Story of Two Brothers and Their Pigeons

 Story of Two Brothers and Their Pigeons

     Virat Jolli: This is a story of two brothers and their love for birds.  The story begins few years back when Devender Kumar and his younger brother Ravinder Kumar from Lamba Pind, Jalandhar lost their mother in 2016 due to illness.  They felt alone and depressed. To overcome this, they developed an interest in birds.  They bought a pair of pigeon which they called Chinnae Kabootar चिनी कबूतर a type of domestic pigeons generally raised and kept for their acrobatic and flying skills. From this pair they started their journey and learnt the art of raising and breeding from Youtube channels and their Guru (undisclosed). They have developed variety of pigeons with red eye and white eyes of domestic pigeons. Now, they have around 40 pigeons which are kept in their self-made permanent enclosures. Both the brothers take care of these pigeon with utmost care. They clean them regularly, sprayed pigeon enclosures with disinfectants make routine checkup of each pigeon. They strictly follow pigeon diet, for example for different season they given them specific diet. They generally feed them with green lentils. They give them energy rich food before flying. On returning they feed them with different diet. For breeding and raising, they follow special diet rich in calcium. 

Devender and Ravinder two brothers with their pigeons at Lamba Pind, Jalandhar.

    During my visit they showed me newly hatched chick, while showing I can see the excitement in their eyes. These young boys were briefing me about their pigeon in detail. They said that once they gave a pigeon to a friend who lived 25 kms away from their home, but surprisingly the pigeon returned back of their own after 21 days. These pigeons know them from their clothes and smell. Whenever they set them free for flying and foraging, they always return back to their respective homes. 

Domestic Pigeons

Devender showing the bird enclosure from inside.

Domestic pigeon with red eyes.

    Upon asking about the safety of these pigeons they said they remained vigilant. Once their pigeons were attacked by cat knowing which they chased the cat, fortunately cat left the pigeon and these brothers recovered their pigeon, self-treated and saved it. From raptors such as kites, hawks etc. they keep them in in enclosures. These enclosures are well ventilated and white-washed.

    For flying pigeons, they have installed a high rising platform for roosting and resting. Pigeon often uses them. The kind of attention and passion they have for birds is amazing. They said sometimes they face financial constraint, but they somehow manage it.  They are raising these pigeons for participating in pigeon flying competitions. They hope one day their pigeons will win the competition. 

Installed platform and enclosure for pigeons.

    As an ornithologist, I believe if given them proper training they can raise wild birds in aviary or can be employed in Zoological Park. Indian youth have tremendous potential, just need support and right direction.