What makes a pigeon valuable?

They are appreciated not only for their speed but for their looks, too. And there are over 800 breeds of pigeon, many bred specifically to be exhibited at shows. Messenger pigeons were used across ancient Egypt and Rome, and their high value isn't new.

How can you tell if a pigeon is a racing pigeon?

(Racing pigeons are used to being handled, and the bird may let you pick it up with little fuss.) Check to see if the pigeon has a ring number on its leg and make a note of the ring number, e.g. GB19T12345. If there are no leg rings it's probably a wild or feral pigeon.

What do rings on a pigeon mean?

All racing pigeons are ringed on one leg with life rings, each carrying an individual number which identifies the specific pigeon.

How can you tell a good high flying pigeon?

The best way to observe this ring is by looking at the eyes of young, dark eyed pigeons, while holding them in the light. In mature pigeons the intensity of the ring's color is one of the best measuring tools for determine form. A close to perfect system of blood supply results in birds that easily reach top form.

How to select quality racing pigeons | How to judge a racing pigeon

Which pigeon is high flyer?

The Serbian Highflyer is a breed of domestic pigeon that is bred for endurance flying. The breed is characterized by long circle flights up to 15 hours. It can fly as high as 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).

How do you train a pigeon to come to your house?

Remove the pigeons from the coop and use a cage to carry them a mile away. Release the pigeons and they will return home. Do this several times in a week for practice. Increase the range to 5 miles and repeat the process.

What does a green tag on a pigeon mean?

They don't want lost birds. Rescued pigeon racing survivor Clive has both a coded green racing band & a purple clip on band. Sport bands are coded with the club's name, the bird's hatch year and the bird's ID number. They are designed to record who wins, not help those lost.

How do you read a pigeon band?

Their leg bands are alphanumeric. The letters represent the owner's national organization and local club, and the numbers represent the year the bird was hatched and its unique ID code. The first letters on a band might be AU for American Racing Pigeon Union or CU for Canadian Racing Pigeon Union.

What do you do if you find a tagged pigeon?

Leave it alone. At the very least, one normally sees the club initials, year of hatching, and individual serial number. Many people think there is, or should be, a central registry of all numbers. However, there is no such registry.

What does it mean when a pigeon hangs around your house?

The reason pigeons are attracted to these areas is because it offers a good view of the surrounding area, allowing them to scope out food sources that they can exploit. In many cases the food is something homeowners have left outside, such as food for other birds or exposed trash in bins.

What makes a good racing pigeon?

It should have enough space to carry the brains and to allow a strong connection with the compass function of the bird, which is situated in the back side of the head. This quality indicates that a racing pigeon will be intelligent and smart, irrespective of its bloodlines.

How expensive is a pigeon?

For comparison, the average price for a good racing pigeon is in the $2,800 range.

How do I find out who owns a banded pigeon?

If the bird has a plastic or metal band or ring on its leg, the owner can be traced through one of the national pigeon organizations. If the bird you have saved is a fancy show pigeon, the owner is probably very near where you originally found the bird.

Can you look up bird band numbers?

Please be ready with the band number, as well as how, where, and when the bird was found. Online: Go to By phone: 1-800-327-BAND (2263) from anywhere in Canada, the United States and most parts of the Caribbean.

Why do some pigeons have leg bands?

Coloured bands (usually plastic) with letters, year and number code. Racing pigeon owners identify their birds with a band that gives a coded identification of the birds' origins. Occasionally, pigeons become lost or are injured or killed.

What should you feed pigeons?

Pigeons should enjoy some combination of wheat, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, sorghum, and millet. In order to maximize the chances of attracting them, you might want to spread out seeds on the ground or put them in some kind of tray or platform feeder on which the bird can easily perch.

How do you get a pigeon to trust you?

Bond with your pigeon.

Make sure you take the time to build a strong bond between you and your pigeon before trying to hold it. Spend as much time around your pigeon as you can. Try to gently speak with your pigeon throughout the day. Always act calmly when near your pigeon.

Do pigeons like being petted?

Pigeons are also loyal, loving companions who can express affection just as well as any other pet. Those who have been raised properly are quick to bond with knowledgeable owners. Pigeons often enjoy being taken out of their enclosure and being held and petted, or riding on a favorite human's shoulder or head.

Can you have just one pigeon?

Because pigeons are social animals, keeping a single one is only recommended if you're sure you can offer enough time and companionship to keep your pigeon happy. You should also consult local regulations to verify that you are permitted to keep pigeons.