Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed Summary
The Giant Homer is a large domestic pigeon developed from the traditional Homer for increased body mass and display. It combines a calm, trainable temperament with a strong homing instinct and good flight endurance. Typical appearance includes a broad chest, sturdy frame, rounded head, short bill, and smooth feathering. It is primarily kept for show and breeding, with some lines used for messenger purposes, though it is not as fast as racing homers. Management emphasizes a spacious loft, clean conditions, balanced diet, and regular social interaction. Quantitative data: typical individuals weigh about 0.60–0.90 kg; body length roughly 26–32 cm; wingspan 60–75 cm; life expectancy in captivity about 6–12 years; breeding maturity around 6–8 months.
Detailed Origin
The Giant Homer originated in 19th–20th century Europe, through deliberate crossbreeding between standard Homers and larger carrier or draft-type pigeons. Breeders selected for size, balance, and presence, while preserving the homing instinct. Early records point to breeding efforts in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands; by the early 20th century these birds were regularly shown at European pigeon exhibitions. After World War II, lines diverged into color varieties and regional types; contemporary stock often comes from multiple clubs, with local standards shaping plumage and size.
Detailed Description
Anatomy and conformation: robust, deep chest, strong back, and a compact, square silhouette. Head round with a short beak; eyes alert; neck short to medium. Plumage smooth with color varieties including solid colors, checkered, and pied patterns; some lines feature feathering on the legs. Size ratios emphasize mass and balance: broad chest relative to body length; wings proportionate for steady cruising flight. Behavior: generally calm, sociable with conspecifics and handlers; easy to train for basic loft routines and short-distance flights. Care: needs a spacious loft with good ventilation, perches, regular exercise, and a diet based on high-quality grains and seeds; nesting typically yields two eggs per clutch, incubation around 17 days, and a typical productivity of 2 squabs per brood. These birds adapt to varied climates but prefer moderate, stable conditions.
Recognised varieties for this breed
- Giant Homer self white
- Giant Homer black
- Giant Homer red
- Giant Homer dun
- Giant Homer yellow
- Giant Homer brown
- Giant Homer khaki
- Giant Homer ash-red self
- Giant Homer ash-yellow self
- Giant Homer barless
- Giant Homer barred
- Giant Homer checked
- Giant Homer dark checked
- Giant Homer spread in blue
- Giant Homer silver
- Giant Homer silver ochre
- Giant Homer ash-red
- Giant Homer ash-yellow
- Giant Homer grizzle barless
- Giant Homer homozygous grizzle in blue
- Giant Homer indigo spread
- Giant Homer barless in blue
- Giant Homer powdered barless
- Giant Homer barred or checked in blue
- Giant Homer dominant opal spread
- Giant Homer silver grizzle
- Giant Homer blue grizzle
- Giant Homer red grizzle
- Giant Homer yellow grizzle
- Giant Homer brown grizzle
- Giant Homer khaki grizzle
- Giant Homer reduced spread
- Giant Homer harlequin
- Giant Homer faded
- Giant Homer golden dun
- Giant Homer agate in red and yellow
- Giant Homer deroy
- Giant Homer qualmond
- Giant Homer kite
- Giant Homer tiger
- Giant Homer spangled
- Giant Homer mottled and black baldhead
- Giant Homer self brown
- Giant Homer self khaki
- Giant Homer blue
- Giant Homer red and ash-yellow spread