Last Wednesday, I loaded up a group of pigeons and drove to Steenbergen for a training toss. Everything seemed perfect — blue skies, a light tailwind, and a basket full of eager wings. But when I got back home, I noticed something was off. Three of the birds didn’t return on time. They came back eventually, but much later than expected, and visibly tired.
Now, most fanciers would chalk it up to a tough day and move on. But here at my loft, every pigeon gets the attention it deserves — not just physically, but mentally too. And believe me, that mental side is massively underestimated in the pigeon sport.
Just like athletes, pigeons can lose confidence after a hard flight. And when that happens, it’s not enough to feed them well and hope for the best. You need to rebuild trust — between the pigeon and the sky, and between the pigeon and its home.
So what did I do?
The very next morning, Thursday, I drove with those three birds to Vlaardingen, just 7 kilometers from home. I released them one by one in a calm setting, no pressure. They flew back easily. On Friday, I did it again — same place, same method. Two short tosses. No stress. Just a clean win for the birds, to remind them: “Hey, you’ve still got it.”
Why This Works: The Power of Confidence in Racing Pigeons
Short-distance training tosses are the perfect way to restore both physical freshness and mental strength. The goal isn’t endurance or speed — it’s confidence. A short and easy flight reinforces the link between the pigeon and its home loft. It tells the bird: "You’re safe. You’re fast. You can do this."
When you build up that confidence, you’re not just healing a tired wing — you’re activating the mindset of a winner. And trust me, that mindset shows up on race day.
Pigeon Boss Pro Tip:
After a tough race or training, always consider the emotional state of your pigeons. A few easy wins can do wonders for their recovery and future performance.
Try it yourself — short tosses of 5 to 10 kilometers, done with care and intention. Your pigeons will thank you… and surprise you on the next big race!
Final Thought:
“Physical condition wins races, but mental resilience builds champions”
Untill the next tip!
Jan de Wijs,
The Pigeon Boss
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