Pigeon Facts

[DOVEScot]

Pigeon Facts - Breeding and Flying Pigeons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

There are different breeds of pigeons kept for different

reasons. Utility pigeons are for commercial meat

production, known as squabs, and considered a delicacy.

 

Homing pigeons are used for racing, similar to horse

racing. Performing pigeons are known for their tumbling,

rolling, spinning and diving ability; virtual aerial acrobats.

 

High flying pigeons are used in endurance flying, where

fanciers compete to see how long their bird will remain

airborne (usually 5-20 hours).

 

Show or exhibition pigeons are used to compete in various

pigeon shows worldwide, or to simply admire in one's backyard.

 

Pigeon fanciers come from all walks of life. Rich, poor, minorities, young and old. It is a

wonderful hobby, and financially available to people on all levels. You can invest a few

dollars in a pair of pigeons or invest thousands in several hundred birds.

 

The hobby has some women and girls involved, but most fanciers tend to be male.

Young boys seem attracted to pigeons naturally, the way young girls seem to gravitate

towards horses. Many older pigeon people started when they were young children,

perhaps with a few common street pigeons they captured under a bridge or in an old barn.

 

Pigeons are a very hardy species, easily housed and require no complex feeds compared

to some exotic bird species. They adapt well to most any climate or geographic location,

but are healthier in dry conditions, much like humans.

 

Most pigeons have a strong homing instinct and can be released to fly at liberty, and

trained to return to their loft, and source of food.

 

Like humans, they are motivated by water and food, and secondly by sex. They mate

for life unless their mate is taken from them or dies.

 

There are hundreds of different breeds of pigeons, in many different colours. Belgium

and Holland have a huge fraternity of racing pigeons fanciers, many of whom make a

career out of breeding, selling and racing pigeons, as well as selling pigeon equipment,

housing and supplies. European and Middle Eastern pigeon fanciers are some of the most enthusiastic in the world.

 

The Birmingham Roller is an aerial acrobat developed in Birmingham, England. They fly

in a kit or swarm and will break into series of backward spins ranging in depth from

2 feet to 100 feet. The spin or roll is a reaction to stress and excitement, associated with

the central nervous system.

 

You can do a lot with pigeons, regarding genetic experimentation, such as creating

new colours and breeds. They reproduce quickly so you see fast results. If you enjoy

working with living creatures, it is a hobby full of rewards.