Pigeon farming has been practiced for centuries, but in recent years, it has evolved from a hobby to a potential source of income for many people in India. Whether you’re looking to raise pigeons for sport, meat, or breeding, this comprehensive guide will help you understand every aspect of pigeon farming and keeping—from choosing breeds to housing, feeding, diseases, business planning, and earning opportunities.
What is Pigeon Farming?
Pigeon farming is the practice of breeding and raising pigeons for commercial purposes such as meat production (squab), racing, ornamental keeping, or even manure generation. It’s a low-cost venture that can be started in a small backyard and gradually scaled up.
Pigeon farming is a part of aviary farming and doesn’t require large capital or land like poultry or dairy. With proper care and knowledge, even a beginner can start and profit from it.
Benefits of Pigeon Farming in India
- Low Investment: Very minimal setup and feeding costs.
- Quick Returns: Pigeons reproduce rapidly—one pair can produce up to 12 chicks (squabs) a year.
- Small Space Needed: Can be started in balconies, rooftops, or backyards.
- Easy to Manage: Pigeons are hardy birds and require less care than chickens.
- Good Market: Demand for meat, ornamental birds, and racers is growing.
- Organic Fertilizer: Pigeon droppings make excellent manure.
Difference Between Pigeon Keeping and Pigeon Farming
| Aspect | Pigeon Keeping | Pigeon Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Hobby, passion, racing, ornamental | Commercial profit (meat, breeding) |
| Scale | Small, often unplanned | Medium to large, with business intent |
| Profit Motive | Not always | Primary goal |
| Breeds Used | Fancy, racing breeds | Fast-growing, meat breeds |
| Cost Involved | Low to moderate | Moderate (if done commercially) |
Types of Pigeons for Farming and Keeping
🐦 Meat Breeds (for farming):
- King Pigeon
- Texan Pioneer
- French Mondain
- White Carneau
These are large-bodied pigeons with high meat yield and fast growth.
🕊️ Racing Breeds (for sports):
- Homing Pigeons
- Racing Homer
- Belgian Racing Pigeon
These are specially trained for long-distance races.
🎨 Fancy/Ornamental Breeds (for keeping):
- Fantail
- Jacobins
- Lahore
- Modena
Fancy breeds are loved for their unique colors, feathers, and posture.
Housing System for Pigeons
Proper housing is essential for health, safety, and productivity. You can start with a small loft or cage made on rooftops or balconies.
Ideal Housing Requirements:
- Size: Minimum 2.5 ft³ per pair.
- Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation.
- Dry & Clean: Avoid dampness and direct sunlight.
- Materials: Use bamboo, plywood, or metal sheets.
- Nesting: Provide clay pots or wooden boxes for laying eggs.
Pro Tip: Always keep the pigeon house elevated and away from predators like cats and rats.
Feeding and Nutrition in Pigeon Farming
A healthy diet leads to faster growth, more eggs, and healthy chicks.
✅ Common Feed Ingredients:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Millet (bajra)
- Rice
- Peas
- Crushed oyster shells (for calcium)
- Grit (helps digestion)
You can also buy commercial pigeon feed or make your own grain mix.
Water should always be clean and available 24/7.
Reproduction and Lifecycle
Pigeons are monogamous and form strong pair bonds. A healthy pair can breed throughout the year.
- Maturity Age: 5 to 6 months
- Eggs Laid: 2 eggs per clutch
- Incubation Period: 17-19 days
- Squab Growth: Ready for market within 25-30 days
The squabs (baby pigeons) are high in protein and soft-boned, making them a delicacy in some regions.
Health and Disease Management
Pigeons are relatively disease-resistant but still require hygiene and occasional preventive care.
🧪 Common Diseases:
- Canker (Trichomoniasis)
- Paramyxovirus
- Salmonella
- Worms
Vaccination & Deworming: Use anti-worm medicine every 3 months and vaccinate against PMV and other viral infections.
Cleaning Routine: Disinfect loft weekly. Use lime powder to control moisture and smell.
Pigeon Farming Business Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are planning to make this a sustainable business, then a business plan is essential.
📌 1. Market Research
Identify:
- Meat demand in your area
- Breeder or racing pigeon buyers
- Bird fanciers or clubs
📌 2. Budget Planning
Initial Investment (for 50 pairs):
- Breeding stock: ₹15,000–₹30,000
- Housing: ₹10,000
- Feed: ₹5,000/month
- Medicine/maintenance: ₹2,000/month
📌 3. Breeding Plan
Start with 20–50 pairs. Focus on quantity and quality of squabs or rare breeds.
📌 4. Marketing Strategy
Sell via:
- Local meat markets
- Pet shops
- Bird exhibitions
- Online classifieds (OLX, Facebook, Quikr)
- WhatsApp communities
Is Pigeon Farming Profitable in India?
Yes! With good management and marketing, it’s possible to earn ₹20,000 to ₹50,000/month even from a small setup.
📊 Profit Example (50 Pairs)
| Monthly Expense | ₹15,000 |
|---|---|
| Monthly Income (Squabs + Sales) | ₹35,000 |
| Net Profit | ₹20,000 |
With time and experience, you can breed rare pigeons and sell them at ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 per bird!
Government Support & Training for Pigeon Farming
Currently, pigeon farming is not as extensively covered under major government schemes as poultry or dairy. However:
- Animal Husbandry Departments in some states provide general bird farming guidance.
- RSETIs may conduct bird-rearing courses including pigeons.
- NABARD schemes can sometimes be extended for small bird farming if included in your agri-business plan.
Tip: Approach your district agriculture/veterinary officer to inquire about any local training or subsidy programs.
Tips for Beginners in Pigeon Keeping
- Start with healthy, vaccinated birds.
- Buy from trusted breeders, not local street vendors.
- Learn basic first aid and disease symptoms.
- Maintain hygiene at all times.
- Avoid overcrowding.
- Keep daily feed and health records.
Top Cities Where Pigeon Farming is Thriving
- Kolkata (racing culture)
- Hyderabad (ornamental breeds)
- Mumbai (high demand for fancy birds)
- Lucknow (squab market)
- Patna (growing pigeon meat demand)
Conclusion
Pigeon farming and pigeon keeping offer more than just a hobby—they can be turned into a profitable small business with proper planning. With low investment, minimal space requirements, and good demand, this can be a rewarding venture both emotionally and financially.
Whether you’re in a village or a city, if you’re passionate about birds and want to earn from home, pigeon farming could be your ideal business in 2025.
Publised By : Aakashdeep Times