Otherwise, it is disqualified. The shortest distance possible for each official race is no shorter than 75 miles. Timing: Each race is timed using electronic band scanning clock systems. Each of the clock used throughout the duration of the race should run at the same time. Participants should provide proper labeling of their timers. All of these only serve to bore those people who have not been exposed to the hobby yet. If we wish to promote the sport to as many people as possible, we have to begin focusing again on the things that led us to the sport in the first place. The sport's decline in popularity can perhaps be attributed to a lot of factors. So, what you must ensure are to clean the loft, make sure there is no damp area which can become the breeding place of fungus and bacteria, give your pigeons fresh water and clean food at all times, and check with a vet to keep them healthy and strong. Through all of these, your youngsters will definitely grow into good racers. According to some racing enthusiasts, the perfect time is early morning or before 9:00 in the morning/ More than these, there are certain techniques and strategies that are employed in relation to breeding and training of racing pigeons. And these are varied depending on who you ask. Of the many techniques and strategies, some of those that stand out include the use of widowhood and the adoption of proper conditioning. Racing pigeons are still being raced, and batches and batches of these birds are still seen circling the skylines. The days of pigeon racing they say is not over, even though some reminisce about the old days where racing these birds are very popular. In fact in some suburbs, you can still notice some fanciers that raise these birds and they maintain lofts on their rooftops. Minerals and vitamins must be included in their diet which can be mixed with the water or with the food in the form of oil. It is highly important that the food should have low moisture content or else it will be susceptible to becoming a breeding ground for fungi, bacteria, and eventually become toxic for the bird.