HYDERABAD: Pigeon-racing in the city has once again taken wings. Several youngsters are now forming clubs to encourage the hobby and of course the homer pigeon racing sport. “Pigeon racing has been on the upswing for the last couple of years. The youth are rearing a variety of pigeon breeds in lofts created in their homes and farm houses”, says Mr Habeebuddin, a pigeon rearer from Fateh Darwaza.
He explains further, “Special lofts are being made on roof tops of house or apartment buildings. These are expensive and can cost as much as Rs 50,000”, Mr Habeeb said.
Mr Abdul Ansari, a pigeon rearer from Yakutpura reveals that youngsters are sometimes keeping a flock of 40 pigeons with them. “The bigger the loft, the more pigeons can be accommodated. Initially, one has to invest a lot of money for feeding and medicare of the pigeons. Later, once breeding starts, you can trade”, explains Ansari.
Dr M A Saboor, Superintendent, Government Veterinary Hospital Pathergatti says that the hospital attends to several cases of pigeons every day. “Generally they are brought in with diseases like eye infections, deficiency syndrome, respiratory infection, and infection by external parasites. We tre-at them with phosphorous injections, antibiotics, fluids, B complex and other medicines”, he said.
