People who raise pigeons are known as pigeon breeders. They breed different types of pigeons.

Pigeon Breeder

As such, there are different types of pigeons around the world. Breeders sell their specially bred and trained high quality birds to other enthusiasts all over the world. Some breeders concentrated on raising performance pigeons. There are different ways in which pigeons are bred. The breeding system includes crossbreeding, line- breeding and in breeding.

Cross breeding for pigeon breeders

One of the most commonly used breeding systems is the crossbreeding. This is where a breeder will choose another breed from a different person. Usually, they talk to each other and ascertain that the two breeds are indeed different. Each breed has its own challenges so the talk also goes further into exchanging information on the particulars of each breed. Only breeds of high quality are used. This helps to improve the quality of your pigeons. Cross breeding is usually expensive.

Cross breeding adds no value to the breeder but can be used for research, in learning more about the genetic composition of different breeds.

Line breeding for pigeon breeders

Line breeding is the breeding of a pigeon to one of his or her ancestors. The result is a pigeon that resembles one particular individual in their ancestry more closely than the others. It is less risky and less expensive even though the breeder has to follow strict guidelines. The mating of the pigeons will be between pigeons of the same family. Line breeding brings out recessive genes. To some extent, the breeder can chose which recessive gene he wishes to bring out and which one he wishes to hold back. Thus through line breeding, there is a better control of the genes.

Inbreeding for pigeon breeders

Racing Pigeon Breeders

Inbreeding refers to a mating system where related pigeons are made to mate. Usually the two are not more than two generations removed form one another. The maximum inbreeding that can be achieved in a single mating is by breeding a brother to a sister. This can be done iteratively through successive generations. Inbreeding over several generations has a greater effect than close inbreeding for one generation.

The results of inbreeding depend on the recessive genes carried by the original stock. Inbreeding when done properly can help in breed improvements. It maintains the stock uniformity and keeps the pigeons similar to their ancestors.

When pigeon breeders mate individuals that are less closely related it is referred to as out breeding. Out breeding ensures that the mates do not have a common ancestor in four generation. This is usually used to bring a new character into an inbreed line. The breed will be made between two different inbred pigeons.

After the breeder acquires the birds, he can raise and train them. He will benefit from the sale of the pigeons which are in high demand all over the world. The breeder may decide to keep the pigeons for performance, show or just for fun. It is a good way to generate income, as pigeon breeders do not require a lot of money and time to raise the birds.