"The must-have guide for anyone passionate about keeping, breeding or racing pigeons." -- Cover

A detailed handbook and guide. The illustrated contents include The Dawn of Pigeon Racing - Art of Breeding - The Practical Selection of Breeders - Breeding a Champion - Colour Breeding - Breeding Grizzlies - Practical Breeding etc. Originally published early 1900s. Many of the earliest livestock books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing this classic work with a brand new introductory essay on pigeon racing.

The main part of the book covers the care and training of racing pigeons today. From a detailed study of the physiology of the pigeon, the authors then give clear advice on acquiring stock, basic management and health of the bird. There is further information on housing and equipment, and an explanation of the correct procedure for breeding and building a successful racing team. Finally, the all-important subject of training, both for young and old birds, is studied in depth.

This authoritative book is aimed particularly at those who participate in racing pigeons at distances of over five hundred miles but will be of value to all pigeon fanciers. John Clements succeeds in making the reader view the humble pigeon in a different light and ensures that he, or she, gains a deeper appreciation of the enormous joy and satisfaction that can be gained from long-distance pigeon racing.Contains detailed accounts of interviews with the owners of nine top British and Continental lofts involved in long-distance pigeon racing. The interviews cover a wide range of important issues including the acquisition of stock, the treatment of young birds and yearlings, feed, health and immunity. Other subjects covered include loft management, cleaning, construction and ventilation, the pairing and exercising of the birds, the systems used (widowhood, on the nest, or both) race preparation and many other subjects. Well illustrated with over 170 colour photographs, pedigree charts and postcards. This easily accessible, informative and analytical book is essential reading for pigeon fanciers everywhere.The objective of the book is to make the reader look at the humble pigeon in a different light and gain satisfaction from the joy of long-distance racing. Provides fascinating accounts of interviews with the owners of nine successful lofts.John Clements is a dedicated commentator on long-distance pigeon racing; an enthusiastic supporter of international racing and has a regular weekly column in British Homing World.

First i would like to congratulate you in taking this beautiful sport and welcome you in the world of pigeon racing. Some people say that once you are in you will never want to get out of it and i totally agree with this statement.Pigeon racing is a sport spread world wide and has absolutely no age limit .Young or old men or women they`ve all been conquered for life by this majestic one of kind creatures we call racing pigeons. Their intelligence and capabilities to return home from short or extreme long distances made them favourite animals for millions of people around the globe. Kings and queens, wealthy or hard working men along the history enjoyed their presence and called them friends, companions and heroes. The beauty of this sport is that everything can be learned about it ,we do not have to be born with a phenomenal talent to achieve the highest performances .This unique sport will bring in the life of any fancier the thrill and pleasure he has never experienced before - the joy of winning a race. The many aspects of this sport will offer unique and beautiful experiences to the new fancier and also the chance to make friends all over the world ,which is by far the most important one.After more then 30 years on this beautiful sport, there is one very important thing that i have learned "It is important to win the first place, but more important is with how many people do you enjoy it ,as he, who won the first place and has no friends around him, will be just a lonely winner".Dacian BusecanI can only hope that this advice will always guide you in your racing pigeons career and i welcome you in the beautiful world of pigeon racers.From this 136 pages (black&white )interior book you will learn about;IntroductionThe loftThe floorHeated FlooringThe WallsThe Compartments Inside the LoftThe Nest BoxesThe Nest BowlsThe RoofThe AviaryPigeons EntryDiseases and TreatmentsOrnithosisTrichomoniasisParamixovirus (PMV)New Castle DiseaseCoccidiosisSalmonellosisAdeno-Coli ( Young Birds Sickness)E-coliHexamitiasisMycoplasmosisCoryzaWormsExternal ParasitesSmall PoxBird Description FeedingFeedersAutomatic FeedingDrinkersBreeding TrainingYoung Birds TrainingOld Birds TrainingTraining During the Racing SeasonRacing SystemsThe Darkness SystemThe widowhood SystemThe Natural SystemThe Jealousy SystemThe Celibacy SystemThe Racing SeasonOld Birds RacingYoung Birds Racing MoultingAcquiring PigeonsRacing Pigeons Associations around the globeMore from the author