america’s favorite poultry magazine pigeons! all about

1Pigeons e-edition www.countrysidenetwork.com

PLUS: PigeonS Strike A PoSe

BackyardPoultry

Pigeons!

Pigeonse-edition

www.CountrysideNetwork.com

America’s Favorite Poultry Magazine

All About

EXPloRE PIGEoN tYPESfrom Rollers to Racers

RAISING PIGEoNS FoR PRoFIt improving lives while

running a pigeon business

HouSING & FEEdING a well-designed loft

keeps your birds healthy

2 Backyard Poultry

Contents // Pigeons e-edition

4 From the Editor

6 Backyard Poultry SocialConnect with Backyard Poultry on social media.

7 Meet & Greet: Kenny CooganOur Pigeons e-edition featured contributor.

8 Pigeons Photo Essay Pigeons strike a pose for photographer Bret Hartman.

14 Get to Know Pigeons This adaptable bird has been valuable through the ages.

18 From Rollers to Racers Explore pigeon breeds and types.

14


26

24 Flock Photos Featuring photos from our readers.

26 How to Properly House and Feed Pigeons Good pigeon loft design can help your pigeons stay healthy.

30 Meet the English Pouter Pigeon Your guide to fancy pigeon breeds.

35 Peace, Love, and Pigeons Tips for improving others’ lives with your pigeon business.

35

4 Backyard Poultry

EditoRiaLSteph Merkle, Content director

[email protected]

Pam Freeman, [email protected]

Editorial assistants

Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom

CiRCuLation & MaRKEtinGEllen Grunseth, Marketing [email protected]

advERtiSinG

alicia Soper, advertising [email protected]

(715) 748-1388

Kelly [email protected]

(715) 748-1389

Sue [email protected]

(970) 392-4436

General ManagerMike Campbell

[email protected]

Backyard Poultry’s Main CoopBackyard Poultry

P.O. Box 566, Medford, WI 54451www.countrysidenetwork.com

Subscriptions (u.S. funds):$24.99 per year

Backyard Poultry SubscriptionsP.O. Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702

(970) 392-4419

Backyard Poultry (ISSN 1559-2251, USPS 023-374) is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, P.O. Box 566, Medford,

WI 54451. Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and additional mailing offices. ©2018 Countryside Publications. Countryside Publications is owned and operated by Fence

Post Co. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of the editor or publisher. All contents of this issue of

Backyard Poultry are copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part

is prohibited except by permission of the publisher.

PoStMaStER:Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5);

NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Backyard Poultry

Subscriptions, P.O. Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702

Backyard

Poultrywww.countrysidenetwork.comUnsung

Heroes

from the editor

On The Cover

Editor,Pam Freeman

Managing pigeon breeding will allow your birds to be ready for a show.

I remember the first time I visited the Ohio National Poultry Show and saw the rows of pigeons there for the com-

petition. Yes, I knew pigeons were more than the street birds you see in the city. But, I was shocked at the variety in front of my eyes. There were pigeons with almost no beak, some with frilly feathers everywhere, others standing tall and proud. I have been fascinated by them ever since.

Aside from the show circuit, pigeons have played an important role throughout history

and are, arguably, some of the most impor-tant birds around. They have been, and still are, a food source. But beyond that, hom-ing pigeons allowed folks to communicate via long distances well before the internet. They’ve been war heroes thrust in the heat of battle and trusted with saving lives. And, they’ve provided entertainment through the sport of racing.Pigeons are the unsung heroes of our back-yard flocks. Enjoy learning more about them!

Photo Credit: Pam Freeman


Backyard

PoultrySubscribe today!

America’s favorite poultry magazine is written for both rural and urban poultry enthusiasts. The magazine features all poultry including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and guinea fowl.

Backyard Poultry

The voice of the independent flock master, sheep! magazine contains informative articles on health, feed and grazing, predator protection and marketing meat and wool products.

sheep!

The leading magazine that focuses on “all things goat.” Regular topics include raising, breeding and marketing goats, along with features and information on making the goat business more profitable and rewarding. Each issue provides timely articles, news, and health information for goat owners.

Goat Journal

Subscribe online at countrysidenetwork.com/magazines or complete the form below.

Helpful free guides are available, each focusing on a specific topic of interest.

Visit CountrysideNetwork.com/free-guides to download yours today.

Don’t forget to download your Free GuideS!

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM – SUBSCRIBE OR RENEW TODAY!

Yes! Please sign me up for (six issues per year):

Countryside & Small Stock Journal

1 Year $19.99

Backyard Poultry

1 Year $24.99

Goat Journal

1 Year $24.99

sheep!

1 Year $24.99

2 Years $32.00

2 Years $39.00

2 Years $39.00

2 Years $39.00

3 Years $45.00 (Best Deal! Save 58% off the cover price!)




Payment Enclosed

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Email

Visa/MasterCard #: Exp.:MAIL TO: Countryside Network Subscriptions, P.O. Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 OR CALL: 1-970-392-4419 • www.CountrysideNetwork.com

Countryside &Small Stock Journal

The magazine of modern homesteading, featuring information on gardening, food preservation, small livestock, poultry, preparedness and self-reliant living.

6 Backyard Poultry

Join the Conversation with Backyard Poultry on Social Media!

Use #backyardpoultrymag on Instagram or tag us for your chance

to be featured!

INSTAGRAM@backyardpoultrymag

PINTEREST@poultrymagazine@backyardpoultry

FACEBOOK


M e e t & G r e e t

Our Pigeons e-edition Featured Contributor

Getting to Know Kenny Coogan

Hi! My name is Kenny Coogan and I’m regular contributor to Backyard Poultry magazine and Coun-tryside & Small Stock Journal. I am a freelance writer, author, and permaculturist living in Florida. I have 20 years of experience as a poultry owner and a B.S. in animal behavior. I have trained professionally at zoos and aquariums. I have cared for pigeons, penguins, and porcupines. My all-time favorite animals to work with are sloths. I share my one-acre Florida homestead with cats, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, bearded dragon and a 28-year-old female Moluccan cockatoo named Buddy.

I love teaching about homesteading, raising animals, and gardening. When the hot Florida summer comes, I love to travel internationally. So far I’ve been to five continents.

Kenny CooganFind Kenny online at:

Facebook.com/CritterCompanionsKennyCoogan.com

More great stories from Kenny Coogan on countrysidenetwork.com!

8 Backyard Poultry

Pigeons

Strike

a Pose

Bret Hartman has photographed everyone from comedian Will Ferrell to legendary actor Dustin Hoffman, so we challenged him with a new assignment: pigeons.

He captured these stunning shots at the The National Pigeon Association Grand National Pigeon Show in Los Angeles (2015).

Pictured: Charles Scott, Pomeranian Pouter, White

10 Backyard Poultry

6 Backyard Poultry

BYP April-May 10-2 2-50 start.indd 6 2/22/15 1:22 PM


www.backyardpoultrymag.com 7April / May 2015

Above: Larry Wilmes, American Giant Homer, Brown Bar

Opposite page, top: Abigail Copeland. Hungarian; Natasha Soares, Gold Fantail; Mia Bella Mefferd, English Shortface; Emily Isom, Oriental Roller; Alisa Foster, Old Style Saddle Muffed Tumbler; Niah Mauldin, Racing Homer; Zachery Ferrell, Voorburg Shield Cropper; and Vincent Pizzuto, Modena.

Opposite page, bottom left: Justin Curl, Portuguese Tumbler, Two Color Tiger

Opposite page, bottom right: Peter Frantangelo Jr., Domestic Show Flight, Yellow Plain Head

Samantha Wendell, Western Fantail, Black

Robert Sanchez, West of England Tumbler, Almond

Larry Schulz, American Show Racer, Opal

More than 7,000 birds and 200 different breeds were shown at the event, including a few by former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, according to the event’s host, the Los Angeles Pigeon Club.

“LAPC spent almost two years in preparation for the show, and the fruit of that hard work and team effort was evident in any direction you would look at,” said Muhammad Shaheed, the club’s media liason. “What I liked most was the bonding of humanity that was displayed. People came from all over the world, of different races, colors, social classes, religious backgrounds ... and they all became a part of a family, enjoying not only the birds in display, but more importantly, enjoying each others companionship. In a world full of stress and anxiety and hatred, the show of-fered peace and comfort, and love for each other as humans.”


12 Backyard Poultry

8 Backyard Poultry

Top: Keith Chadd, English Tumblers, Splash

Bottom, left: Teresa Reyes Barrow (left), and Monica Soareds, Black Headed Tumbler, Blacck

Bottom, right: Donald Roscoe, Dragoon, Blue Bar

Samantha Wendell, Western Fantail, Black

National Pigeon Association President Jerry Gagne (left), and National Fancy Pigeon Association President Fadilius Hendricks, English Tumblers, Splash.

Eugene Sande, Show Roller, Red Checked Beard

All photos by Bret Hartman/www.brethartman.com


Kathie Johnson, Pomeranian Pouter, White

Top: Keith Chadd, English Tumblers, Splash

Bottom, left: Teresa Reyes Barrow (left), and Monica Soareds, Black Headed Tumbler, Black

Bottom, right: Donald Roscoe, Dragoon, Blue Bar


Sherri Owen (Artist),Pigeon Painting — Holy Spirit, White

14 Backyard Poultry

Get tO KnOw PiGeOnsThis Adaptable Bird Has Been Valuable Through the Ages

by Kenny Coogan

P igeons are remarkable for so many reasons. A true cosmopolitan, long after humans have left this Earth, only cockroaches, rats, and pigeons will remain. Humans and pigeons have been sharing living space as far back as 3000 BC, in Mesopotamia, modern Iraq.

Did you know that pigeons mate for life and both sexes care for the young? They have the ability to fly at altitudes up to 6,000 feet, and at speeds between 50 and 70 miles per hour. The fastest recorded speed is 92.5 miles per hour. These are just a few of many amazing pigeon facts!

In addition to a range of colors,

pigeons have been bred for shows,

racing and as a source of

protein.


Pigeons are well-adapted at living in urban or rural areas.

Countless park goers across the world feed thousands of feral pigeons daily. Many members of different religions including Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs feed pigeons for spiritual reasons. Some older Sikhs will ritualistically feed pigeons to honor Guru Gobind Singh, a high priest who was renowned as a friend to pigeons. I know I couldn’t resist sitting down in the middle of Venice’s historic St. Mark’s Square to befriend a flock of pigeons. Covering myself with seed, I couldn’t stop smiling, as the pigeons transformed me into a human perch.

With so many types of pigeons to choose from, adding a flock to your backyard can add a fun source of entertainment, income, or food to any homestead.

PIGEoN bASICS

How Long Do Pigeons Live?Domestic pigeons can live between 10

and 15 years. Although pigeons can become sexually mature as early as five months, many breeders recommended waiting for the birds to reach one year of age.

What Do Pigeons Eat? If considering keeping pigeons you may be wondering, what do pigeons eat? Pigeons are granivores, eating seeds and cereals. Many pigeon feeds include cereals, corn, wheat, dried peas, barley, and rye. Depend-ing on the actively level of your bird, dif-ferent protein percentages are commercially available. Pigeons will also benefit from fresh greens, berries, fruit, and an occasional insect.

How Do Pigeons Breed?The coupling ritual starts with the male

characteristically cooing and puffing out his neck. The female will fly or walk short dis-tances to entice the male to follow her. Once she is satisfied she will accept offerings of food and position herself to be mounted.

Eight to 12 days after mating and ac-cepting food gifts from her mate, the hen will usually lay two white eggs. Pigeons will breed year-round and will lay more eggs before the first clutch has left the nest.

“Keeping the number of birds under control is key to health and quality and suc-cessful racing,” says Deone Roberts, Sport Development Manager of the American Racing Pigeon Union. “To have the desired results in racing, the flyer/breeder needs to set down his/her goals.”

Those goals will influence the type of stock selected and the kinds of pairings you will make. Controlling the times of mating is also important if you plan on racing or showing birds.

Organizations such as the American Racing Pigeon Union are for people who love animals, fellowship, and friendly competition.

“We have a staffed national office to serve member needs such as leg bands and diplomas, race figuring software, educa-tional materials, beginner mentor program, zoning assistance for ordinance changes, and promotion assistance,” says Roberts.

In addition to racing pigeons, Roberts says that there are hundreds of breeds of pi-geons and it seems more are created through selection for specific traits. Most are for

show. Some are for performance, such as the roller or tumbler breeds.

Growing up I had a small flock of rollers and tumblers. After a few years or raising them, and enjoying their aerial acrobatics, I attended a pigeon show to expand my collection. I pur-chased a pair of runt pigeons. These ironically named pigeons can weigh up to 3.5 pounds! They are mostly raised for show or squab meat. The seller said I could let them free range in the yard like chickens. After a week of keeping them in the coop to get their bearings, I let them out to explore the lawn. As soon as the door opened, the birds took off straight toward the horizon. That was a sad day. Lesson learned. Not all pigeons should be expected to return if they are released from their coop.

In ancient Mesopotamia, sailors would release pigeons — and ravens — from their ships. They would track the birds to orient themselves toward land. A thousand years later, you have the story of Noah in the Old Testament. Around this time you also start seeing pigeons featured in sculptures, jew-elry, and hair needles.

The Phoenicians distributed white pi-geons throughout the Mediterranean around 1000 BC. The Greeks gave pigeons to chil-dren as toys, used the squabs as a food source, and used their manure to fertilize crops.

Keeping pigeons is an ageless hobby. Photo by Gary Weir

16 Backyard Poultry

Budapest pigeons, with their comical eyes, were developed around 1907.

Managing pigeon breeding will allow your birds to be ready for a show.

Some pigeon lofts, situated next to Roman houses, could maintain 5,000 birds. The Romans created tube feeding and watering systems for their birds and started selectively breeding for desirable traits. They bred birds that flew strange patterns, could find their way home, were large enough to eat, and had ornamental plumage.

Today, schools raise pigeons to connect kids with history, nature and to empower them with life skills. “These projects are developing increased interest in science, math, computer technologies, health, and nutrition,” says Roberts. “When children have pigeons, they connect with nature. They are outside and away from computers, iPads, and the television.”

Roberts reminds us that raising pigeons is not just a youth activity. “Likewise, the hobby provides enjoyment for retirees in their golden years.”

“Our members come from a variety of backgrounds with regard to education, income, and ethnicity. It is not unusual for individuals to combine two hobbies that in-clude more animals, such as a hobby farmer, that may also have poultry.”

“What we have is an organization of members that gives to the community and gives to their own. Combine that with the love of a bird. There’s not much better than that,” says Roberts.


This definitive guide to North American barnyard and wild fowl includes a brief history of each breed, detailed descriptions of identifying characteristics, and colorful

photography of more than 128 birds that celebrate the birds’ quirky personalities and charming good looks. If it’s fowl facts and photos you want, you’ll find them all here.

Only $24.95 plus S&H

CountrysideNetwork.com/shop/storeys-illustrated-guide-to-poultry-breeds

Features 128+

Birds!

• Chickens• Ducks• Geese• Turkeys• Emus• Guinea Fowl• Ostriches• Partridges• Peafowl• Swans And Much More!

PIGEoN bREEdS bY ClASS

Utility BreedsThese birds are used mostly for squab

production. The largest types of pigeons in this category include the White Kinds, Red Carneau, French Mondain, Giant Homers, and the ironically named Runts.

Michael Kolodziej, owner of Ruffled Feather Farm, has been raising pigeons for 30 years. Currently, he raises one of the largest pigeon breeds and one of the smallest.

“The giant runt is the largest breed of pigeon, and their size alone makes them regal,” he says. “They are truly a gentle giant. They are not the easiest breed to work with; because of their size, they break their eggs and even crush their young.”

He tells me that they are best left undisturbed. When the squabs hatch, it’s amazing to watch this tiny chick develop into a giant.

“I very seldom advertise my runts; they sell themselves,” Kolodziej adds. “When people see them, they just have to have them. Their mass and impressive size win you over.”

FrOm rOllers tO RaCersExplore Pigeon Breeds and Types

By Kenny Coogan Photos By Layne gardner (unLess otherwise noted)

Recognized as a Master Breeder of Old Dutch Capuchines and Bavarian Pouters, Layne Gardner has had the good fortune of traveling the world photographing various types of pigeons. In her 50 years of raising pigeons (she started early!) she has developed a passion for quality and enjoys seeing excellent specimens in various breeds.

She may have chosen Capuchines for their elegant Cruella de Vil neck feathers and possibly the Bavarian Pouters for their attractive balloon-like crop. But what characteristics and breed will you choose?

With hundreds of types of pigeons to pick from, selecting a breed or variety can be overwhelming. Popular pigeon facts include their ability to adapt to various conditions and their inexpensive maintenance costs, which doesn’t help narrow down the choices. One of the best ways to choose a breed is by focusing on the flock’s purpose. Types of pigeons may be grouped into three classes: utility, fancy, and flying or homing breeds.

RuNt pigeoN photo by Michael Kolodziej

18 Backyard Poultry

the FReNCh MoNdaiN is valued for its beauty and food source.

CaRNeau originated in northern France and southern Belgium. Their size makes them suitable for squab production.

here is a beautiful example of an opal FReNCh MoNdaiN, compared to the typical blue.


Fancy breedsThese pigeons are kept for their gorgeous color, form,

and texture. I remember fondly going to the New York State fair, annually and visiting the poultry building. I would spend hours on the second floor which was dedicated to the whimsical types of pigeons New York fanciers had to offer. These exhibition breeds included Fantails, Jacobins, Owls, Pouters, Tumblers, and Modenas.

too little space for peafowl? add a flock of FaNtail pigeoNs to your yard for a fraction of the space.

originating in tunisia, africa, owl pigeoNs have short and

stout beaks, requiring small seed. This khaki pied individual is

an amazing example of artificial selection.

This Red splash JaCoBiN radiates elegance.

20 Backyard Poultry

looking for a blown-out feather look? look no further than this ChiNese owl whose variety is blue bar.

originally part of the tumbler group, this

BlaCK Magpie pigeoN is

predominately used as a show bird in the u.s.

a dark check show RolleR pigeoN.

looking for a bird with curves? try a BRoNze tRi gazzi ModeNa.


a variety of Kolodziej’s flock of poRtuguese tuMBleRs. photo by Michael Kolodziej

FlyiNg Baldhead Kite pigeoN

Flying or Homing breedsPossibly the most famous, this category includes racing pigeons

that are used for endurance flying (distance or height) and their homing instinct. Breeds include Racing Homers and Rollers.

Kolodziej says that Portuguese tumblers are one of the smallest breeds of pigeons. “They are extremely fast flyers and they perform well.”

Their small size is intriguing as well as the way they carry them-selves. They have an erect stance, powerful chest, and a small beak which makes their appearance pleasing.

"When the males court, they walk on tip-toe and almost inhale to make themselves appear more impressive,” Kolodziej has noticed. “Another interesting factor is the wide variety of colors and unique patterns. It is always exciting to watch the young birds feather out to see what you produced. My biggest enjoyment is watching them fly. I sit for hours and just watch."

22 Backyard Poultry

The doMestiC show Flight pigeoN originated in New york state. This variety is a red plainhead.

BeRliN shoRt-FaCed tuMBleRs were developed in the mid 19th century by crossing the ancient tumbler, Kazaner tumbler and other breeds in Berlin.

geRMaN loNg FaCe tuMBleR is a slender upright breed.

aMeRiCaN show RaCeR

exhiBitioN Blue BaR hoMeR


24 Backyard Poultry

A white homing pigeon sitting on a nest box. – Emily Finger, Wisconsin

Ways to share: Email photos in JpG format to [email protected] mEssaGE us on facEbook: facEbook.com/backyardpoultry taG us on instaGram or usE #backyardpoultrymaG: instaGram.com/backyardpoultrymaG mail your Entry to: backyard poultry, p.o. box 566, mEdford, Wi 54451

Backyard Poultry retains the right to publish and/or reproduce any and all photos submitted. To have your photos returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

This is Mapel, our Araucana hen. She is one of best green egg layers around.. – Kaitlyn Johns, Georgia

Finding a pullet egg is always a fun surprise. – Karri Burke, Wisconsin


Ways to share: Email photos in JpG format to [email protected] mEssaGE us on facEbook: facEbook.com/backyardpoultry taG us on instaGram or usE #backyardpoultrymaG: instaGram.com/backyardpoultrymaG mail your Entry to: backyard poultry, p.o. box 566, mEdford, Wi 54451

Backyard Poultry retains the right to publish and/or reproduce any and all photos submitted. To have your photos returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Popcorn, one of my Rhode Island Reds,

checking out how life is on top of the hay stack. – Kaitlyn Boss, Texas

Well-designed loft and good nutrition is my best piece of advice if you plan to start raising pigeons. – Connie Yates

Babadook, a Silkie, playing in an Azalea bush. – Christina Smith, South Carolina

Are you my mother? These young guinea hens adopted this rooster as their mother. Life on the farm

is never dull ! – Ed Fedor, Connecticut

How to Properly House and Feed Pigeons

Good Pigeon Loft Design Can Help Your Pigeons Stay Healthy

By Kenny Coogan

Pigeons are adaptable, hardy, and agile. And although the types of pigeons range in size and function, all pigeons have similar husbandry requirements. Knowing what to feed pigeons and their ideal loft design will allow you to ensure a healthy flock.

26 Backyard Poultry

phil spatola’s award-winning loft. having the loft elevated from the ground helps air circulation and keeps it dry.

The size of the loft should allow eight to 10 cubic feet of air space per bird. A well-made loft would include at least three partitions: one for breeders, one for young birds, and one for old birds. To make it comfortable for yourself and to aid in cleaning, the ceiling should be high enough for you to stand erect. Having the loft elevated from the ground will help air circulation and keep it dry.

Pigeon loft designAcross the board, the rule of thumb when

setting up and maintaining a pigeon loft is to keep the loft extremely dry with plenty of ventilation.

Philip Spatola of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, recently won the American Rac-ing Pigeon Union “Loft of the Year” award. Members were encouraged to submit pho-tographs and descriptions of their lofts. Not only was it an on-line loft “beauty contest,” but it also illustrated the variety of appear-ances that provide healthy housing for hom-ing pigeons. The styles and sizes conveyed a large range of skill sets and funds.

“I contacted a local shed company to build a shed to my specifications and then

had a friend install partitions and perches inside the loft,” said Spatola.

He cleans his “Cary’d Away Loft” once a day in the mornings and then feeds and waters the birds. In the summer, he cleans the loft twice a day. Fans and electricity were in-stalled to aid in ventilation and convenience.

Deone Roberts, the Sport Development Manager for the American Racing Pigeon Union, says that a well-designed loft consists of a floor, four walls, a roof, external fixtures (landing board, trap, ventilators and turbines, and aviaries), internal fixtures, a storage area for feed and other supplies plus an infirmary. The loft needs to prevent vermin, including aerial predators.

“A neat appearance and blending into the

neighborhood is most helpful to encourage good community relations,” said Roberts. And remember, “The cost of construction has no bearing on racing success.”

The size of the loft should allow eight to 10 cubic feet of air space per bird. A well-made loft would include at least three partitions: one for breeders, one for young birds, and one for old birds. To make it comfortable for yourself and to aid in clean-ing, the ceiling should be high enough for you to stand erect. Having the loft elevated from the ground will help air circulation and keep it dry.

The roof should be slanted from front to back to allow the rain to roll off away from the landing board. The landing board should


to have good hygiene in the loft, place lids on all food and water containers. photo by phil spatola.

be large enough for all the birds to land at one time. The trap functions so that pigeons that fly outside can get back into the loft but not be able to fly out again. It should be in the center of the landing board. Traps can be purchased for around $20. My father and I built a trap out of wire coat hangers when I was flying tumblers and racing pigeons, and it worked out great.

Roberts says that aviaries are an essential part of any well-designed loft allowing the birds to have a constant supply of fresh air and sunshine.

“Each section of the loft should have a small aviary where the birds can go out into the sun and rain,” said Frank McLaughlin. “It is also nice to be able to close off these aviaries to keep the weather from the inside of the loft.”

McLaughlin of McLaughlin Lofts has been raising pigeons for 43 years.

“Most of the best lofts have air enter-ing low and leaving the loft at a high point causing a chimney effect,” he said. “Many fanciers keep their pigeons on grated floors and some use a deep litter which I prefer a thin layer or wood pellets used in wood burning stoves.”

“Dampness is the worst condition for pigeons so having sunlight enter the loft is excellent to keep dry,” said McLaughlin. “Pigeons rarely if ever get sick if they have space, dryness, good feed, minerals/grits, and clean fresh water.”

28 Backyard Poultry

spatola’s “Cary’d away loft” includes different partitions for different aged birds.

DIY PIgeon feeD formula

Corn 40%Red Wheat 27%Peas 18%Kefir (sorghum) 15%Mineral grit Free Choice

Each mated pair of pigeons should have their own nest box. The boxes do not need to be elaborate. Boxes that are 18 inches long and 12inches high and wide are suitable for most breeds. Having a small lip on the front will keep nesting materials, eggs, and squabs safe. Placing a small clay flower pot or bowl, along with nesting materials such as hay, straw, pine needles, wood chips or twigs will assist with the breeding cycle.

Perches throughout the loft and aviary can be constructed out of one by four-inch boards, tree branches or half-inch doweling. While pigeons are highly sociable, another pigeon fact is that they can be territorial. Having ample perching is important to re-duce quarreling.

What do Pigeons Eat?Commercial grain and seed mixes are

easily available at farm stores and solve the question of what do pigeons eat. Protein is important for pigeons that are produc-ing. Peas and soybeans are great sources of protein. What do pigeons eat depends on the activity level of the birds. Different compositions are made for birds that are breeding, raising young, molting, or racing.

Some of the first food items that are eaten by the birds include green, maple, and yellow peas, mung beans, and lentils. To guarantee that your birds are getting the nutritional value that is advertised on the package, the birds must eat the full range of grains. If they are given too much seed, they will pick out their favorites. By offering only the amount of food the pigeons will consume in one day, you will ensure that they are eating the nutritional diversity the bag advertises. To create your own pigeon food, check out this baseline formula.

the Scoop on Pigeon PoopTen thousand years ago, farming was

evolving in Iran. The shift from short-term profits to sustaining yields had begun. Farm-ers needed a way to amend the soil after their crops had decimated the soil’s fertility. Pi-geon towers, or dovecotes, became a crucial part of the agricultural economy by provid-ing fertilizer for crops such as melons and cucumbers, which require a lot of nitrogen.

Wild pigeons would live in these towers,

which were strategically placed in fields, and the caregivers would harvest the manure once a year to sell to other farmers. The pigeon manure was considered so valuable that guards were posted at the dovecotes to keep thieves from stealing the wild birds’ droppings! In a different time in history, pigeon droppings were used as a component of gunpowder.

Dr. Ayhan Bekleyen of Dicle University, Diyarbakır, Turkey, shared this dovecot from Eastern Turkey.

Cleanliness in your nest boxes and loft are important for preventing manure buildup, minimizing moisture, and keeping a healthy environment, which reduces the likelihood of disease. Placing an inch of sand on the loft floor will assist in the cleaning on the loft. You can easily sift through the sand and remove debris. Daily raking of the sand will keep the sand clean and dry. By adding a little dirt and organic matter like grass clippings to the manure, it will compost down, making your own valuable pigeon poo fertilizer. This high-nitrogen fertilizer works well on tomatoes, eggplant, melons, roses, and other plants that do well in rich soil.


meet the english Pouter PigeonYour Guide to Fancy Pigeon Breeds

By Kenny Coogan

30 Backyard Poultry

Frank Barrachina’s english pouter.

Frank Barrachina’s red english pouter. two-time National Champion.

There are several breeds and types of pigeons, but if there were ever a supermodel pigeon, the English Pouter would be stomping down the runway during fashion week. Homing pigeons, of course, would be the nerds — calculating and compassing their way home with precession. Pouters have endlessly long legs, voluptuous

crops (or globes), stand tall and do not merely strut about in the loft, but saunter. They put the bass in their walk, as they project an attitude of utmost confidence as they take long strides, placing one foot in front of the other.

These birds are so attractive that a breed known as the Horseman Thief Pouter steals and retrieves wild pigeons and other fancier’s pigeons back to their loft with its good looks and wooing. Possibly as far back as the 17th century, the Horseman Thief Pouter was developed to have a high sex drive, to be nimble in flight, possess a strong homing instinct, and the ability and intent to seduce other pigeons. Generally speaking, Pouter breeds are very promiscuous and the Horseman Pouter is even more so. This type of selective breeding makes for entertaining birds in the loft, show pen, and flying around the yard.

Frank Barrachina, who now lives in Pinon Hills, California has been breeding pigeons for most of his life. At age 66, he calculates that he has been breeding his favorites — Pouters and Croppers — for the past 54 years. He says that Pouters and Croppers are basically the same group of pigeons and the words are interchangeable.


Blue Bar pigmy pouter old cock that was the 2015 National Champion. photo by tally Mezzanatto.

“Both names describe a pigeon with the unique ability to fill its crop with air,” says Barrachina. But it is more than that, really. It also describes a pigeon that is naturally tame. The ability to distend the crop was originally used by the male pigeon to win over a mate.

Over the centuries of selective breeding, this feature of wooing mates with an inflated globe lent itself to being a very tame pet bird. Although there are all kinds of Pouters and Croppers with different distinct physical shapes and markings, they all share the common trait of being able to inflate their crop.

Barrachina breeds two distinctive radically different looking Pouter breeds. The English Pouter is the tallest breed of fancy pigeons with some of the biggest ones being 16 inches in height. The most unusual aspect about this breed is that they should stand upright with the eye over the ball of the foot. They have long legs that are clad in smooth feathers.

“The body is also far removed from that of the bird your mind associates with pigeons. It is slim with a “V” shaped keel,” says Barrachina.

For those interested in breeding Pouters, having surrogate pigeons on standby might be a good idea for many of the varieties. With those long supermodel-like legs, Pouters in the nest can become a bit clumsy and will possibly break the eggs.

32 Backyard Poultry

two baby english pouters in the nest being taken care of by foster parents at five days old.

inside section of Jeff Clemens’s loft.

His other unique breed is the Old German Cropper. “This is the longest breed of fancy pigeon with some measuring 24 inches in length. “This extreme length comes from the long wing flights and tail,” said Barrachina. “The wings when opened and spread measure three or more feet across. The Old German Cropper stands close and parallel to the ground. While they appear substantial and full bodied, they are not thick and heavy but create the illusion of sheer size with their feathering. While they are not the best flyers, they breed well and are very fertile.

Barrachina serves as the secretary of the National Pouter and Cropper Club and is a well-known judge of the Pouter breeds. Barrachina and his wife, Tally have traveled the world judging pigeons, focusing on Pout-ers, and enjoy meeting other fanciers who share the same passion. “We’ve met a lot of wonderful folks over the years — friendly and nice — and all share a common love for these unique pigeons,” says Barrachina.

Tally breeds Pigmy Pouters and Saxon Pouters along with many other fancy variet-ies for top show competitions. The couple has achieved Master Breeder status from the National Pigeon Association and National Pouter & Cropper Club for their achieve-ments with these breeds.

While judging shows, Barrachina en-courages the pigeons to inflate their crops, or as fanciers call them globes, and show off their strutting and posing skills.

“The tamer the bird, the better it is likely to win if its physical attributes as set forth by the standard are met,” says Barrachina. It all works together, but if the bird were sulky or kind of wild, it won’t show to its full potential. So a Pouter judge, if he or she is good, coos to the birds, plays with them, and gets them to look their best. Posture and temperament are a big aspect when it comes to the show hall. A bird that is strutting and dancing will generally do well compared to one just standing, doing nothing.

Jeff Clemens, of Altoona, Iowa, has been raising English Pouters since he was 12 years old growing up in Fort Dodge, Iowa. For the last 25 years, he has been raising English Pouters and a variety of other Pouters.

For those interested in breeding Pouters, having surrogate pigeons on standby might be a good idea for many of the varieties. With those long supermodel-like legs, Pouters in the nest can become a bit clumsy and will

The ability to distend the crop was originally used by the male pigeon to win over a mate. Throughout the centuries of selective breeding, this feature of wooing mates with an inflated globe lent itself to being a very tame pet bird.


possibly break the eggs. Clemens who raises 25 to 30 Pouter squabs a year uses German Beauty Homers and Racing Homers as the surrogate parents. “In some cases, I will also hand feed the Pouter babies once they reach seven days old to allow them to trust me and become more friendly, which pays off in the show hall.”

For show quality birds, the National Pigeon Association (NPA) standard for each breed depicts the colors, markings, stance/posture, head shape, eye color, as well as the faults that disqualify a bird. The position-ing and length of the legs is a key with the English Pouters as they are with most of the 30 plus Pouter breeds.

Knowing how to properly house and feed pigeons is the key to raising pigeons success-fully. “It all begins with a good loft, clean feed, quality grit, and always clean water,” says Clemens. “Some of our Pouters can breed and raise their young by themselves, others require a more common kind of feeder, such as a homer, to raise their young. It’s a simple process that requires changing eggs that are laid at the same time.”

Clemens says that the pigeon hobby is a wonderful way for kids as well as adults to do something fun together. “There isn’t anything like the spring when pairs are mated up and the eggs are hatching as we wait to see if the next Champion was just born,” says Clemens. “For kids, this hobby teaches responsibility and time management — much more excit-ing than sitting at a computer all day — this goes for any of the poultry or fowl birds. One thing that’s nice about pigeons is that they are much smaller and you can keep a few more to enjoy. Some folks like to fly their birds and others like to participate in shows, so there’s a big variety of why people enjoy the hobby.”

The National English Pouter Club is an organization that Rick Wood and Jeff Clemens re-established in 2012. “The club has been in existence off and on since the early 1900’s and the interest was there to re-establish it in 2012, “ explains Clemens. “Today we have 25 members and it’s grow-ing monthly as the interest continues to build in the breed.” The club’s members consist of doctors, accountants, military members, teachers, masonry workers, and many blue-collar careers. “It’s such a diverse group of people that sometimes I find it inconceivable that all walks of life can have an interest in this intriguing breed,” says Clemens.

There are several breeds and types of pigeons, but if there were ever a supermodel pigeon, the

English Pouter would be stomping down the runway during fashion week.

34 Backyard Poultry


Releasing white homing pigeons will surely add majesty to a wedding or enlightened spirituality to a memo-rial service. Throughout time, birds have been used in

ceremonies and events. White homing pigeons (Columba livia domestica), which are often times advertised as white doves, can represent eternal life, love, faith, purity, and prosperity. Pigeons and doves mate for life, and at a wedding, they can symbolize faithfulness, commitment, everlasting love, peace, serenity, and new beginnings. Releasing them is environmentally friendly and reinforces the unforgettable occasion.

A professionally coordinated white dove release is a unique addition to an outdoor ceremony. Seeing the birds soar into the sky and circle overhead provides a breathtaking experience. For those getting into the hobby or those who wish to increase their business, here are our top 10 tips.

Peace, love, and PigeonsTips for Improving Others’ Lives with

Your Pigeon Business

white homing pigeons, often advertised as white doves, mate for life, and are positive symbols for any ceremony.

Invest in the birdsChoose birds that come from

lineages that provide reliable homing instincts, have pure white feathers and are friendly. The homing instinct can be strong or weak according to heredity. If you are going to be releasing your birds only at the local church, then you will not need to invest in birds that can home long distances. However, if you want to expand your business range, choosing birds that have strong bodies and reliable homing instincts is a bet-ter investment. Although initially higher overhead, these birds will reduce your percentage lost, rein-vestment cost, and can be easier to train. Feed your birds a suit-able diet to prepare them for long distance flights.

The WhiTe CharioTDuring your journey on your final flight home.

White wings will carry you and you will be flown.

To the pearly gates of Heaven, where they will usher you in.

To the feet of your Lord, your Savior, and your friend.

He will hold you in his arms and the angels will sing.

As another one of His children is delivered by white wings.

Author: Julie Johnson, a popular recited verse to go along with a pigeon release at a funeral.

By Kenny Coogan

36 Backyard Poultry

Create a business and training Plan Your business plan should include your

basic business concept, the markets you’ll pursue, an advertising strategy (including social media) and your financial needs. A loft that allows two square feet per bird is recommended. “I spent around $4,000 for a 250-square-foot loft with water and elec-tricity,” said Jackie Greenough, owner of Sarasota Dove Release, in Sarasota, Florida. In addition to the cost of birds and housing, you’ll need to factor in time for training the birds prior to selling your services. “First time around, it will take six to 12 months to prepare them for a release,” Greenough says. She purchased squeakers to train, rather than buying adult mated pairs and waiting for them to reproduce. “Once birds have flown — been trained from their home — it is always their home. Young birds are usually purchased at around 4 or 5 weeks of age. You’ll need to keep them in the loft area for a couple weeks before you let them out the trap to look at their new world.” Now, after 10 years in the business, she has a sufficient number of birds to breed and bring to events simultaneously.

“I spent around $4,000 for a 250-square-foot loft with water and electricity,” said Jackie Greenough, owner of Sarasota Dove Release, in Sarasota, Florida. In addition to the cost of birds and housing, you’ll need to factor in time for training the birds prior to selling your services.

“First time around, it will take six to 12 months to prepare them for a release,” Gre-enough says. She purchased squeakers to train, rather than buying adult mated pairs and waiting for them to reproduce. “Once birds have flown — been trained from their home — it is always their home. Young birds are usually purchased at around 4 or 5 weeks of age. You’ll need to keep them in the loft area for a couple weeks before you let them out the trap to look at their new world.”

Now, after 10 years in the business, she has a sufficient number of birds to breed and bring to events simultaneously.

Analyze the Competition “The first question is price,” Greenough

says. People often think, “What a great thing. Just reusing the same birds. Must be very

lucrative.” And as poultry owners we know that this isn’t so. When coming up with fees for your services consider not only the bird’s costs, but also your training time, mileage, and release crates.

Advertise Welfare“Almost all clients ask what happens to

the birds after the release,” said L.J. Mey-ers, owner of Homeward Angels, located in Landrum, South Carolina. “They are comfortable with learning that the birds are well trained and have a safe home to return to.”

On your website or social media, ad-vertise your spacious loft and how they live the good life. Advertise the rearing and training process, the clean nest boxes and bathing areas.

Greenough says that some couples want sunset weddings, which she has to turn down. The birds cannot navigate during the night, which is stated and explained in the contract.

“I explain how well the birds are trained and how very important they are to me,” she adds.


boast beautiful Release boxes Part of growing a business is being pro-

fessional. The beautiful white birds should not be coming out of a plastic carrier that you transport a cat in. White wood or wicker release baskets and boxes are ornamental and professional. Smaller heart-shaped boxes that hold two birds for weddings go for around $50. The box design and color will certainly affect the setting’s mood, so plan accordingly.

Get organizedIn addition to having the birds well

trained (the ability to home and remain calm when handled), the business aspect must also be organized. Include songs, poems, sayings, and idioms as part of your service. Show up wearing appropriate attire and keep detailed records of booked events, fees, and organiza-tions that you donate your services to.

be CreativeGreenough offers the wedding couples

the opportunity to come to her home and practice handling the birds. “I first hand them the bird, showing them how to hold them a few times and let them release the bird.”

She then gives them the opportunity to reach into the basket and practice retriev-ing them properly. For a couple that wasn’t from the area, she met them in a parking lot to practice. At funerals and memorials, she simply hands the birds to the participants. As an added touch of creativity, all of her clients get a thank you card with real feathers from her birds as an additional remembrance.

Provide Great Service“As a white dove release professional,

you will be invited to attend a private per-sonal landmark family events,” Meyers says, “such as an anniversary, reunion, graduation, wedding, baptism, or funeral.”

Experienced dove handlers realize this is not just about letting birds fly.

“To some,” Meyers says, “this is a call-ing or even a ministry. We do this because we love sharing our birds with people and seeing how it touches their lives.”

“In an effort to give back to the commu-nity throughout the year, many dove releases are donating to fundraisers such as Cancer

Relay for Life, Battered Woman and Chil-dren, military officers who have lost their lives in combat, to assist with raising funds for charity, or significant events,” Dolly Kouri the Treasurer of the National White Dove Release Society (NWDRS) added.

“I see the sense of peace the birds give to families and loved ones,” Greenough said, as she recalled bringing smiles to those remembering their friend.

be a Pro“The white dove release industry has

trade organizations and national directories that set standards and code of ethics for members,” Meyers explained. For those al-ready in the dove release business, NWDRS offers a second level of membership, called the Gold Level. “The benefits to joining Gold is a state listing on our professional directory website (whitedovereleasesociety.com) and a Google AdWords advertisement, along with professionally designed market-ing materials for purchase,” Kouri says.

Gold level is $36 per year and includes a free membership to their Yahoo Forum.

Give optionsWhen first researching this article, I

initially thought that weddings would be the occasion that most often uses dove releases.

“Our most requested releases are for funerals and memorials and then weddings,” Meyers says. “The number one choice at a funeral is the Trinity Release.” Meyers’ company brings a flock of three birds, with a fourth being set free moments later. The symbolism illustrates the soul joining with God and ascending to heaven.

At a wedding the popular choice is two birds released by the couple with a flock set free to celebrate the joining of the couple. This symbolic gesture represents two lives getting together and sharing a life journey as one. For those wanting to branch out, open your services to all outdoor events. In addition to weddings and memorials, dove releases are the perfect event for family reunions, store openings, renewal of vows, graduations, and even divorce parties. Locally, a couple had the birds released at their wedding. Six months later, the woman had a divorce party in which she rehired the dove release company. The next day, the man had his own divorce party and released his own set of birds.

Psalm 55:6 “Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away and be at rest.”

Be prepared to answer client questions about the welfare of the birds and what happens after they are released.

38 Backyard Poultry

Budapest pigeons, with their comical eyes, were developed around 1907.

“

“

america’s favorite poultry magazine pigeons! all about

Documents