The history of mankind and the history of the domestic pigeon seem to have been continually interwoven. Wherever there have been great civilizations, there have been archaeological records of man's reverence for this bird.
As a message bearer, a food source, scientific research animal, and as an outlet for man's creative breeding desires, the pigeon has served him well.
In the great religions of the world, the pigeon has occupied a position of reverence. Most people are acquainted with the biblical story of Noah's Ark and his sending of the dove or pigeon to search for land.
The earliest known record of pigeons is in the Fifth Egyptian Dynasty about 3000 years ago. The ancient armies of Julius Caesar relied on homing pigeons as their most dependable means of communication. So effective were these birds that their use continued until World War II.
In literature Homer, Socrates, Aristotle, and Pliny frequently mention the pigeon. The most famous of all authors William Shakespeare was either a pigeon breeder or associated closely with someone who was, as he exhibits a precise knowledge of pigeons in many of his works. His play "As You Like It" contains the first reference to a particular breed in the English language. "I will be more jealous of thee than a Barbary (Barb) cock pigeon over his hen".
Many prominent historical figures have been pigeon fanciers. Among them Queen Victoria, Charles Darwin, Mary Queen of Scotts, George V, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
What makes someone love pigeons, and wish to keep them as a life-long hobby, is hard to say. Some claim a person is born with this love. Most acquire birds at a very early age, raise them for a number of years, are forced to give them up for awhile, but return to the fold after a number of years.
Many fanciers enjoy the challenge of breeding their birds towards a written standard of perfection. This never to be achieved attainment of perfection fires their interest year after year. |
As an industry, the raising of squabs for food is very small when compared with the chicken industry. Pigeons must be raised by their parents, while chickens are on their own in a few days. It is nevertheless possible to make a living off of raising pigeons for food.
Others gain their greatest thrill from flying their pigeons either in races or to see them tumble. In New York, the sport of catching your neighbor's pigeons and holding them for ransom is practiced. Some strive to see whose pigeon will fly the longest without landing. A bird called a Tippler, which has flown over 21 hours, holds the world record.
There are well over 200 different breeds of pigeons. There is a variety that appeals to everyone. Pigeons do not require large amounts of space; they fit nicely into suburban sub-division living. The hobby is a relatively inexpensive one. Although no one will get rich raising pigeons. After a short time period of time,one can expect to break even on expenses by winning price money for races or shows, or selling stock to other fanciers.
One racing pigeon recently sold for a staggering $132,517.00! The 3-year old bird was a champion racer beating 21,000 other pigeons in one long distance race. For this reason he was bought by one British company that breeds racing pigeons for ‘stud’. One very happy pigeon! The previous record price for a pigeon was $73, 800.00. More typical prices would range from $25 to $100 per pair.
If cared for properly pigeons are quiet, odorless, and do not attract flies. They do not represent any serious health hazard, although good ventilation is essential. Pigeon fanciers often live very long lives.
Pigeon raising appeals to all ages from junior breeders to senior citizens. There are over 500 different pigeon clubs all across the United States. Close to 300 separate pigeon shows are held annually in this country. It is estimated there are over 100,000 pigeon fanciers in the United States and Canada.
Note: This article was written by an unknown author well over 10 years ago. |
