Many have asked questions about king pigeons and squab and so I wanted to share this article by Christine (sanctuary manager at Harvest Home). *Squab Production: Another Cruel Delicacy* The plight of pigeons in modern food production is largely unknown to the general public. Like other animals raised for food, adult pigeons and their offspring (squab) are raised in unsanitary, intensive confinement. California’s upper San Joaquin Valley is a leader in squab production. In fact, the Squab Producers of California in Modesto operates the world’s largest squab slaughterhouse. Squab is popular in metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and New York City. It is a high-end delicacy meat analogous to veal and foie gras. Squab consumers commonly dine on this specialty meat at “white-tablecloth” dining establishments or purchase it at gourmet markets. The price of squab is $3.60 - $3.70 per bird. Each squab typically weighs 1 ¼ pounds at market-age. The offspring is the focus of production. These young domestic pigeons are raised for their meat. They are marketed at 28 days after hatching. While the breeder pigeons complete the sum of the work in raising their young, the producers profit greatly. The typical squab farm can house thousands of pairs of breeder pigeons in confinement. The average pigeon breeding pair raises twelve squab per year. A commercial squab operation maintains 1:1 sex ratio among its breeder flocks. Common production breeds include White King, Mondains, and Silver King. However, crossbreeds are used in production to obtain hybrid vigor and improve meat yields. Male-female breeding pairs are monogamous. Each pair shares the rearing responsibilities of their offspring. Breeding pigeons are replaced typically every 4 to 5 years. Spent breeder pigeons are sold for meat. At the processing plant, squab and spent breeders are denied basic humane slaughter protections. In California, pigeons are not covered by California’s Methods of Slaughter Law. A movement is underway to reveal the practices of modern squab production. California rescue organizations like MickaCoo Pigeon and Dove Rescue and Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary provide rescue and relief for former meat-pigeons. Pigeons are resilient animals. They thrive in both sanctuary and household settings. As rescued pigeons live out their natural lives in peace, it’s wonderful to watch new pigeons pairs bond. Their quiet loyalty is undeniably beautiful. As individuals dedicated to alleviating the suffering of animals abused in modern agriculture, it’s our duty to shed light on the untold story of meat pigeons. By telling their common story, we have the compassionate opportunity to save the lives of even more animals in the future. *Author: Christine is Sanctuary Manager at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary. Nestled around fertile farmland in California’s San Joaquin Valley, this two-acre rescue and rehabilitation facility is home to over 200 animals representing ten animal species. Harvest Home’s animal protection efforts are focused primarily on rabbits and birds. Online at HarvestHomeSanctuary.org.* -- Elizabeth * * Until they all have homes, don't buy, don't breed- adopt. www.RescueReport.org www.MickaCoo.org http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGjyooh3Yo0