Fly into the World of Domestic Pigeon Husbandry

Animal Husbandry of Domestic Pigeons:

• Pigeon husbandry has been practiced for 5,000 years in almost every part of the world.
• Pigeon fanciers are people who breed pigeons and the hobby is gaining popularity in the US.
• There are hundreds of breeds of domesticated pigeons arising from the common ancestor, rock dove.
• There are three major recognized groups of breeds of domesticated pigeons in the US and the UK.
• Pigeon fanciers in other nations use different schemes in grouping domesticated pigeons.
• Flying/sporting pigeons are kept and bred for their aerial performance and for reproduction.
• Fancy pigeons are bred for perpetuating particular features and compete against each other at exhibitions or pigeon shows.
• Utility pigeons are bred for meat and as replacement breeding stock and their meat is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
• Houses for pigeons are generally called lofts and there are as many different kinds of enclosures used to house pigeons as there are pigeon fanciers.
• Keeping pigeons has been found to lead to a condition called Pigeon Fancier's Lung in some fanciers.
• Pigeon keeping has been portrayed in films, art, and television shows.
• Pigeons were seen as a cheap source of good meat in the past.