Purebred Pigeon Sept/October 2025

Breed of the Issue - AMERICAN GIANT HOMER GIANT HOMER – Page 37 – Purebred PIGEON left together, crossing their offspring back and forth, very quickly establishing a family of birds. Darvin also knew when he got back into Giant Homers not to buy 20 birds from 20 different breeders. He got them from a handful of breeders who also had their own family of birds that had done well over the years in the shows. I was looking at his breeding records one time when Darvin commented, “David, you can buy 10 birds to get started and if you’re lucky, maybe two of them will help you – but you can’t look up their backside to tell which two it will be.” There are many master breeders in the American Giant Homer Association and the National French Mondain Association whom I have admired. I feel like I am slighting them by not mentioning all their names. I just never spent as much time with them. The pigeon hobby is at a crossroads. I’m 57 and I feel like one of the young guys but I hold out hope that the hard work and dedication our hobby’s master breeders have contributed toward advancing their respective breeds will endure for generations to come. Anyone new to the hobby should get to know the great ones. Crowd sourcing infor- mation on a Facebook group about how to raise champion pigeons will never be a substitute for being in the presence of greatness. And buying pigeons online in hopes of getting the right birds to establish your own line of champions will only lead to disappointment. I am fortunate to have known Paul Cook, Earl Golding, Marvin Koenig, Maurice Durkee and Darvin Jenner. They passed along knowledge that has made all the difference in my enjoyment of the hobby. They were artisans creating cooing, feathered masterpieces. • JoinUs andDiscover the Power and Joy of Breeding the Beautiful AmericanGiant Homer By Jim Plowdrey W hether you’re a seasoned breeder or just getting started, American Giant Homers have something special to offer. ith 18 color classes, you can choose to seek out the challenge of perfecting a specific color or aim to breed a standard color. You will also discover how docile the Giants are and how enjoyable it is for breeders of various ages to care for them. During the Fall and Winter seasons, you’ll have the chance to attend award shows and meet-ups across the United States. These events are great opportuni- ties to connect with fellow breeders from around the country. You will also have the chance to network with international breeders from around the world at the larger award shows! Thinking about joining us? Now’s the perfect time! The American Giant Homer Association (AGHA) offers a generous new member incentive – when birds are available, you can receive a pair of Giant Homers for just $60 with a two- or three-year new membership! Memberships also include a paper bulletin with a two-year membership or an email bulletin with a three-year membership. Please note: New membership is only available to those living in the continental United States. To receive your $60 pair of Giants, you’ll need to pick them up in person at a breeder’s loft or an award show. If there is not an AGHA mem- ber in your state or you are unable to attend an awards show, shipping can be arranged at the cost of the new member. Full details and eligibility are available on our website. Ready to get started? Visit www. americangianthomers.com and at the bottom of the homepage, you will find your contact person, our secretary/ treasurer. They’ll connect you with your local district director to guide you through the process. At the AGHA, you’ll find a friendly and dedicated com- munity ready to help you every step of the way. While every breed has its challenges, Giant Homers have come a long way since the 1980s, and the passion of our members keeps moving the breed forward! Join us, pick up your pair, and experience the power of GIANTS!• (see the AGHA ad on page 30 for more info) Jim Plowdrey’s 2021 Reduced Ash Red Bar Hen