Whether you’re looking for a book on raising pigeons for beginners or the complete Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds, we’ve got you coved with our list of pigeon books that you need to add to your reading list.
We want to hear what pigeon books you’ve relied on or that you think are must-haves for the library of pigeon books, so leave a comment below!
1. Pigeon Book for Beginners
Pigeons (A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual)
I didn’t grow up near any other pigeon fanciers and I didn’t come from a family that raised pigeons, so I relied on this book. It will walk you through the basics of what you need in order to start raising pigeons. It covers feeding, breeding, pigeon loft basics, and more. It’s an easy read and well written. Highly recommend.
Price at the time the article was written
2. Pigeon Book on Lofts
Pigeon Loft Plans and Fixtures
I didn’t buy this book until after my loft was built, but boy do I wish I had it before then. This book covers design strategies for different breeds as well as plans for nesting boxes and lofts. I will definitely be referencing this book next time I design a pigeon loft. This version is a reprint of the 1921 edition, so images are black and white, but it’s still a great book. I highly recommend this if even just to add to your library.
Price at the time the article was written
3. Pigeon Book on Pigeon Breeds
Encyclopedia of Pigeon Breeds
This is simply a must-have staple for any hardcore pigeon fancier’s library. At its price level, it is quite a bit of an investment, but its worth every penny. Hundreds of pages with hundreds of color photos of different pigeon breeds. Learn about hundreds of different pigeon breeds and their origins, their descriptions, with notes from the author. In the first 50 pages or so, the author also gives you the basics keeping pigeons including feeding, fly pens, banding, and even common pigeon ailments. If you have the money to spare, this would be a great addition to your pigeon book library.
Price at the time the article was written
4. Pigeon Book about Pigeons in War
Operation Columba–The Secret Pigeon Service
This book is a captivating read as it follows a group of civilians enlisted in the resistance by a pigeon in a box that landed on their farm. Before this book I had known that pigeons were used in the military in past wars, but I had no idea about Operation Columba. During WWII, the British began to parachute boxes of pigeons, into occupied territory, with a note asking for intelligence. They hoped civilians would take notes about the enemy and send them back with the pigeon as it raced across the channel back to England. Highly recommend.
Price at the time the article was written
5. Bonus: Other Pigeon Books
Pigeons, Doves, and Dovecotes
This is another beginners guide, but with information specific to keeping and breeding pigeons in wallcotes, polecotes, and aviaries. I got this book around the same time as my first recommended book on pigeons for beginners. A lot of what you’ll read in this book, you’ll find in other books so you don’t absolutely need it, but if you can’t get enough pigeon books, this is a good one to have. Or, if you’re interested in learning about wallcotes and polecotes, this book is right for you.
Price at the time the article was written