"The Association of Pigeon Veterinarians, after careful review of the documentation of the Avian Disease Research Committee of the American Pigeon Fanciers' Council, and the implemented studies of the National Avian Disease Task Force for Pigeons and Doves, and consideration of the data from the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we do affirm and testify that to our knowledge, the raising, keeping and the exercising of pigeons and doves represents no more of a health hazard than the keeping of other communal or domestic pets."

An Informational sheet presented by

The Alabama Pigeon Club

The hobby of breeding and showing of the domestic pigeon is worldwide composed of people from all walks of life, faiths and races who share a simple common bond….. a love of pigeons.

Pigeon breeding is a great hobby for young and old people and everyone in between. As a hobby for children, it teaches responsibility for caring for animals. It is a great family value hobby that mom and dad can enjoy along with their children.

Thousands of adults also breed pigeons. For many, this worthwhile pastime offers a break from business or professional pressures, and serves as wonderful way to relax.  Retired folks also enjoy this hobby. Those golden years are great, especially with a fun hobby like pigeon breeding.

So, what does this entire pigeon-breeding mean? Is it just keeping a few pairs of pigeons in a cage and watching them raise young?

Well, not exactly.  It is about breeding show pigeons. Show pigeons are breeds or varieties of domesticated pigeons that have been bred for certain characteristics. Many are quite different in appearance than the pigeon that you’d see free flying on a public street or park.  Many breeders become interested in the science of genetics as it applies to pigeons in their breeding programs.

 Some of these breeds have been around for hundreds of years, and some are thousands of years old. They are all the result of selective breeding for certain desired or liked characteristics.

Over the past two centuries, people have set up standards or guides as to what these breeds should look like, and pigeon shows or competitions have played a big part in advancing the pigeon hobby for what we call, fancy pigeons.

Some breeds have been highly developed to have ornamental feathering in the heads, necks, backs, tails or feet.  Other breeds exhibit combinations of all of the above with a wide variety of color combinations.  Each breed has a “Standard of Perfection” that has been devised to help depict the “perfect” specimen in the loft and show pen.

The worldwide affection for the pigeon has materialized as specific breeds for different geographic areas.  Many unique breeds of pigeons can be observed by photographs on the wonderful tool of the internet, yet may actually be very rare within the borders of the United States.

Pigeon raising is really very simple.  They require the simplest of enclosures that can be economical in construction or can be very expensive as the owner desires.  The loft needs to be basically dry but, airy with perches available for each bird.  Adults will usually pair for life although adults are usually re-mated annually depending on their owner and his goals in producing that “perfect” show pigeon.

Pigeons are hardy and can become quite tame.  Pairs will produce a clutch of two babies after an incubation period of 17 days.  The babies will have a covering of yellow hair and are sightless for a few days.  Babies will quickly grow in the first week of their existence by the “pigeon milk” that is regurgitated to them by their parents. The yellow hair will soon disappear as the youngsters develop feathering. Basic care includes clean feed, clean water and a draft free dry environment.  

There is a certain pleasure in visiting your loft and observing your pigeons making nests, rearing babies and hearing the sounds of little pigeons squeak (“squeakers”) in persuading their parents to feed them.

Annual shows are held around the country that gives the breeder of show pigeons the opportunity to show their favorite breed in competition against others. Again, we encourage you to contact the Alabama Pigeon Club for more information regarding this fascinating hobby.