‘Pigeons are a parrot’s close avian relatives. They share such traits such as mating for life, producing a crop milk to feed their young, having a fleshy cere covering their nostrils and producing a powdery down in their feathers. The Rock Dove, the only domesticated variety of over 250 species of pigeons worldwide, has been selectively bred for various traits for about 3000 years. Some of the current varieties of the over 200 different modern breeds include Homing or Carrier Pigeons, Tumbling Pigeons and Exhibition or Fancy pigeons. Pigeons come in every imaginable color and variety, from gray barred (like urban pigeons) to red to silver, from petite to huge (The “Giant Runt” can weigh over 2-1/2 pounds), from frilly feathered to feathered feet. Raising a pigeon as a pet is not much different than raising a dove. Although it is possible to hand feed the young squab, it is not necessary. Pigeons are excellent parents and will continue feeding their youngsters well after they fledge. Once a baby comes out of the nest it is hardly distinguishable from its parents, thus the myth of “you never see a baby pigeon.” Look for a local pigeon breeder who handles his birds daily. Pigeons bond easily with humans, especially those that feed them, and a tamed pigeon, kept alone, will become a faithful and loyal companion to its human. Maintaining a mated pair is not necessary, and unless you are racing or showing them, you probably don’t want any extra birds.’
© Ryann Bosetti 2011