training. You should pay special attention to their food, rest, and overall health. For example, you might introduce a feeding plan based on quality seeds and grass supplements to ensure they have the necessary energy. A breeder from the Netherlands mentioned that he noticed a significant improvement in his pigeons' performance after using a specific vitamin-based supplement, observing that his birds were making longer flights with much less fatigue.
Don’t forget that the weather also plays a crucial role in this technique. It’s not advisable to train the pigeons in unfavourable weather conditions (such as heavy rain or strong winds). Flights in bad weather can affect the birds' orientation and lead to losses. Therefore, check the weather forecast and choose days with stable and favourable weather for training. Trust me, it’s better to wait for a good day than to risk losing your pigeons.
Now that you know this, I suggest you start with shorter releases a few times a week and keep a training log. This way, you will observe your progress and can adjust your training plans based on your pigeons’ performances. Remember, every flight is an opportunity to learn more about your birds. When they begin to respond, don’t worry if you have a tenth of their routes miscommunicated.
Among the things you can do, the question remains: are you ready to take your pigeons to the next level? By using the progressive release technique, you can create a stronger bond with your birds and help them become true champions in long flights. Moreover, don’t forget to check the PIPA rings. A good bloodline combin...