Breeders across the country raffle local feathers
Hoërskool Nelspruit's boshuis was the venue for the national fantail fancy pigeon show from July 15 to 17.
Breeders travelled from around the country to participate in the event, which is hosted in Mbombela every nine years. There was also an auction held for some of the birds.
The winning bird was a pigeon belonging to Christo Carstens Jansen van Vuuren of Cape Town. His pigeon was chosen as it was closest to the fantail standard of perfection – which is to achieve a refined, balanced fantail.
Fantail pigeons are judged by comparison, seeking the best refined balance of the strongest traits that define the breed of bird – a round body, large tail, well-set legs and head while standing and in motion.
The birds are placed into a walking ring and the judges give points according to the standard.
Vice-president of the Nelspruit Fantail Club, Coenie Naude, said it was an honour to host this year’s fantail show.
“We will most definitely try to host another show in Mbombela soon. We now have a few pigeon fanciers who are serious about the sport and we hope that we can get the sport back to the standards of the early 80s,” Naude said.
