Pigeon rearing was once confined to village courtyards. Times have changed: in brick-and-concrete cities, pigeons now live on roof ledges, balconies and in small coops. Known as a hobby bird, the pigeon is now part of a new story of income, nutrition security and self-reliance.

With rising unemployment, urbanisation and limited incomes in Bangladesh, pigeon rearing is growing in popularity as an alternative source of income. Because it needs little capital and space and carries relatively low risk, it is seen as a promising sector in both towns and villages.

Over the past decade it has gradually turned from a pastime into a workable source of income for small entrepreneurs. Thousands of people in Dhaka and other parts of the country now rear pigeons commercially.

Farmers say improved breeds and marketing through social media have widened the market. Many sell pigeons directly to buyers through online platforms, which has cut out middlemen and raised profits.

Improved breeds can fetch from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of taka. Magpie, Siraji, Fantail or King pigeons, for example, sell for Tk 5,000 to Tk 10,000 or more a pair. Local pigeons start at Tk 200 and rise from there.

Experts describe pigeon rearing as a "low-investment, high-return" sector. A healthy pair can raise young several times a year; a pigeon can usually produce up to 10 to 12 pairs of young a year, which helps a farm grow quickly.

Eggs hatch in only 17 to 18 days, and squabs are ready for sale within four weeks. New birds start laying at five to six months, creating a self-sustaining production cycle. This continuous production is the greatest economic strength of pigeon rearing.

Pigeon meat is tasty and nutritious. Experts say it contains more protein than other poultry and is easy to digest, and it is considered good for patients, children and the weak.

Rural families can meet their own needs and sell the surplus, so pigeons can support both nutrition and economic security.

There are 200 species of pigeon in the world, and about 30 are commonly seen in Bangladesh. How the pigeon was tamed, or how it became the household bird of countless Bengalis, is not known exactly. Domestic pigeons are known to descend from the wild rock pigeon (Columba livia).

The Giribaz is popular everywhere in Bangladesh, in villages and towns. Several foreign breeds are now also seen and known here by various names, among them Gola, Goli, Mayurpankhi, Fantail, Tumbler, Lotan, Lahori, King, Jacobin, Muki, Siraji, Gribaz and Chandan. Their distinct features have made them popular.

Breeds are not fixed. They are defined by traits, features, colour, eyes and so on, and new breeds are also created through cross-breeding.

The name Homer comes from the homing pigeon. Because it flies very fast, it is used in flying competitions; two birds released side by side race each other and return to where they started.

One breed that originated in the Indian subcontinent is the most common in Bangladesh and is popular for its meat. If a coop is built near a house, these pigeons often move in on their own. They can be white, black or grey.

The Goli differs somewhat from the Gola. It is popular in Lahore in Pakistan and Kolkata in India. It has thick, full feathers under the tail and a short beak, and is mostly white.

Among King pigeons, the White King and Silver King are especially popular in America and in Europe. Kings are used for exhibitions and squab production; there are also Blue, Red and Yellow Kings, mainly used for shows.

The Fantail spreads its tail like a peacock and can open its tail feathers like a fan, hence the name. It is kept mostly as a hobby and is believed to have originated in India. It is mainly white, though black, blue and yellow Fantails are also seen. Its feet are covered with feathers, and it is used in exhibitions.

The Lahori is named after Lahore, where it originated, and is also known here as the Shirazi. The feathers from around the eyes down the front of the neck, breast, belly, rump, legs and tail are pure white, while the head, back of the neck and wings are coloured, usually black, red, yellow, blue or silver.

The Tumbler is famous for flying; it is so called because it somersaults in the air. In Bangladesh it is known as the Giribaz. It originated in the Pakistan-India subcontinent and is much valued here for entertainment.

One white breed has a crest, deep hazel eyes and fully feathered legs. Another has head feathers that spread down to the neck; its origin is unknown, though it may have come from India. It is usually white, red, yellow or blue, with a long body and pearl-white eyes. In yet another breed the neck curves back like a swan's, and three of the flight feathers on each wing are white, a feature not seen in other pigeons. These white, black and blue birds are very handsome.

One advantage of pigeon rearing is easy management. A pair can be kept in only 2 by 2 feet of space, and coops can easily be made of wood, bamboo or tin on a roof, balcony or yard.

Feeding is also fairly simple. Paddy, wheat, maize, millet, mustard and pulses are the main foods, and each adult bird eats about 30 to 50 grams a day.

Notably, pigeons feed their young "pigeon milk", a special secretion produced in the crop, so squabs need no separate feed.

Pigeons suffer less disease than other poultry, but some common illnesses occur, such as coccidiosis, Ranikhet disease, worms and pox. A clean environment, regular changes of water and vaccination keep these under control.

Protection from cold in winter and keeping the farm dry are very important, as is protecting the birds from dogs, cats, snakes and mongooses. If these challenges are met, pigeon rearing can be a sustainable small enterprise.

Agricultural economists believe pigeon rearing can play an important role in the rural economy. It offers an accessible source of income for women and young entrepreneurs, and allows people in towns to earn from limited space.

With training, easy credit and market links from the government and private sector, the sector could expand further. The pigeon, known as a symbol of peace, is becoming a symbol of financial relief for many. With low capital, low risk and fast production, it is a promising enterprise in Bangladesh.

A journey that starts with a small coop can bring self-reliance. With planning and good management, pigeon rearing can be not just a hobby but a real path to financial freedom.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.