National Pigeon Association

FANCY PIGEONS IN GREAT BRITAIN.

NPA NEWSFLASH

The ban has now been lifted as of 23rd November 2007 on bird gatherings. Shows, sales and pigeon racing can all now go ahead under a general licence.

The new NPA Book of Standards is now available.
Anyone interested in purchasing this book should contact
the NPA Secretary at:-
grahamgiddings@aol.com

Mans fascination with pigeons goes back to at least 5000 years B.C. Numerous biblical references are made to pigeons and doves. Pigeons have become a symbol of purity and peace, whilst in some religious cultures they are considered sacred.

Over the centuries, through selective breeding, man has developed over 200
varieties of domesticated pigeons each different from the others in size, shape, colour, markings and character.

Pigeons will mate for life with both cock and hen taking turns to incubate the eggs. Two eggs are laid and after 17 to 18 days the “pigeon pair” hatch to be nurtured by their parents before becoming independent at some 30 days.

The pigeons diet consists of mixed grain supplemented by grit and water.

Whether you choose to keep a few pigeons in a dovecote or several varieties in a spacious loft, you will find pigeons that appeal to you.

If you are interested in conservation then why not
choose to breed a variety near to extinction ?

Whatever you choose you will soon become
absorbed by a very rewarding hobby.

John Elsdon promoting the Fancy.

Today, pigeon keeping provides a hobby for the individual or family.

offering

RELAXATION

EDUCATION

FRIENDSHIP AT HOME AND ABROAD

Many fanciers join their national breed club and
local club where they have the
opportunity to attend meetings,
visits and social events amongst dedicated and friendly fanciers and of course exchange ideas and obtain advice.

In the summer months exhibitions at agricultural events are very popular. Whilst the autumn/winter heralds the championship shows - held at venues through the country.

Click Here for NPA Membership Information, Found Pigeons and Dovecote Pigeons.

Click Here for the full list of NPA Affiliated Individual Breed Clubs.

Click Here for the full list of NPA Approved Championship Show dates.

Doncaster 1999 (Photo by David Turner)

We cater for over 200 varieties of Fancy and Flying Pigeons, many which are
old breeds from the United Kingdom but also breeds of pigeon which have been
imported and developed in this country. Our aim is to breed and exhibit our stock at
shows throughout the country from local clubs and agricultural shows to larger shows
and Championship Shows organised by various clubs and societies. Many of the
breeds have their own individual breed club, those that do not are catered for by the Variety Pigeon Club. Fancy Pigeon Shows may only be held under the rules of the National Pigeon Association, and pigeons may only be exhibited bearing a ring issued by the Association, a recognised ring issued by the breed clubs of the various flying pigeons or foreign rings.

The National Pigeon association is the governing body of the Fancy, it makes
rules in relation to the issue of rings, organisation of shows particularly championship shows and the exhibiting of pigeons. It issues challenge certificates to Championship Shows, winning of which under separate judges entitles the owner to have his bird recognised as a Champion. The Association supports affiliated breed clubs and societies, sometimes in the form of monetary grants and loans to enable them to continue to provide shows of good quality for the benefit of the whole Fancy.

Fancy Pigeons are kept solely for their looks and appearance and they are judged
at shows and exhibitions with this in mind. The Breed Clubs supply Standards of
Excellence for each breed of pigeon and the Association maintains a consolidated
“book of standards” as a reference work for judges and pigeon keepers alike.

If you are looking for a hobby which will maintain your interest throughout the
year, this is it! The Secretary can supply an informative booklet which will give you
the basics in relation to pigeon keeping and breeding and also advise you regarding
suitable books on the subject. He can also put you in touch with breed clubs and local
societies.

Click above to find Links to other International Pigeon Organisations and British Breed Club Websites.

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