Pigeon Minister Hustings
This was not a debate I originally planned to explore:
In ‘The Columbarium’ (1735) John Moore identified the Carrier as the King of Pigeons and cited anecdotes from the fancy.
However, tastes change, by 1765, the anonymous compiler and editor of ‘The Treatise’ argued that the True King of Pigeons is the Almond (colour pattern of the English Short-faced) Tumbler.
While John Moore may have praised the “beauty and sagacity” of Carriers, experienced modern fancier John Glew described them as “ugly buggers” (2022).
While we may not have settled this debate, many different fanciers and breed clubs agreed to put forward their cases.
We explore the reasons why so many people are still so dedicated to their specific pigeons, including the caveats you need to consider before keeping certain breeds.
Stay tuned for next time when we hit the books.
Heartfelt thanks to John & Bobby Glew, Ken & Sheila Goodman, Graeme Boyd, Colin Jeckell, Finlay James, Nick Jackson, Dennis Thornton, Brian Joyce, Roy Partington, Richard Henderson, Paul Allen, Michael Auger, Dave Savage, Graham Bates, Nick Dawyd, Tony Savory, David Iddon, Henry Lornie, Deborah Lockwood and to Tamara A. for her introductions.
