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Helmet – Page 18 – Purebred PIGEON
Breed of the Issue - Helmet
H
i, am Baskar Anjappan. Living in a bustling city with
a demanding job, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily
grind. But recently, I found myself drawn back to a
passion I had long forgotten – raising pigeons. It’s a hobby that
once brought me immense joy and life lessons, and now, it’s
bringing a sense of peace and fulfillment back into my life.
My love for pigeons began when I was just eight years old.
I got impressed with our neighbor who had a lot of birds and
he flies them once a day. It
was a fantastic feeling to
watch them fly and come
back home. Pigeon breeding
and the way pigeons care
for their babies are the most
incredible things to know at
that age. They weren’t just
birds; they had personalities,
they bonded with you, and
they were incredibly smart.
My best friend and I saved
our pocket money to buy
our first pair of pigeons.
After we released that
first pigeon back into the
wild, I couldn’t stop think-
ing about them. My parents,
supportive of my new-
found passion, helped me
build a small pigeon loft in our backyard. Over the years, my
flock grew from that few pigeons to a vibrant group of various
breeds, each with its unique characteristics and charm. Raising
pigeons wasn’t easy, but I enjoyed every part of it. They taught
me patience, responsibility, and the importance of consistency.
However, as I grew older, life got in the way. School,
college, and eventually a demanding career led me to put aside
my pigeon hobby. But the memories and the lessons I learned
stayed with me, always lingering in the back of my mind. With
the support of my family, I decided to restart my pigeon hobby.
We renovated the loft, and I began to reacquaint myself with
the world of pigeons. It felt like coming home. I started with a
few pigeons, slowly rebuilding my flock. Each bird had its own
personality and charm, just as I remembered.
Raising pigeons again has been incredibly rewarding. I
wake up early every morning to feed them, clean their loft, and
ensure they’re healthy.
After work, I spend time
observing them, not-
ing their behaviors and
interactions. It’s a peaceful routine that helps me unwind and
reconnect with nature.
One of the highlights of rediscovering this hobby has
been joining the Helmet Pigeon Club. I’ve met fellow enthusi-
asts, many of whom have
been raising pigeons for
decades. They’ve shared
their knowledge and
experiences with me, and
I’ve even participated in
most of the shows near me.
The thrill of watching my
pigeons at home and also
in the shows along with
my fellow club members’
birds.
Raising pigeons
has brought a sense of
balance back into my life.
In a world dominated by
screens and constant con-
nectivity, spending time
with my birds provides a
much-needed escape. It’s
not just about raising pigeons; it’s about following a dream,
embracing responsibility, and finding joy in simple yet profound
experiences. My goal is to expand my aviary, participate in
more shows (competitions), and perhaps breed champion pi-
geons someday. But for now, I’m content with the daily routine
of feeding, cleaning, and bonding with my feathered friends.
So, that’s my story. Restarting my pigeon hobby at age 40
has been a journey of rediscovery and joy. It’s a reminder that
sometimes, the greatest joys and lessons come from revisiting
the passions of our past. For me, that place is a pigeon loft in
my backyard, where the coos of my beloved birds echo the
sounds of a rekindled love and dedication. Helmet pigeons
are a distinctive and charming breed, prized for their striking
appearance and unique characteristics. They are a type of fancy
pigeon, bred primarily for exhibition and show purposes. Here’s
a detailed look at what makes Helmet pigeons so special.
ABalancedLifeRaising
Helmets
By Baskar Anjappan