The American Racing Pigeon Union: Your Ultimate Guide to the Sport of Homing Pigeons

Welcome to the World of American Racing Pigeons

A bird 500 miles away from home, in a place it has never seen, and watching it return to your backyard faster than you could drive there. This isn’t magic; it is the incredible athletic ability of homing pigeons.

At the center of this fascinating hobby in the United States stands the American Racing Pigeon Union organization (often referred to as the ARPU or simply the AU). For over a century, this organization has been the heartbeat of the sport, connecting thousands of fanciers across the nation.

What is the American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU/AU)?

The ARPU is the largest and most influential governing body for pigeon racing in the United States.

Mission and Vision: Preserving and Promoting the Sport

The AU isn’t just a club; it is a dedicated guardian of the sport. Their mission is clear: to promote the raising, breeding, and racing of thoroughbred racing pigeons. They establish competition standards, provide legal support for members, and foster a community where sportsmanship and animal welfare come first.

A Century of Dedication: Brief History and Milestones

Founded in 1910, the ARPU has a rich pigeon racing history. From the days of carrying messages in wartime to the high-tech electronic clocking systems of today, the AU has evolved alongside the birds themselves, ensuring the sport remains organized and fair.

Why Pigeon Racing? The Thrill, Community, and Connection

Why do people dedicate their lives to these birds?

• The Unique Bond: There is an indescribable feeling when a bird you raised from an egg fights through wind and rain just to get back to you.
• Health Benefits: Managing a loft gets you outside, keeps you active, and provides a peaceful escape from the digital world.
• Community: You join a global network of pigeon fanciers who share your passion.

Who This Guide Is ForWhether you are a complete novice or a seasoned flyer, this guide is for you.

Understanding the ARPU: Structure, Governance, and Influence

To truly appreciate the American Racing Pigeon Union organization, you must understand how it operates. It acts as the “federal government” of the pigeon world in the U.S.

The National Organization: ARPU’s Role in the USA

The ARPU provides the framework that allows local races to happen. Without them, there would be no uniform rules or national awards.

1. Executive Leadership: The organization is led by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. They set the strategic direction.
2. Affiliated Clubs and Combines: This is where the action happens. Local pigeon clubs form the foundation. Several clubs in a region group together to form a “Combine” or “Concourse” to facilitate larger races with more competition.
3. Key Committees: From the Infractions Committee (handling disputes) to the laws committee, these groups keep the gears turning.

Advocacy and Protection: Safeguarding the Hobby

One of the most valuable benefits of the ARPU is its defense of your right to keep birds.

Becoming a Part of the Flock: Membership and Community

Ready to join the ranks of sport flyers? Becoming a member of the ARPU is your ticket to the official world of racing.

Types of ARPU Membership: Finding Your Fit

The AU offers several tiers to suit your needs:

• Individual Membership: The standard for active flyers. It includes voting rights and insurance benefits.
• Family Membership: Perfect for households where spouses or children want to participate.
• Junior Membership: Heavily discounted to encourage junior fanciers (under 18) to enter the sport.
• Patron/Sponsor Membership: For those who want to provide extra financial support to the organization.

How to Join the ARPU: Step-by-Step Guide

Joining is straightforward. Here is how you do it:

1. Visit the Official Site: Go to pigeon.org.
2. Download the Application: You can find the membership application form under the “Resources” or “Membership” tab.
3. Choose Your Club (Optional but Recommended): While you can join as an individual “Class B” member, it is best to join through a local club charter. This connects you instantly with mentors.
4. Submit Dues: Pay your annual fees online or via mail.

Benefits of ARPU Membership: More Than Just a Card

Why pay the dues? The return on investment is massive:

• Pigeon Bands: You gain access to official AU leg bands, which are required to race and identify your birds.
• Publications: Receive the quarterly newsletter and the famous Annual Yearbook, packed with race results and articles.
• National Awards: Only members can compete for prestigious national Ace Pigeon awards.
• Bird Recovery: Access to bird recovery programs to help lost birds find their way home.

Finding Your Local Club: The Heart of the Hobby

You cannot race alone. You need a club.

• Using the National Database: The pigeon-ndb.com database is a powerful tool. You can search for clubs by zip code or state.
• Mentorship: Local clubs are where you will find old-timers willing to share their pigeon training methods.
• Shipping: Clubs pool resources to transport birds to race release points, making the sport affordable.

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The Art and Science of Pigeon Racing: Training and Care

This section is your “Ultimate Beginner’s Handbook.” Success in racing is 80% preparation and 20% luck.

Getting Started: Your First Steps in Pigeon Keeping

Before you race, you must build a home.

1. The Loft: Loft building is critical. A loft must be dry, well-ventilated, and secure from predators. It doesn’t need to be a palace, but it must be healthy.
2. Selecting Stock: Do not just catch park pigeons! You need homing pigeons with a pedigree of performance. Buy from reputable pigeon auctions or local breeders.
3. Essential Equipment: You will need:
   • Perches and nest boxes.
   • Feeders and drinkers.
   • A landing board or trap (for the birds to enter quickly).
   • Racing pigeon equipment like a carrying basket.

Comprehensive Pigeon Training Regimens

Training transforms a bird into an athlete.

1. Young Bird Training (The Foundation)

• Loft Flying: At roughly 4-6 weeks old, young birds learn to fly around the loft and return when called (usually with a whistle and food).
• Basket Training: Get them used to the crate. They should feel safe inside, as they will spend time there during transport.
• Road Training: This is the “Confidence Method.”
  • Step 1: Take them 1 mile away. Release.
  • Step 2: Increase to 5 miles, then 10, 20, and up to 50 miles.
  • Goal: Teach them to break for home immediately upon release.

2. Old Bird Training

Old birds (over 1 year) know the game. Their training focuses on physical conditioning and widening their lung capacity for longer distances (100 to 600 miles).

3. Nutrition

Pigeon diet is a science. Racers need high protein for muscle building during breeding, and high fats/carbohydrates for energy during racing season. Pigeon supplements like electrolytes are crucial for recovery after a hard race.

Health and Well-being: Keeping Your Athletes Fit

A sick bird cannot race. The ARPU emphasizes preventative health.

Common Diseases

• Canker (Trichomoniasis): A common parasite. Treated with specific medications.
• Paramyxovirus (PMV): A deadly viral disease. Pigeon vaccination for PMV is mandatory for racing in most clubs.
• Respiratory Infections: Caused by dust or dampness. Watch for sneezing or wattles that aren’t chalk-white.
• Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that affects joints and wings.

Tip: Establish a relationship with veterinarians for pigeons. Do not guess with medication. Use the ARPU’s veterinary resources to find help.

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Rules, Regulations, and Fair Play in Racing

The American Racing Pigeon Union organization ensures a level playing field.

ARPU Race Rules and Competition Standards

The race rules cover everything to ensure fairness:

• Survey Measurements: Every loft location is GPS-surveyed to calculate the exact distance from the release point to your backyard.
• Clocking: Speed is calculated in yards per minute (YPM). Most flyers now use electronic clocking systems where a chip on the bird’s leg automatically records the time when it crosses an antenna at the loft entrance.

Ethical Conduct

Cheating is taken seriously. The AU enforces strict anti-doping policies. Birds can be tested for performance-enhancing drugs. The Infractions Committee handles disputes, ensuring that sportsmanship remains the core of the hobby.

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Beyond Racing: Special Programs and Events

The ARPU is about more than just the race weekend.

ARPU Conventions and National Meetings

Every year, the AU hosts a national convention. This is a massive event featuring:

• Seminars: Learn from world-champion breeders.
• Socializing: Meet friends from across the country.
• The Big Race: A one-loft race where the best birds compete head-to-head.

Youth Programs

The future of the sport lies with the youth. The AU offers scholarships, school projects, and mentorship programs to help junior fanciers get started. If you are a young person interested in biology or aviation, this is the perfect hobby.

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The Future of American Racing Pigeons

The sport faces challenges, such as urban sprawl and an aging membership base. However, the passion remains strong.

Challenges and Opportunities

The ARPU is actively working to modernize the sport. They are leveraging social media to attract new members and working on “One Loft Races” where fanciers don’t need a backyard loft to compete—they simply send their birds to a central manager.

How You Can Contribute

Join a club. Mentor a new flyer. Share your member success stories. By participating, you help keep this historic tradition alive for the next century.

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Conclusion: Soaring High with the ARPU

The American Racing Pigeon Union organization is your partner in this incredible journey. From the moment you buy your first pigeon bands to the day you win your first race, the AU provides the structure, knowledge, and protection you need.

Pigeon racing offers a connection to nature that is rare in our modern world. It offers the thrill of competition and the warmth of a community.

Are you ready to let your spirit fly? Visit pigeon.org today, find a club, and start your adventure in the skies.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the American Racing Pigeon Union (ARPU) and its primary purpose? 

The ARPU is the national governing body for the sport of pigeon racing in the United States. Its primary purpose is to promote the sport, establish uniform race rules, provide legal/zoning aid to members, and foster the humane care of homing pigeons.

How can I become a member of the American Racing Pigeon Union? Y

ou can become a member by visiting the official ARPU website and filling out an application. It is highly recommended to join through a local affiliated club, which handles the processing, but you can also join directly as an individual member online.

What are the different types of memberships offered by ARPU and their costs? 

ARPU offers several membership tiers: Adult (Individual), Family (for households), and Junior (for members under 18). Costs vary slightly by year but Junior memberships are significantly discounted to encourage youth participation.

What benefits do ARPU members receive? 

Members receive official recognition for national awards, a subscription to the quarterly newsletter, the annual yearbook, access to purchase official bands, zoning and legal assistance, and the right to compete in AU-sanctioned races.

How do I find a local racing pigeon club affiliated with ARPU? 

You can find a local club by using the “Find a Club” or “Band List” feature on the pigeon-ndb.com database. You can search by state or zip code to find contact information for club secretaries near you.

What are the official rules and regulations for pigeon racing under the ARPU? 

The official race rules cover loft measurements, clocking procedures, transport protocols, and prohibited substances. These rules ensure that speed calculations (yards per minute) are fair and accurate for all competitors.

What resources does ARPU offer for new pigeon fanciers or beginners? 

The ARPU provides beginner guides, mentorship connections through local clubs, instructional videos on loft building and care, and youth programs designed to teach the basics of animal husbandry and racing.

How does the ARPU address issues like local zoning ordinances and protecting pigeon fanciers’ rights? 

The ARPU has a dedicated legal and zoning department. They provide information packets, legal precedents, and advice to help members navigate local city councils and homeowners’ associations to obtain permits for keeping pigeons.

What are common diseases in racing pigeons and how does ARPU provide information or support for pigeon health? 

Common diseases include Canker, Coccidiosis, Respiratory infections, and PMV. The ARPU publishes veterinary papers, health alerts, and vaccination protocols on their website to help members identify and treat these issues responsibly.

Does ARPU host any national conventions or events for members? 

Yes, the ARPU hosts an annual National Convention held in different cities each year. These conventions feature seminars, social gatherings, awards banquets, and a prestigious convention race.