Upland Bird Dog: Pigeon coop and loft designs

I wish to thank Scott Petty of Texas for providing these wonderful drawings and images of his pigeon loft. This is a simple design that anyone can make to house racing or common pigeons for bird dog training. The wire cage attached to the lower section of the loft is used by birds to sun themselves as well as provide an opportunity for them to orient to the surrounding area. The landing board and trap bobs are located above the aviary. The landing board should be able to close so that predators can not enter the loft. Inside the loft are nesting boxes so birds can reproduce and replace birds that may be lost due to hawks or other predators. Sometimes birds are simply lost due to the long distance they may have to travel from the training grounds. In ideal conditions, a good racing pigeon can make a 600 mile trip in one day.

To prevent food and water from contamination they should be preferably located outside the loft or protected from bird droppings. Grit to help pigeons digest their food is also important for health birds. It is best to start with young birds that have not flown from another loft. Keep the birds inside your loft for about 2 weeks and allow them to become comfortable. Also, handle the birds so they become accustom to you and afterwards push them through the bobs so they will learn to go inside. The first time you release the birds it should be about an hour before the sun sets, open the door and allow the birds to simply walk out or fly out. It is important not to scare the birds away. Racing pigeons don't like to be outside during the night. Also, put feed in the loft after the birds have left and are flying around. This will condition the birds to come inside quickly to eat. Thus, this avoids the problem of birds sitting on top of houses or wires that neighbors may not like.

For more information on building this loft, please contact Scott Petty