"Can you have a love affair with pigeons . . .?"
We live with our pigeons, sheep, rabbits, chickens, donkey
and hogs in one of the hundred valleys of the Umpqua near
Roseburg . Our personal love affair for pigeons started in
2010 when our children were looking for a new and
different 4H project.
Enter an elderly gentleman who, due to poor health,
had to disperse his flock of mixed breed pigeons. When we
walked away from Fred's house, we had in our possession two
tiny squabs not more than a few days old and eight adult
birds.
At home we showed the birds their new dwelling: a freshly
built pigeon cote in the corner of an old garage- turned
chicken coop, complete with nest boxes, perches, a trap door
and a run to the outside.
Everyone settled in except for the two squabs who were
abandoned by their parents. Now, our family has had to hand
raise lambs, chicks and goslings before, so why not squabs!
After doing some research online, the two naked squabs
were brought into the house. Let the hand-raising begin!
Pigeon babies grow extremely fast, especially when
they're fed "pigeon milk" from their parents. Our babies didn't
get that great boost, but soon enough they were feathered
out and ready to test their wings. We dubbed them Petey
and Pepper and their first flight was absolute magic! After a
good month of training, these two birds that stole our hearts,
were excellent flyers. Such grace in the air!
The next phase of our pigeon passion came when we met
Nome Middleton, a pigeon person extraodinaire. Her love for
her pure white pletinckx pigeons is infectious. After our first
meeting with Nome, we went home with 30 of these
magnificent homing pigeons.
With a pascal of pigeons who love to fly and a desire to
share these wonderful birds with others, Umpqua Valley
White Dove Release was born. We're happy to bring you
the joy that comes from the rush of white wings. Pax et
bonum!
Umpqua Valley White Dove Release is dedicated
to the memory of Petey and Pepper! Long may
you fly!!!
