Pigeon farming is a form of both commercial and private pigeon keeping. The term is also sometimes used interchangeably with the word “pigeon racing.” Grown pigeons are often referred to as pigeons of good quality, whereas pigeons that have been bred by fanciers, called racing or fancy pigeons, are considered superior.
The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384 BC to 322 BC) wrote about pigeon breeding, as did Rene Descartes (1596-1650). In 14th-century England, Henry III (1207-1272) had aviaries for his falconry birds. Pigeon breeds are polygynous: a male will mate with several females at a time.
Pigeon fanciers believe that the best pigeons exhibit high productive rates: when a hen breeds, she will lay a large number of eggs, protecting the other eggs from the male. like many other non-human animals, they can recognize individual members of their species and can distinguish between objects using visual perception.
Pigeons also remember where they have been, which is useful when returning to their home loft. Supplying pigeon meat as food has been recorded since ancient times.
Contents
Advantages of pigeon farming in Kenya:
•Growing population (the demand for meat is increasing)
•Pigeon raising is a good source of protein
•Productive throughout the year (if cared for well)
•Low start-up cost
•Can be operated in urban areas due to its easy nature. (does not require extensive land)
•Meat is quite tasty
Disadvantages of pigeon farming in Kenya
The hygienic standards of many Kenya poultry farmers are low. Poultry from these sources can carry salmonella and other pathogenic organisms that cause food poisoning. The disease usually results from consuming contaminated food or water, but can also be contracted by touching infected animals or their feces.
Life Cycle of Pigeons
The life cycle of a pigeon is divided into three stages. The first stage is the embryonic stage, the second is the nestling or fledgling stage and the third is adulthood. During incubation, a female pigeon will lay one egg every day until her clutch is complete.
In general, incubation lasts between 13–15 days, but during this time it can be anywhere between 12–17 days. The eggs that the female pigeon lays are not all the same size and will take any amount of time to hatch. The size of the egg determines how long it takes for the egg to hatch.
The following is an approximate timetable for laying: 1 week for a small, fragile egg; 8 days for a medium-sized egg; 10–14 days for a large, heavy egg; and 21–27 days for one weighing more than 20 g.
How to Start Pigeon Farming Business?
Knowledge of real estate, marketing, salesmanship, and racehorses are some of the important skills needed in pigeon farming.
Housing
The plan must be sufficiently large to accommodate the number of pigeons that the fancier proposes to keep. The most satisfactory type of pigeon coop is a flat-roofed shed, built on skids and with a floor that slopes to a drain at one end.
This type of housing provides good ventilation and ample protection from wind, rain, heat, and cold. It also allows for the easy cleaning of the coop. Pigeons are very clean animals and generally require little more than twice-weekly cleaning. pigeons box size needed per pair 1 square foot.
per breeding: 1.5 square feet
pigeons per coop: 6-10 pigeons
lighting: natural lighting
Select Good Pigeon Breeds
Most pigeon fanciers choose to raise some of the more common breeds for racing or breeding stock. When choosing a breed, first consider how many of the birds you intend to keep, your climate conditions, and the space available for raising them. Some breeds are better suited for colder climates than others.
Meat Pigeon Breeds
• German Giant,
• English Pouters,
• English Tumblers,
• Carrier pigeons.
Tumbler or Homing Pigeon Species
Racer or Show Pigeon Breeds
• Queen Alexanders, • Emperors, • Jansens, • Blanks, • Hollands, • Barbs.
Entertaining Pigeon Breeds
• Columbian Pigeon,
• Blue Rock, • Manila Tails.
some other good pigeons breed here
1. turbot (t. emboli)
2. Macedonian (Kaunas)
3. red chequered pouter(raja p.)
4. pied (harrier p.)
5. Stepanek(Stepanek)
6. homer p.
7. Gambador
8.stalderpigeon (stalderp.)
9.carpathian hen (carpathian)
10. Levantine hen(Levant).
Diet
the pigeon needs a laid ration that consists of grains, flaxseed, brown dubble, and fresh vegetables.
•seed – sunflower seeds, beans, peas, and grains.
•sprouts – carrots, beans, and peas.
•sprouted corn – small quantities of sprouts daily will help keep the pigeon healthy.
•vegetables – alfalfa sprouts, carrot tops, spinach, and other greens (any leafy green will do).
•leaves – lettuce or cabbage leaves, chickweed.
•fresh water with a sprinkle of vitamin c powder.
Diseases & Health Problems
Common pigeon diseases include:
• Upper Respiratory Infection (URI).
• Aspergillosis – an infection caused by a fungus.
• Rhinitis
• Coryza
• Mites.
• Neutropenia – an illness in which a pigeon’s ability to fight infection is diminished.
• Yearling Moult – common in pigeons between the ages of two and three years. The molt causes the plumage to change color and texture and results in a darker, less glossy appearance.
Advantages of Pigeon Farming
Pigeon farming is generally associated with a hobby. However, it is also a viable business opportunity. Many people make money from breeding pigeons and racing them or selling them.
1. Pigeon farming is a good source of additional income.
2. It can be a beginning for other businesses as well.
3. It can provide some diversification to your other investments or business.
4. It is a very stable income because it requires little time for its care.
5. It can be a training program for young people interested in animal keeping and management.
6. It is generally a low-cost business.
7. Pigeons are easy to manage and you can simply maintain them with the help of others if you are not able to do it on your own.
Pigeons can be raised even in your backyard or in the open area outside your home without any problem.
Executive Summary
Pigeons are a great choice for an investment that offers a potentially high return on investment. There is a large potential for growth within the industry, and there is significant room for expansion. The industry also offers many different ways to implement a business within it as an investor or entrepreneur.
