Homing pigeons were also used extensively during both World Wars and are known to have saved thousands of lives. Cher Ami, a famous British pigeon war hero, was credited with rescuing “the Lost Battalion” near the end of World War I. The Lost Battalion advanced farther into enemy lines than expected and found itself surrounded by German soldiers. All wires were down and the battalion was taking fire from not only the Germans, but friendly fire from American artillery. Several pigeons had already been released withmessages to stop the firing, but each had been shot down by the Germans. Cher Ami was their last hope. Cher Ami managed to cover 32 miles before the Germans shot her. Despite a chest wound and a leg dangling by a thread, she delivered her message. Cher Ami had saved the 196 men of the Lost Battalion.
In 1943 the Dickin Medal was inaugurated in England to honor the valor of animal war heroes. Since its inception, it has been awarded to 18 dogs, 3 horses, 1 cat, and 32 homing pigeons. The pigeons were all British with the exception of G.I. Joe, an American bird.
Though the military has disbanded the Pigeon Corps, homing pigeons (also called racing pigeons or racing homers) are still used for an amazing variety of tasks. Among the more interesting jobs include delivering blood samples across large cities, delivering film from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the rim, and measuring the air
2quality in Los Angeles with special equipment fitted to their bodies.
While homing pigeons are the only pigeons capable of returning home from long distances, hundreds of other breeds of pigeons exist. Giant Runts, Carneaus, and White Kings were developed for their meat. Some breeds were developed for the unique way they fly, such as rollers, which actually tumble in the air. Still others, such as fantails and croppers, were bred for their unusual appearance. Shows are held throughout the country each year where these types of pigeons compete based on certain show standards.
Queen Elizabeth II currently has homing pigeons and participates in races. Actor Jimmy Smits also enjoys this hobby.

The modern racing pigeon is believed to have been developed in the early 18th century in Belgium and England. The first known recorded race was held in Belgium in 1815. The first races covered only a few miles, but with the development of the railroad system it was possible to take the pigeons farther and farther for races. During the last half of the 1800s homing pigeons were imported into the United States, and by the 1890s, clubs in New York and New Jersey were having pigeons return from 500-mile races on the day of release.

The aim of SELINA PIGEON HOUSE is to promote the pigeon farming movement in Bangladesh in a greater way.To make it easier to know about pigeons and its farming.


Archeological evidence shows that people have been breeding pigeons for thousands of years. Pigeons have been raised since medieval times in dovecotes for meat and for their droppings, which make excellent fertilizer for crops. They have also been used to convey messages since at least the time of the Roman conquest of Gaul (which is now France) in 50 B.C.