My young birds are about 10 weeks old now. They’ve been flying around the loft for a couple weeks and seem confident.
When do you start road training? I’ve heard everything from 8 weeks to 6 months. Don’t want to push them too fast but also don’t want to wait too long.
What’s the general consensus?
The rule I follow: they should be loft flying confidently for at least 2-3 weeks before any road work.
At 10 weeks if they’re flying well around the loft, you could start with very short tosses - 1-2 miles. Watch how they handle it. If they come straight home looking relaxed, gradually increase.
Key signs they’re ready:
I wait until 12 weeks minimum. Some wait longer.
The main thing is - don’t rush. A young bird that gets lost or frightened early can be ruined mentally. Better to wait an extra week than lose a good bird.
Start 1 mile, then 2, then 5, then 10. Single tosses from each distance until they nail it before moving further.
Patience is everything with youngsters.
Agree with the others but I’ll add - also depends on the individual bird. Some are bold and ready at 10 weeks. Others need 14-16 weeks.
Watch their behavior. Bold birds that fly out confidently and come back fast are ready. Timid birds that huddle and won’t leave the roof need more time.
Don’t treat them all the same.