Pigeons are a common sight in cities around the world. These birds are adept at living alongside humans, nesting on building ledges and scavenging for food scraps. While pigeons are often viewed as pests, they have a long history of being kept and bred by humans. Selectively bred pigeons can have quite high monetary value, especially racing or show pigeons that come from champion bloodlines. So how much can one of these prized pigeons sell for? Let’s take a closer look at pigeon pricing and what factors impact it.
Basic Pigeon Prices
For regular street pigeons with no selective breeding, prices are very low. A basic common pigeon with no pedigree might only cost $5-10. These are often sold as bird food or livestock feed.
Slightly higher quality pigeons that come from known breeds like homing pigeons can cost $15-50. These pigeons are still considered basic but have some desirable characteristics like their homing ability.
Racing Pigeons
Racing pigeons that have pedigrees showing their racing success can fetch much higher prices. Good quality racing pigeons can cost between $50-$500. Elite racing pigeons with long pedigrees of winning races can cost $500-$5,000. The very highest caliber, champion racing pigeons can even sell for $5,000-$50,000 or more. Their winning pedigree makes them highly desirable to pigeon racers.
Type | Price Range |
---|---|
Basic/Feral Pigeon | $5-10 |
Homing Pigeon | $15-50 |
Racing Pigeon | $50-$500 |
Elite Racing Pigeon | $500-$50,000+ |
Show Pigeons
Like racing pigeons, show pigeons can also fetch high dollar values if they come from award-winning bloodlines. Common show pigeon breeds include Fantails, Pouters, and Frills. Good quality show pigeons can cost $50-$500. Superior show pigeons with a track record of awards at pigeon shows can cost $500-$5,000. The top show pigeons in highly competitive breeds can command prices from $5,000-$100,000. Their beauty and pedigree make them sought after by pigeon fanciers.
Rare Breeds
There are hundreds of pigeon breeds, some quite rare. Breeders may pay premium prices for rare breeds or unusual color mutations. Prices for these specialized rare pigeons can range from $100-$1,000. Common rare breeds include the Norwich Cropper, English Carrier, and Budapest Short-faced Tumbler.
What Factors Affect Pigeon Prices?
When it comes to the highest premium pigeons that can sell for thousands or tens of thousands, there are a few key factors that impact price:
Racing/Show Records
A pigeon’s pedigree and history is the most important factor. The best pigeons will come from long lineages of award-winning racers or show champions. Their genetics give them the potential for greatness. This record of success hugely increases their value.
Supply and Demand
Pigeons from rare breeds or with unusual features are scarce, so buyers must pay more. Also, champion pigeons are rare and in high demand from breeders, so sellers can demand big money. There may only be a few pigeons of a certain caliber available in the world.
Breeding Potential
Buyers will pay more for pigeons they believe will breed future generations of champions. Males and females with desirable genetics can command the highest prices.
Age
Younger pigeons have longer breeding lifespans. They may be unproven but have potential. Older champion pigeons on the decline will be cheaper.
Health
No one will pay huge sums for sick or injured pigeons. Robust good health is a must.
Most Expensive Pigeons Sold
Some record sales of ultra high-end champion pigeons include:
- New Kim – $400,000 in 2012
- Armando – $1.4 million in 2019
- New Bliksem – €1.6 million (approx $1.8 million) in 2020
These record-setting pigeons were prime racing champions bred over decades for speed, endurance and homing ability. Their champion pedigrees and huge potential to breed future winners led to their multimillion dollar price tags.
Pigeon Auctions
Many record-priced pigeons are sold at specialized auctions, especially in Belgium. These auctions attract deep-pocketed pigeon racing enthusiasts from around the world. The atmosphere is often frenzied as prices climb into the stratosphere.
Some upcoming major pigeon auctions include:
- KBDB Diamond Elite Auction – November 25, 2022 in Belgium
- South Africa Million Dollar Pigeon Race – January 7, 2023
- PIPA Elite Pigeon Auction – January 14 2023 in Belgium
These auctions see multimillion dollar pigeon sales nearly every year, establishing new record prices.
Conclusion
While common pigeons sell for just pocket change, elite show and racing pigeons can command huge sums from dedicated pigeon fanciers. Prices are driven up for pigeons with proven champion pedigrees. The most expensive pigeons ever sold at auction have price tags up to $1.8 million. From animal food to luxury goods, the value of a pigeon can vary tremendously based on its breeding and pedigree. The pigeon pricing spectrum is wide, but the sky’s the limit for a top tier, perfect pigeon specimen.