Purebred Pigeon Sept/October 2025

Breed of the Issue - AMERICAN GIANT HOMER GIANT HOMER – Page 23 – Purebred PIGEON A ustin — One of my favorite things about keeping pigeons is getting the grit clean before giving it to the pigeons. I put it in a small colander and shake it back and forth to remove all the small dusty pieces to keep the birds from getting dirty while eating it. Grit is very important to the pi- geon’s diet to help digest the whole seeds they eat and provide calcium for strong eggshells during breeding season. My favorite color is Indigo. I like the fluorescent and purple color on their necks and the ash color on their bodies. My favorite pigeon is Indie which is an Indigo that is almost silver and ash due to his unique genetics. I also like most oth- er color patterns that have ash in them like Tiger Grizzle and Opal. I bought my first bird last year which was an opal hen. I like going to the pigeon shows for several different rea- sons. First, I like to see all the different color patterns of birds. There are many different birds with unique color patterns for me to enjoy. Secondly, I like to watch everyone prep their birds for the show. Each person has their own routine for pre- paring their birds and specific details they focus on before the show. Finally, I like to watch the judges inspect the pigeons and place the birds according the AGHA standard — especial- ly when my birds place!• A va — My favorite thing about keeping pigeons is that they are not just birds, they are my pets. I get to interact with them from the time they hatch throughout their life. I like to hold them often; this makes them com- fortable being around me and they will come toward me when I walk out to their pens. I really enjoy putting them on my shoulder like a parrot while holding them. My favorite color is pied splash. I like the way it shows two distinct contrasting colors on the bird. My first pigeon was a pied splash named Lady. I still have her today and have bred her to raise more pied splash birds along with whites and some almost solid. I also like Tiger Grizzles for their random color patterns mixed into their white bodies. I enjoy going to the pigeon shows with my family. We usually travel to Oklahoma in December to show our birds born earlier that same year at the Young Bird Show. My birds get to compete with other birds from all over the country to see who has the best-looking birds. It’s always exciting when one of my birds place at the show! Going to the bird shows also allow me to see all the AGHA breed colors, which I do not have at home. Ava (14) and Austin (11) live in Texas and have been breeding/showing pigeons for two years. They got their start with their grandpa (Ralph Swire) who has been breeding/showing several different pigeon breeds for about 30 years. Ava and Austin pick their breeding pairs every year with guidance from their grandpa. The following is their individual thoughts on the Giant Homer and the pigeon hobby. TheNext Generation of GiantHomer Breeders Ava with Lady 2022 Austin with Indie 2023 Ava with 1st Place MisMark 2024 Young Bird Show Austin with 1st Place White 2024 Young Bird Show