The sport of flying messenger pigeons began over 3,000 years ago. They were even used to announce the winners of the Ancient Olympic Games.
Messenger pigeons were used in Baghdad as early as 1150. Genghis Khan also used them. By 1167, a regular pigeon mail service was set up between Baghdad and Syria. In 1436, a traveler named Pedro Tafur saw carrier pigeons in Egypt. The Republic of Genoa used pigeons in their watchtowers across the Mediterranean Sea. Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1750–1799) also used messenger pigeons. They would return to a mosque in Srirangapatna, which was his headquarters. You can still see the pigeon holes in the mosque's towers today.
In 1818, a big pigeon race called the Cannonball Run happened in Brussels. In 1860, Paul Reuter, who later started the Reuters news agency, used over 45 pigeons. They delivered news and stock prices between Brussels and Aachen, where early telegraph lines ended.
During the Franco-Prussian War, pigeons carried mail between the city of Paris, which was under attack, and other parts of France. In December 1870, a pigeon flew from Perpignan to Brussels in ten hours, carrying tiny films of messages.
Historically, pigeons only flew one way, back to their home. They had to be brought back manually for another flight. However, by placing their food in one spot and their home in another, pigeons have been trained to fly back and forth up to twice a day. They can cover round trips of up to 160 kilometers (100 miles).
This reliability led to pigeons being used for mail routes. The Great Barrier Pigeongram Service in New Zealand started in 1897. This might have been the world's first regular air mail service. The first "airmail" stamps were even made for this service from 1898 to 1908.
Even in the 21st century, some police departments in Odisha, India, used homing pigeons. They provided emergency communication after natural disasters. In 2002, India's Police Pigeon Service was stopped because the Internet became more common. The Taliban banned keeping or using homing pigeons in Afghanistan.
Today, pigeons still compete in races.
Pam please tell Donnie these Hansennes do indeed have a lot of class. Large wings like I've never seen like maybe on a duck or owl. They have a lovely prance, and their Roman noses takes the cake. Love it! Keep up the good breeding Donnie.
Dear Don,
Just sending a gift for my appreciation for getting such nice Sion birds from you. When I get some youngsters from them, I will send you some photos. I am still planning on purchase another hen and cock. Have a good breeding season with your birds.
Received birds this morning here in Missouri. They are safe and both beautiful.
Beautiful female pigeon. Lovely mix of colors, fether quality and great posture. I figured her picture wasn't the best pose. The male is impressive and very masculine looking and I'm happy to say they are calm and get along very well together. Thanks again they are gorgeous....
The birds arrived today got them all tucked in the loft. You saved the best for last I think there nice birds ,,only sorry I didn't buy a couple of the other hens. Thanks alot
Hello. I received the birds today they look great. Thank you very much.
The Hen is here! Awesome bird & I can feel the power just holding her. She is very calm pigeon & that is always a plus. Thanks so much!
Hi this is Nate from Wisconsin. I just wanted to let you know the Andalusian cockbird made it here in good shape today. Thanks again!
Hi Don, birds are adapting well. I like their presentaion & calmness. Looks like they will fit in with my birds. I see what you mean about the BB. We'll see how he produces. Might b a genetic thing & go away when crossed with and unrelated hen.
Regards
Jim
Halo! Just picked up bird from post office. Thank you very much!
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
