Pigeons! Ahh! What is so special about these winged creatures? Within the bird family, there exists quite a few species that can be domesticated. So, what is the real big deal about pigeons anyway? Why are people like myself drawn to housing, training and racing them?

Everyone of us who are involved in the pigeon hobby has stories to tell on why this member of the bird family occupies a special place in our hearts. Let me go back to the past and recollect those little pieces of yesteryears and precious moments.

First Encounter
My recollection of first holding a pigeon is when I was 3. My godfather Uy Ben Sheng raised pigeons. He had a collection of beautiful birds mostly white paired in a row of 2 feet cubicles. He called them "Kap" (Chinese for pigeon). I was so mesmerized by them and my godfather sent me a pair. I remember dad clipped their flights and tied a peace of cord around one of their feet to something heavy and my brother and I played with the birds all day.

Reintroduction to Pigeon
I was reintroduced to pigeons at age of 12. Charlie Gan had an open pigeon tower at their backyard and pigeons were free to fly around (feral, fancy and other hybrid). The birds were fed leftover rice scattered on the pavement of the rice mill. Charlie gave us a pair. We chipped in coins and bought them feed from the market. All boys and several girls knew of the birds we kept hidden for 2 weeks in the dormitory where pets are not allowed!

Faithful Observer
Summer vacation, we brought all our pigeons to our respective hometowns. My dad saw our renewed interest with the birds and supported us with this hobby. He helped us make pigeon boxes out of candle crates and bought another pair from the market. The 2 pairs bred a colony and sometimes would bring home new friends. My brother and I observed them everyday the whole summer. Later, my brother lost interest while I remained faithful to our feathered friends.

Introduction to Racing Pigeon
At 15, I was introduced to racing pigeon. Caught my attention in a big aviary loft containing a lot of beautiful birds was a beautiful white flight red checkered hen. I paid 200 pesos for her, an expensive small to medium bird. I named her "Belgian Chick".

"30 Pesos"
Having saved 50 pesos, I went to Arranque market to look for an interesting cock. In this place, birds are graded depending on the size of their rumpled wattle. The larger the wattle, the more cash you need to shellout. There was a young vendor who took out a gorgeous unbanded white cock from the upper section of his stock. He suggested 100 pesos for it to go. Told him 50 pesos was the only money I could spend. He returned the white cock in his top cage and took out to show me an uninteresting old bird which sells for 50 pesos. I did not need to take a second look. As I was leaving, a little boy followed and offered to me an eye catching well muscled white flight blue checker cock. He was very light in my hand despite of his big frame. His wattle was not that big compared to the others but the overall physical quality was obvious to me. I panned and released the wings and they tucked in fast. No signs of heavy breathing. I felt his tarsus and feet for any defect and found none. Satisfied, I asked for his price and the boy said 30 pesos. I gave him the money without bargaining as I thought the bird was a lot more valueable than that. I got a good male bird and still saved the 20 pesos in my wallet. I was happy with my new acquisition.

"Pied" Flyers
"30pesos" and "Belgian Chick" produced throwback babies that did not look like either parents. These young birds were the best racers in my old loft. I first mistakenly called some of them grizzle instead of Pied or Splash. But later, I also added true grizzle, bluebar, mealy, black and finally pure white from various trades.

Answer to "Why Pigeons...?"
In conclusion, let me go back to my first question why pigeons are special to their respective keepers? From my lost history of involvement with these wonderful creatures, I can honestly say that pigeons formed part of our bonding amongst my father, brother and myself. Apart from learning and developing compassion toward animals, Pigeons honed my sense of responsibility at a young age. They also taught me about friendship and loyalty. Now, let us hear why you keep pigeons!