Membership

Right, so you now have some pigeons, what should you do next?

Whatever your reasons for keeping pigeons the one item that should feature near the top of your list is that of joining the National Pigeon Association (NPA). Why?

There are several reasons for taking this step. They range from security via proof of ownership at one end of the scale through to the ability to purchase your own 'breed specific' identity rings for your own young birds, as well as giving you the right to have a say in how the Fancy is run. Membership of the NPA also enables you to obtain all the latest information on specific breeds, shows - including trips to the large continental events, welfare and DEFRA announcements. It enables you to vote for who you would like to see as part of the fancy's governing body or indeed to stand for election to the committee.

If your ambition is to be able to exhibit your birds at any of the numerous shows held around the country during the late autumn and winter months then being a member is almost an essential element. Non-membership is not a bar, however, without that 'member' tag your birds, however good they are, could miss out on a lot of the awards and trophies that are offered.

Being a ring buyer also puts a 'value' on your stock, as birds not wearing rings are generally considered as almost worthless to serious pigeon fanciers. They cannot be entered at shows and crucially you have no proof that they actually belong to you should you have them stolen. What are these rings? They are individually numbered and lettered bands that are put on a bird’s leg at around 7 - 10 days of age. They are registered in your name and are specific to you and your birds and are a pre-requisite for exhibiting the birds.

Information on how to becoming a member, ring buying, transfer of rings, shows and a whole host of other features can all be found by clicking on to the various links on the web site.

If your decision is not to join the NPA at the present time, please do not be put off from keeping pigeons. You will still be able to access many of the functions that members are able to do such as contacting Breed Club Secretaries, Show managers and of course other fanciers, all of whom will make you feel welcome. The main thing is that you enjoy having and breeding your pigeons. If you can get your children, or indeed other children, interested so much the better. It has been proved that kids who are seriously in to pets are less likely to wander from the straight and narrow.