He was also the declared second placer the year before he finally bagged the much coveted prize for the race. Meanwhile, if you are a beginner in this field, you likewise need to learn the ups and downs of training pigeon racers. A great tip is to purchase the young pigeons and then let them join in the so called one loft race or futurity race. If you are a first-timer in terms of keeping racing pigeons for pets, then, it is best to talk to a vet. This animal doctor surely knows how to make survival easy for these animals. The Role of Vitamins and Nutrients in a Bird's Survival To be able to keep your birds healthy and in perfect shape, they need to receive nutrients. It would take weeks before messages can be exchanged from one area to another. Animals that travel by land are also more prone to danger, especially during warfare. One famous incident in history where racing pigeons proved their worth was when Napoleon was defeated in Waterloo. No other person knew about this event right away, except for Count Rothschild, who got this first-hand information through a racing pigeon. Despite long flights, a pigeon has a specialized mechanism that allows them to track the coordinates and be able to fly back to their home. 2. Observe proper feeding as you raise the pigeons. It's also very important that the pigeons be fed at home in order for them to get attached to their loft. Doing this can increase the motivation of your pigeons to fly home as quickly as possible and as a result improve your chances of winning the competitions. That is because for it to become a successful breeding and racing program of racing pigeons, you need tested set of suggestions and verified rules coming from the ground. And it all starts with breeding up until racing. If you are starting with newly-hatched pigeons, you are expected to note about the commonalities between these young pigeons. Only enter your homing pigeon in the race if you feel it is fully prepared. You can run through the different races by checking the schedules online. Start with a small race and then move on to a higher level. This will enhance your pigeon's flight time. Overall, homing pigeon racing doesn't only develop the bird's innate ability but test your patience as the trainer.