Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the National Pigeon Association?

You can join the NPA by sending a completed membership application along with the appropriate dues to the NPA Secretary/Treasurer.


Where can I purchase NPA seamless bands, and do I need to be an NPA member to purchase them?

National Pigeon Association bands may be purchased by any serious pigeon fancier. To order NPA bands, you may use the NPA store or you can download an order form here. You may use this same application form to become a member of the NPA.


I'd like to contact an NPA representative in my area. How can I do this?

Please visit our directors page. This page contains a regional map. Just click on the state where you live, and the name and contact information of your Regional Director will appear. This person will assist you with your pigeon/dove related questions.

Another option is to locate your go the State Representatives page. Locate your state then locate your state representative. Some states do not have a representative listed so follow the directions to locate your regional director.


I'm just starting out in the hobby. Can the National Pigeon Association provide me with any information about the basic care of my pigeons?

Yes, we can! We can put our novice members in contact with one of our District or State Representatives who will get them started on the right track! The NPA has informational material available to potential fanciers. The NPA also has available several publications that are extremely helpful to the novice pigeon fancier. Our Marketing committee is currently working on several new products for the beginning pigeon fancier. Please contact the NPA Secretary/Treasurer for availability.


Where can I find literature about raising pigeons?

The local library is a good choice if you are curious. There are literally thousands of publications dealing specifically with domesticated pigeons. Foy's Pigeon supply, New England Pigeon supply, Jedd's pigeon supply all stock a multitude of superb pigeon books. The Purebred Pigeon magazine is a professional publication devoted entirely to the show pigeon hobby. Besides its beautiful photography, The Purebred Pigeon discusses the tricks of the trade with regard to breeding and exhibiting pure bred domesticated pigeons.


What can you tell me about the NPA Grand National?

Our NPA Grand National and Convention takes place in January of each year. Our Grand National highlights the marvelous variability of this wonderful bird and the amazing talents of our top fanciers. The Grand National is held in a different region of the country each year. This allows all our members the opportunity to participate in the hobbies largest celebration of quality show pigeons.

The NPA Grand National attracts anywhere from 5,000 to 9,000 of the best show pigeons in the United States and Canada. Additionally, visitors from Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia and other parts of the World attend this event to both compare and improve their birds back home.

Besides the amazing display of quality show pigeons, the Grand National provides a venue for our annual Awards Banquet. The Awards Banquet allows us the opportunity to recognize superior fanciers and hobbyists with National recognition of their achievements and contributions to the hobby. During the course of the Grand National, a NPA Pigeon Auction is held.This auction offers top show specimens from some of the best lofts in America and Canada. Proceeds benefit the NPA’s Youth Program. For more information about this wonderful event, please visit the NPA Grand National page for more information.


Where can I purchase pigeons?

There is a multitude of ways to locate pigeons for sale. If you are looking for a specific breed we recommend contacting one of our specialty clubs. Our NPA Quarterly Review calendar section has numerous listings for pigeon swaps and sales listed by NPA members and NPA affiliated clubs. Pigeon magazines contain dozens of advertisements pertaining to the availability of hundreds of different breeds of pigeons. Pigeon shows are an excellent place to buy quality birds. At the major shows, you can compare the birds you are interested in with those competing for top awards.


Can you offer any advice about acquiring quality show pigeons? What can I expect to pay for quality stock?

We recommend not going over board with your selection of breeds. Novices should determine which breed they are most interested in. Different breeds require different husbandry techniques to successfully raise, show and exhibit. Most successful pigeon fanciers are very gracious in making quality show pigeons available to dedicated, responsible individuals interested in the hobby. Like all purchases, it is important to know what you are buying. Learn the breed standard for which you are interested. Go to shows and talk with the top exhibiters and breeders. Contact the specialty club and ask them who is winning at the most competitive NPA shows for this breed. It is recommended that novices acquire the best quality that they can afford. Quality produces quality, quantity produces higher feed bills.


Health Care

Is there anyone that I can contact with regards to my pigeons health?

Yes. Doctor Jon Esposito, Doctor James Gratz and Dr DeGregorio have volunteered their expertise to the NPA and its membership. Both of these talented pigeon fanciers have decades of experience in the field of Avian Medicine. Click on the Avian Medicine link to contact these exceptional Veterinary Pigeon experts.


Can you recommend any books or literature related to the health, or prevention of disease, for my valuable pet pigeons?

There are numerous publications from Veterinary specialists in Avian disease. David Marx's A Veterinary Approach to Pigeon Health is an excellent starting point. Presented in a straight foreword, easy to understand writing style, this book covers the most common health issues associated with domesticated pigeons. Healthy Pigeons by Doctor Ludwig Schrag, is an excellent book too. Written for the experienced pigeon fancier, this publication presents some wonderful photographs and accompanying illustrations. The major pigeon supply companies usually have these and other great pigeon books in stock.

Found Pigeons

Please go to our found pigeon page by clicking here.