Article by E.Richter
Article Published 09 September 2007

Pigeon fanciers are a constant source of amazement. When they pick up a pigeon the majority of fanciers will first examine the head. They are assiduously looking for external features which betray the quality of the pigeon. At shows one hears remarks as ‘what a bright head, it radiates intelligence ... an outstanding bird’. This conclusion is built on quicksand.

What is inside the head cannot be read from the outside. But examining the head closely, looking at the pigeon face-to-face, is such a familiar picture that it is evidently a deep-seated need. And there is certainly no objection to it, as long as we know in our heart that enjoyment of the brightness and beauty confronting us is not the same as a measure of quality. It is no more than making a first aquaintance. A strong, somewhat larger beak is, of course, a better sign than a weak one, but it is no more than an indication, and then only for people who have had many birds pass through their hands.

In the pigeon sport you don’t necessarily get better value by spending more money. Sporting achievements cannot be bought, either by the purchase of expensive birds, or by providing lofts where the birds are, so to speak, provided with armchairs. Anyone who wishes to have luxury, whether in the erection of the building itself or in its fitting out, should not be deterred, but it is not the pigeons which demand the comfort. Numerous examples prove that champions – if that is what we are after – live in all possible kinds of structures as long as the needs of the pigeons are met.

Eric Richter
Editor: Racing Pigeon Update