where the heck do I buy pigeons!?

[Snakebiteholloway]

I've been looking into getting pet pigeons for a while now. I've done tons of research, know all about pigeon care, I've got all my supplies figured out... but I can't decide where to buy the pigeon itself!! I specifically am looking into either a classic old frill, chinese owl, or an old german owl, all of which seem to be a little bit harder to find than racing pigeons.
Strombergs seems pretty reliable and have a nice selection, but they're a bit pricey and I'm not able to pick out a specific bird which is kinda a bummer. Whiteracers.com has sold some old frills at a lower price, but I haven't seen anything new from them in a while and I'm not sure that they're still active. In fact, most of the places that I've found that sell the pigeons I'm looking for haven't been updated in at least a few years. I've looked on craigslist, which had a few results at least, and are local so I wouldn't have to pay shipping, there just aren't a ton of options.
So my question to all you more experienced pigeon owners is, which one should I pick?? Are there other places I might have overlooked? Do y'all know of any sites that haven't been inactive for years, or events that I should look out for in my area? Where did you get your pigeons? Helppp!!

IM looking, too. For two years now ! If i find anything I'll share here.

 

[Qwerty3159]

IM looking, too. For two years now ! If i find anything I'll share here.

No luck on Craigslist? They are definitely seasonal with a spike in pigeons sold in the spring and fall.

If you’re looking for good quality or rare colored homing pigeons I still recommend Dennis at whiteracers dot com. Otherwise maybe there are pigeon shows in your area? They might be just once a year. Might find some at a fair as well.

If you’re on Facebook you could post an ad on marketplace, you never know who might be selling them in your area.

 

[Klutch]

Have you narrowed down your fancy of pigeon yet? What part of the country are you from.

 

[Snakebiteholloway]

No luck on Craigslist? They are definitely seasonal with a spike in pigeons sold in the spring and fall.

If you’re looking for good quality or rare colored homing pigeons I still recommend Dennis at whiteracers dot com. Otherwise maybe there are pigeon shows in your area? They might be just once a year. Might find some at a fair as well.

If you’re on Facebook you could post an ad on marketplace, you never know who might be selling them in your area.

I don't FB, but i have checked Craigslist a few times. I keep forgetting it ! I check them again.
My problems so far is shipping. There one local man who's a bit uhm.... eccentric? He has hundreds. Sometimes he says he'll sell some of them, then he changes his mind! Not sure about vaccs and such either. He's not easy to talk to.
I'm not giving up though!

 

[Snakebiteholloway]

Have you narrowed down your fancy of pigeon yet? What part of the country are you from.

IM in far northern Maine on the border, but I'm moving back home after 7 years, to Louisiana.
I'm particularly good of the gorgeous fancy ones, several breeds, and know almost nothing except what I've researched. Which is ok, but experienced keepers are a better source.

 

[Klutch]

Here are some breeds to ponder.
https://www.theamericanpigeonmuseum.org/pigeon-breed-gallery

 

[Qwerty3159]

My problems so far is shipping.

Is this because you want to avoid the extra cost or because you have concerns with the shipping process?

I’ve had them shipped to me before without issue.