Flocking to pigeons

Several people are known to have passion for pets. Dogs, cats, parrots lead the list, but Kochiite Liju Pallan is particularly fond of pigeons. He has around 15 different varieties of them, and though he sells them to an enthusiastic buyer, Liju does not look upon this as his business. He has a genuine love for these gentle beings. “I love all animals and have dogs at my place too, but I feel pigeons are the most attached of them all,” he says.From childhood he adored pigeons and used to breed the normal Indian variety but for the past couple of years, he rears only fancy pigeons in his home named 'Pallan's Loft'. “I began to breed fancy pigeons by buying fantails for ` 500,” says the 40-year-old. He now has more than fifteen fancy breeds at his home, the cost of which range from ` 1,000 to ` 1,00,000. “A German muffed magpie pouter's chick costs  ` 30,000.”Even from the business stand point, the trend of people opting for pigeons as pets has risen, says Liju. But for those looking at selling fancy pigeons and making big profits, he warns that there are no instant profits that will pour in.Personally for him, he says, rearing pigeons is not a business but a stress buster.  "But of course I sell them if people come asking for a special breed. Every day, in the morning and evening I spend time with them and feed them. It gives me a lot of happiness,” adds Liju who has more than 200 pigeons in his loft.Pigeon rearing has always had plenty of commercial potential but after the bird flu epidemic, the export and import of birds have been stopped completely by the government. “There is no export of pigeons now. Also, we cannot acquire rare breeds from outside. I would recommend the government to introduce  quaratine facility in our airports too. That will ensure that only pigeons and other pets which are medically fit are traded,” he says.Much like human beings, each breed of pigeons come with their own characteristics. “Jacobins, originally an Indian breed are the shy type and eat less food whereas Modena from England are inclined to peck when one goes near them,” Liju says. Modena is also the smallest breed in pigeons. Another costly breed is the fluffy, pomeranian headed Bokharo Trumpeter. Its squad costs ` 25,000. “The Bokharo pigeon's trumpeting sound is what makes it unique,” says Liju. Many of these breeds are from abroad, and suitable climatic conditions are important for their survival. “Pigeons do not survive in cold climates. And Kerala's climate is apt for these birds,” says Liju.Liju is the secretary of The Kerala Pigeon Society which was formed in 2004. “It was created by members who have interest in pigeons and their well-being.” The society's aim is to coordinate the various activities of breeders in Kerala. “Our major objectives include creating self-employment and helping people buy and sell quality pigeons. We focus on sustaining the quality of pigeons of different breeds and conserve endangered species,” says Liju.