If we want to spark interest about pigeon racing as a hobby and a sport, an effort has to be made in regards to reaching out to kids. After all, the fascination with pigeons is in its truest form in the eyes of a child. Their minds are not subjected to corruption by the lure of money that comes with the sport, nor would they care much about a pigeon's type of pedigree. They have taken particular interest to these birds and have realized that they can make a hobby out of it. In fact, some people or organizations treat the sport as a profitable business. Yes, it is very profitable because it aims to gather fliers from all over the world to compete for a much coveted prize in this competition. Grains that are dirty will gradually affect the performance of the pigeons while they are racing, as toxins and poisons present in unclean grains will bring forth illnesses that would lead to the pigeon's poor racing performance. Grits are also essential to the racing pigeon's diet. Mixed grains are a perfect source of energy and protein, but they are very low in vitamins and minerals that are required to raise top-caliber racing pigeons. Pigeons Characterized The pigeons are endowed with stout bodies, short necks, fleshy cere, and slender bills. These birds make their nests with debris and sticks that are often perched on top of the trees, on buildings, or on the ground depending on their kind of habitat. But of course, when they are taken as pets, they oftentimes have their nests inside their cages. A racer needs to provide proofs that he is, indeed, the owner of the pigeon. Each competing pigeon must be healthy and should wear a racing band. Each pigeon must return to its loft at the end of the race. Otherwise, it is disqualified. The shortest distance possible for each official race is no shorter than 75 miles. Julius Reuter, the founder of the world-renowned Reuter News Service, was actually established as a line of pigeon posts. Up to this day, the symbol for many European postal systems is a racing pigeon. As years go by, a lot more people have taken to raising pigeons. Gone are the days when only the nobles can have them.