Runt Pigeon Breeders: The Complete Guide to Raising and Succeeding with Giant Runts

Are you interested in becoming one of the successful runt pigeon breeders? Whether you’re fascinated by their majestic appearance, want to raise them for competition, or you’re exploring them as a utility bird, Giant Runt pigeons offer a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced fanciers.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about breeding, feeding, housing, and even buying Giant Runt pigeons, with tips drawn from real-world breeders, expert clubs, and the rich history behind this powerful breed.

Giant Runt Pigeon Breeders: The History and Appeal

The Giant Runt pigeon has a long and rich legacy. Despite the misleading name “runt,” this breed is one of the largest pigeon varieties in the world. It originated in France and Spain, later refined in the United States during the 1950s and 60s to become the modern American Giant Runt.

“It’s bodybuilding for pigeons,” says Manny De Medeiros of the Ontario Giant Runt Club. “Each body part has a different score.”

Giant Runt pigeon breeders prize these birds for their:

• Strong, compact frames
  
• Calm and friendly temperament
  
• Utility in both meat and exhibition
  
• Wide range of feather colors and patterns
  

Runt Pigeon Breeders USA: A Nationwide Community

The community of runt pigeon breeders USA is vibrant and widespread. In the early 1960s, two American clubs merged to form the Giant Runt Club of America a club still active today with members across all states and even Canada.

As a member, you’ll enjoy:

• Breeder directories
  
• Judging criteria and standards
  
• Exclusive access to shows and events
  
• Mentorship from experienced breeders
  

From Ohio to Texas, and everywhere in between, runt pigeon breeders in the USA form a tight-knit, passionate community.

Giant Runt Pigeon Price: What Do They Cost?

When starting, you may wonder how much you’ll need to invest. The Giant Runt pigeon price can vary based on bloodline, quality, and intended use.

Type	Price Range	Use Case
Show-quality breeding pair	$800–$2,500+	For exhibitions and breeding
Utility/meat pair	$300–$600	For squab production
Young/juvenile birds	$150–$300 each	Beginners or future breeders
Shipping & logistics	$50–$200+	Depends on distance and health

Investing in healthy, well-typed birds ensures better success and longevity in your breeding program.

Giant Runt Pigeons for Sale Craigslist: What You Should Know

Looking for Giant Runt pigeons for sale on Craigslist can seem convenient. But is it safe?

✅ Pros:

• Local transactions
  
• Lower prices
  
• Immediate availability
  

⚠️ Cons:

• No certification of health or lineage
  
• Risk of scams or disease
  
• Lack of breeder support
  

Expert tip: Before buying from Craigslist or similar platforms, inspect birds in person. Ask for photos of the parents and check the living conditions. For reputable options, visit:

• GRCA’s official site
  
• Hoobly classifieds
  
• American Pigeon Museum listings
  

Runt Pigeon Breeders California: The West Coast Powerhouse

California is one of the top states for runt pigeon breeders, thanks to:

• It’s warm, pigeon-friendly climate
  
• A diverse breeder base (especially Portuguese and Hispanic communities)
  
• Regular agricultural shows and expos
  

Looking to get started in runt pigeon breeders in California? Visit fairs like the Ventura County Fair or connect with the Southern California Pigeon Club to meet top-tier breeders and gain hands-on experience.

Giant Runt Pigeon Size Comparison: How They Measure Up

How big are Giant Runts compared to other pigeons?

Pigeon Breed	Average Weight	Length
Racing Homers	~350–400g	12–14 inches
Giant Runt	1.2–1.5 kg	Up to 34 inches
King Pigeon	~900–1,100g	16–18 inches

With their muscular build, bold stance, and massive wingspan, Giant Runts require larger lofts, feeding plans, and nesting accommodations. See this video comparison for a visual breakdown.

Utility Pigeons for Sale: Why Giant Runts Lead the Pack

If you’re looking at utility pigeons for sale for squab production, Giant Runts are a leading choice. Their advantages:

• Heavier squabs (more meat)
  
• Fast growth (ready in 28–30 days)
  
• Low-maintenance and hardy
  
• Excellent parent birds
  

Although more expensive to raise, their high yield makes them ideal for small farms and gourmet markets.

Step-by-Step Breeding Guide for Runt Pigeon Breeders

Here’s a simple plan to follow:

✅ Step 1: Select the Right Pair

Choose birds that are:

• Between 12–18 months old
  
• Healthy, active, and alert
  
• Well-typed with solid lineage
  

Get help from your local pigeon club or order from a certified breeder online.

✅ Step 2: Housing and Nesting

• Allow 3 square feet per bird minimum
  
• Use deep nesting boxes with straw or pine
  
• Provide ventilation, dry bedding, and low disturbance
  
• Keep pairs isolated initially to encourage bonding
  

One breeder noted:

“When I moved my birds from small cages to a large loft, they seemed happier. But I had to separate each pair into private enclosures to finally get fertile eggs.”

✅ Step 3: Nutrition for Fertility

Feed a balanced diet of:

• High-quality seed mix
  
• Grit and minerals
  
• Fresh greens and clean water daily
  
• Optional supplements: breeder pellets, oyster shell, and vitamin drops
  

✅ Step 4: Monitor Eggs and Hatchlings

• Expect eggs 7–10 days after mating
  
• Incubation: 17–19 days
  
• Both parents feed the chicks crop milk
  
• Watch for squab growth and health from days 1–30
  

Clean nests regularly and ensure minimal human interference during the early weeks.

Join a Runt Pigeon Club and Learn from the Pros

Joining a breeder club like the Giant Runt Club of America (GRCA) gives you:

• Direct access to experienced breeders
  
• Updates on standards of perfection
  
• Entry into shows and exhibitions
  
• Peer support and recognition
  

You’ll also receive tips on improving your birds’ health, posture, and show performance, and find lifelong friends along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes Giant Runt pigeons different from other breeds?
Giant Runt pigeons are known for their exceptional size, muscular build, and dual-purpose use in both shows and meat production.

2. At what age can you start breeding Giant Runt pigeons?
You can begin breeding them at around 12 months of age when they reach full maturity.

3. How many eggs does a Giant Runt pigeon lay per clutch?
Typically, a healthy pair lays 2 eggs per clutch, and both parents take turns incubating.

4. How long do Giant Runt pigeons live?
With proper care, they can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

5. Can Giant Runts be housed with other pigeon breeds?
It’s best to house them separately, as their large size and calm nature may be disrupted by more aggressive or smaller breeds.

Final Thoughts: Become a Confident Runt Pigeon Breeder

Becoming a successful runt pigeon breeder means more than owning birds, it’s about learning, caring, and continually improving. With the right setup, knowledge, and support, you’ll raise birds that are healthy, strong, and admired across the community.

Whether you’re in it for the prestige of the show ring or the practicality of squab farming, Giant Runts are a worthy and rewarding choice.