Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Transmission of Knowledge and Skills Regarding Carrier Pigeons
The racing pigeon sector includes keeping, breeding and assessing racing pigeons.
Facts & Figures
Crucial date: throughout the year
Inscription: 2022
Domain: oral traditions and expressions; social practices, (seasonal) rituals and festive event; knowledge and practice concerning nature and the universe
Where to find: nationwide and beyond
The racing pigeon sector developed in the 19th century from the tradition of using pigeons to carry messages. Today the practice is primarily a hobby. The breeders are very dedicated towards their pigeons. Racing pigeons are usually kept in garden sheds or attics and require sufficient nesting sites and special ventilation systems.
In the 1960s there were over 100,000 racing pigeon breeders in the Federal Republic. This number has been falling continuously since then, partly because breeding racing pigeons requires an enormous amount of time. At the same time, the racing pigeon sector has an integrative nature and involves lots of people with different social and cultural backgrounds. Nowadays about 28,000 racing pigeon breeders are organised in associations. The organisation of breeding, keeping pigeons and the long-distance flights is being continuously adapted to the changing environmental conditions and social expectations. Racing pigeon breeders exchange ideas about these developments on a regular basis at the meetings of their associations as well as at national and international events.
When passing on knowledge and expertise about racing pigeons, the focus is on animals and people living together as well as knowledge about behaviour, biology and species-appropriate ways of life for the pigeons. Furthermore, it means that the constant activities must comply with the requirements regarding animal welfare in line with scientific progress and they must be adapted to living conditions. Another important point is passing on this knowledge to the younger generation.
The Association of German Racing Pigeon Breeders has opened a dialogue to consider the controversial points of this practice more extensively. The promotion of pigeon clinics is also vital. They advise the breeders and care for sick or injured pigeons. In addition, they undertake basic veterinary medical research.
The continuous social debate about animal welfare and animal ethics is central for a responsible, species-appropriate way of looking after the animals and therefore for maintaining the intangible cultural heritage. Greater collaboration with animal protection organisations and a sustainable discussion with constructive criticism is essential for the breeders in the future.
