Pigeon Pets

A SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 'Rich and joyous ...The book's quiet optimism about our ability to change, and to learn to love small things passionately, will stay with me for a long time' Helen Macdonald 'Big-hearted and quietly gripping' Guardian 'I love Jon Day's writing and his birds. A marvellous, soaring account' Olivia Laing '[A] beautiful book about unbeautiful birds' Observer 'This is nature writing at its best' Financial Times 'Awash with historical and literary detail, and moving moments ... Wonderful' Telegraph 'Every page of this beautifully written book brought me pleasure' Charlotte Higgins 'A vivid evocation of a remarkable species and a rich working-class tradition. It's also a charming defence of a much-maligned bird, which will make any reader look at our cooing, waddling, junk-food-loving feathered friends very differently in future' Daily Mail 'Endlessly interesting and dazzlingly erudite, this wonderful book will make a home for itself in your heart' Prospect As a boy, Jon Day was fascinated by pigeons, which he used to rescue from the streets of London. Twenty years later he moved away from the city centre to the suburbs to start a family. But in moving house, he began to lose a sense of what it meant to feel at home. Returning to his childhood obsession with the birds, he built a coop in his garden and joined a local pigeon racing club. Over the next few years, as he made a home with his young family in Leyton, he learned to train and race his pigeons, hoping that they might teach him to feel homed. Having lived closely with humans for tens of thousands of years, pigeons have become powerful symbols of peace and domesticity. But they are also much-maligned, and nowadays most people think of these birds, if they do so at all, as vermin. A book about the overlooked beauty of this species, and about what it means to dwell, Homing delves into the curious world of pigeon fancying, explores the scientific mysteries of animal homing, and traces the cultural, political and philosophical meanings of home. It is a book about the making of home and making for home: a book about why we return.

Racing pigeons are also called homing pigeons because they can return home from almost anywhere. Find out what its like to race these pigeons, and how much care and training they need from you. Discover how long these colorful birds have been helping humans deliver messages, and find out about the pigeon war hero G.I. Joe. Do you have what it takes to become a pigeon fancier? Can you convince your parents that you do?

The Wire family lives on a small dairy and hog farm in northwestern Illinois. In summer, the hay is cut, partially dried, and blown into a tall silo. The unloader is then folded and put at the top of the silo. It makes the perfect home for pigeons. One day in the fall of 1977, Farmer Wire finds a surprise. At the top of the silo, in a nest on the unloader, is a young pigeon. Farmer Wire puts the pigeon in his pocket thinking he can now have himself a delicious squab potpie! Fortunately for the pigeon, Farmer Wires sons have other plans for the little bird. They want to keep him as their pet! While the Wire boys take care of their new petwithout even knowing ittheir avian friend teaches the family important lessons that will carry them through life. In this unique, true story, Perky: Life Lessons from Our Pet Pigeon, a people-friendly pigeon teaches important life lessons to a farm family and young readers.

Part field guide, part history, part ornithology primer, and altogether fun. Fact: Pigeons are amazing, and until recently, humans adored them. We’ve kept them as pets, held pigeon beauty contests, raced them, used them to carry messages over battlefields, harvested their poop to fertilize our crops—and cooked them in gourmet dishes. Now, with The Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, readers can rediscover the wonder. Equal parts illustrated field guide and quirky history, it covers behavior: Why they coo; how they flock; how they preen, kiss, and mate (monogamously); and how they raise their young (on chunky pigeon milk). Anatomy and identification, from Birmingham Roller to the American Giant Runt to the Scandaroon. Birder issues, like what to do if you find a baby pigeon stranded in the park. And our lively shared story together, including all the things we’ve taught them—Ping-Pong, for example. “Rats with wings?” Think again. Pigeons coo, peck and nest all over the world, yet most of us treat them with indifference or disdain. So Rosemary Mosco, a bird-lover, science communicator, writer, and cartoonist (and co-author of The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid) is here to give the pigeon's image a makeover, and to help every town- and city-dweller get closer to nature by discovering the joys of birding through pigeon-watching.

Diseases of Man Acquired from his Pets provides guideline of the diseases that man may acquire from animals. This book is composed of nine chapters. The chapters are divided broadly into the types of animals kept as pets. This book begins with a general introduction to animal pets. The subsequent chapters deal with diseases acquired from carnivores, birds, and rodents, with a particular emphasis on leptospirosis, which affects rodents, carnivores, farm animals, man and, to a limited extent, birds. These chapters discuss the epidemiology, clinical signs, symptoms and treatment of this infection. These topics are followed by a chapter on Ungulates, which includes farm animals, the occupational hazards of handling large numbers of animals since livestock are in very close contact with the farmer and farm workers. Similarly, the occupational hazards from birds (factory farming) through Newcastle disease, which sometimes affects pet birds (parrots), and other diseases are explored. The remaining chapters concern certain infectious diseases acquired from reptiles, amphibians, fish, and arthropods. This book is of value to practitioners and students, both of human and veterinary medicine, and those interested in animal care.

"Dive into the captivating world of avian companionship with 'Pigeon Pet: A Comprehensive Guidebook.' Whether you're an experienced pigeon enthusiast or a curious beginner, this book is your ultimate resource for everything pigeon-related. From the gentle cooing of a cherished pet to the thrill of raising champion breeds, 'Pigeon Pet' offers insights into the care, housing, diet, breeding, training, and bonding of these remarkable birds. Discover the secrets to nurturing a deep connection with your feathered friend, unlock the mysteries of pigeon genetics, and explore the fascinating history and cultural significance of these majestic creatures. With expert advice, practical tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, 'Pigeon Pet' is your essential companion on the journey to becoming a knowledgeable and loving pigeon guardian. Whether you're dreaming of raising a show-stopping champion or simply seeking the joy of avian companionship, let 'Pigeon Pet' be your guide to a world of feathered delight."

A basic guide to care of pet pigeons.