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

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.

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.

This early work on Pigeon Racing is an engrossing read for any pigeon racer of historian of the sport, but also contains a wealth of information and anecdote that is still pertinent and practical today. Recommended for inclusion on the bookshelf of the pigeon fancier. Contents Include: The Homing Pigeon in the Long Ago - The Homer Becomes Standard Equipment for Post and War - Peacetime Pigeon Service in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries - Pigeons of World War I - Pigeons of World War II - The Racing Pigeon: Mixture of Many Feathers; The "Looks" of the Racing Pigeon; Pigeon Behaviour; Plumage and the Mold; General Care of Racing Homers; The Racing Loft; Breeding Methods; Training Young Birds; Racing Young Birds; Training Old Birds; Unusual Methods of Flying: Night and Two-way; The Homing Urge; Representative Racing-Pigeon Magazines: American and European; Important Books on Racing Pigeons; Racing-Pigeon Literature; and an Index. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.