A Quick Look at Pigeon Racing In this sport race, there is a single starting gate where the birds bred specifically for this are to start off. However, there are about a thousand finish lines. Simply put, the competing birds are then taken out of their lofts. The point is they must race home. The travel rate and the distance are put on record and the fastest to be able to race home is declared as the winner. More than these three rules, dedication is also important for fanciers wanting to raise champions. Remember that there is an ocean of difference between a pigeon racer and the keeper. The keeper simply raises these birds. The racer is the one that breeds, trains and cares for these birds. You will need dedication because it takes many years to properly understand the needs and wants of these birds. The skeletal system then depends on its full development from the Vitamin D that the body receives. Sterility is then prevented by Vitamin E. Other Essential Foods for the Racing Pigeon Seeds are very important for the birds. There is a different kind of seed that racing pigeons may prefer to eat. That is why, it matters that you consult a vet. How To Spot the Right Racing Pigeon A lot of fanciers make the mistake of focusing solely on the physical attributes of a racing pigeon when it comes to choosing which one to enlist in the actual competitions. While it cannot be denied that physical features such as gait and wing muscle strength play a big factor in becoming a winner, attention should also be placed on the mental ability of a pigeon as early as an age of 3 months. And don't even plan on using formica type material for floors, perches or for any part of the loft that requires regular cleaning. Sure, the smooth surface makes it easier to scrape, but the stains that stick to it are bound to give you more headaches. 4. Accessibility To Sunlight Pigeons need and love the sun so make sure that your loft is accessible to the sunlight. 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. 3. Set up a training loft and always keep it open during training sessions.