Albanian Pigeon Racing Federation in Lushnje-Fier

 Albanian Pigeon Racing Federation in Lushnje-Fier: A Comprehensive Overview of Racing Pigeons and Their Culture

The Albanian Pigeon Racing Federation (Federata e Kolombofilëve Shqiptarë) serves as the central organization overseeing the sport of racing pigeons across Albania. In the Lushnje and Fier region, this federation has played a key role in nurturing a passionate community of pigeon fanciers (colombophiles), helping turn this niche activity into a well-organized and respected sport.

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Federation’s Role in Lushnje-Fier

In Lushnje-Fier, the federation supports a network of local clubs and pigeon fanciers who regularly participate in competitive races. These clubs are essential for organizing training sessions, maintaining breeding programs, and running race logistics.

One notable example is a race held on June 4, 2024, from Novi Sad (Serbia) to Albania—covering an average distance of 507 km. In this event, 375 pigeons from 46 fanciers competed. Fier’s club stood out by earning 49.33% of the awarded prizes, while the Lushnje club secured 12%. These results show the high level of organization and competitiveness among the local clubs.

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Training and Care of Racing Pigeons

Racing pigeons in this region are trained with dedication to improve their homing instincts and stamina. Training involves gradually increasing flight distances to build endurance and sharpen navigation abilities. A widely used method is called “widowhood,” where male and female pigeons are temporarily separated before the race and reunited afterward, motivating the bird to return home as quickly as possible.

Daily routines include exercise flights, feeding schedules, and close observation to track the bird’s condition and performance. Fanciers often use GPS systems and electronic timing devices to monitor and record the pigeons’ flights during competitions.

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Race Structure and Performance

Races in Albania, especially in the Lushnje-Fier region, range from 150 km to over 500 km. Depending on wind conditions, racing pigeons can reach speeds up to 130 km/h, with average speeds typically around 60–80 km/h.

In another race held on April 10, 2023, from Hani i Hotit (northwestern Albania), 1,529 pigeons competed over a distance of approximately 179 km. Again, Fier’s club showed remarkable performance by winning 66.34% of the total prizes, while Lushnje managed 4.58%. These statistics reflect the skill of breeders and the quality of birds in the region.

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Breeding and Health Management

Fanciers in Lushnje-Fier take breeding very seriously. By carefully selecting breeding pairs based on past race performances and genetic traits, they aim to enhance the speed, endurance, and orientation abilities of future generations.

Pigeons reach sexual maturity around six months of age, although most breeders wait a bit longer before starting a breeding program. A typical female lays two eggs per cycle, and the incubation period lasts 17 days. Young pigeons (called squabs) stay in the nest for around 30 days before beginning their training journey.

Health is paramount. Birds are routinely vaccinated and given a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Proper loft hygiene, parasite control, and disease prevention strategies are also key to maintaining top performance.

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Community and Ethics

The Lushnje-Fier pigeon racing community is tightly knit and operates under a strong code of ethics. Although doping has occasionally surfaced in international pigeon racing, the Albanian Federation enforces strict regulations to ensure fair competition and the well-being of the birds.

Besides races, the community organizes exhibitions, meetings, and knowledge-sharing events to strengthen bonds and raise awareness about the sport.

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Conclusion

The Albanian Pigeon Racing Federation in Lushnje-Fier has successfully cultivated a vibrant community around a unique and traditional sport. With structured training, ethical breeding, and well-organized competitions, the region stands out as a stronghold of pigeon racing in Albania. As interest continues to grow, so does the potential for this sport to gain wider recognition both nationally and beyond.

2025 Pigeon Race 🏁