Nov/December 2025

10 – Purebred PIGEON Veterinary Viewpoints #7 : The Health Elixir You Didn’t Know About — Vitamin P By Tim England DVM As a veterinarian, I’m privileged to witness the deep bond between humans and the animals they share their lives with. People have an innate urge to nurture, and our pets often provide a meaningful outlet for that instinct. The veter- inary community has long recognized the importance of this human–animal bond — it is my daily mission to preserve and strengthen it. The emotional connection we share with our pets yields countless physical and mental health benefits. We pigeon keepers may not often pause to consider how much joy and emotional balance our birds bring to our lives. The world around us makes constant demands on our time, energy, and attention. Amid the hustle, the quiet moments spent in the loft can become a refuge — a place where we can breathe, focus, and find calm. Even a few minutes spent caring for or simply observing our pigeons can soothe the mind and lift the spirit. Pigeon keeping also enriches our social lives. Shows, clubs, and events connect us with others who share our affec- tion for Columba livia domestica. These friendships — and the camaraderie they bring — are priceless. We look forward to seeing familiar faces at annual shows, to exchanging ideas and opinions online, and to working together to support our clubs and promote a hobby that deserves to thrive. Recently, I had the joy of taking my octogenarian father to his first pigeon show in 25 years. I was fortunate to be born the son of a pigeon lover — my father raised exceptional Giant Runt pigeons in the 1980s and ’90s, and together we traveled to many Midwest shows, building lifelong friend- ships. In recent years, health challenges, including several strokes, have limited his independence. The three-hour drive and overnight stay were not easy for him, but the reunion that awaited made every effort worthwhile. Friends he hadn’t seen in decades greeted him with warm hugs and heartfelt laughter. The joy of being back among his beloved pigeons and people rekindled something deep within him. That day reminded me that the fellowship found in our hobby is every bit as healing as the birds themselves. Of course, pigeon keeping can carry health risks. Some fanciers develop respi- ratory conditions related to dust and pathogens in the loft en- vironment. For a few, these illnesses become severe enough to force them to give up the hobby they love. It’s vital that we take precautions — using masks, improving ventilation, and maintaining cleanliness — so we can continue to enjoy this passion safely for a lifetime. Caring for our own health is as important as caring for our birds; doing so ensures that “Vitamin P” remains a positive force in our lives. The pigeon hobby truly nourishes us in many ways. It challenges our minds as we pair birds and ponder the genetics of their offspring. It strengthens our bodies through the phys- ical work of loft maintenance. It connects us to a worldwide community of kindred spirits. And it restores our souls during those quiet moments spent watching our birds thrive. So step into your loft, breathe deeply (through a good mask, of course!), and take your daily dose of Vitamin P(i- geon) — nature’s own tonic for a healthier, happier life. Tim England DVM is a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center of Chicago. He is a founding member of the Komorner Tumbler Association. He raises Komorner Tum- bler pigeons at Peckerwood Farm in Southwest Michigan. He welcomes your comments and questions: TimEDVM@gmail.com © 2025 Tim England DVMAll Rights Reserved A photo taken at the Superior Pigeon Club Young Bird Show. (From Left to Right: Tim England, Steve England and Geordan Capes)