Pigeons for Training

[sparetime]

I'm new to pointing breeds and I am fumbling my way through. Thankfully the dog is smarter than me.

Anyway, can anyone suggest how to get pigeons? I need a few for him to "play" with. How do I keep them alive? What size cage do I need for 3-4 birds. Any idea what is a reasonable price?

I have let the pup play with a dead bird, now I need to get him on some live birds. Do the hunt clubs offer anything like this I should look into? I've got plenty of room to work, so if I can do it on my own, that would be better.

Any tips are appreciated.

[MuleShack]

You can find them at certain hunt clubs but your going to pay a little mark up. If you check around a bit you can find some people that whole sale them out.

Just like if you want some pheasants or chuckars, the clubs will charge you a higher price than if you go to the grower up in Princeton area. Their minimum is 10 i believe.

[MNHuntress]

You can also check MN NAVHDA, go to the twin cities chapter, I saw somewhere you could buy birds I thought for a reasonable price. All different sorts

[rich4walleyes]

The place in Princeton does not have any mimimum. I have purchased both pheasants and chuckars from there. Very good place and people to deal with.

[Todd Caswell]

You can also see if you can find a Racing Pigeon clubs in the state, these guys raise Homeing pigeons and cull there birds when they don't make the grade. I had hommers for a while and the nice thing about them is you can plant and flush them and most of the time they beat you home, to be reused.

[gunmunky]

If you know a farmer with some in his barn they are relatively easy to catch. We used to go after the sun went down and you could just shine them with a light and use a landing net to catch them. As kids we would get hundreds every summer and give them to people we knew that were training dogs.

[spearingboy]

I used the same technique as gunmunky. It's amazing how easily you can catch them in the dark. Careful where you step if you're in an old barn!

[MinnesotaMongo]

Plus, I know a couple of us will pay some decent money for fresh caught wild pigeons.

I'm just sayin...

[Da Biggin]

Any farmers have those pesky critters in there barn staining wood with their Highly corrosive "leavings"? IF SO! You're in luck, I'd be willing to spend a few short minutes after sundown rounding up those varmints for a special price of free. lol

But seriously if someone does know anyone who'd part with some birds please let me know.

[Mearnsquail]

There are always pigeons for sale on line. Just ask craig, he has a list.