How to Do Eye Signs With Homing Pigeons

Eye sign in pigeons refers to observable characteristics of a bird's eyes. Breeders use eye sign as an indication of quality in pigeons when selecting for breeding. However, eye sign is controversial. Some swear by it while others call it superstition. Regardless, it remains an important subject for pigeon fanciers to understand.

Instructions

1. Examine the bird's pupils. The pupil should be totally black, and either round or slightly oval. There should be no milkiness over the pupil.

2. Identify the ring just around the pupil, which is actually the muscle that contracts the pupil. It is called the Circle of Adaptation, and it can vary considerably in width from bird to bird. A wide Circle of Adaptation is desirable. The color of this region should be green or greenish-black.

3. Locate the next ring out, called the Circle of Correlation. It is made up of connective tissue that attaches the muscle around the pupil to the iris. This ring can appear in many colors, but the favorites for breeders are violet and white. These birds are thought to make the best breeding stock.

4. Look at the iris, which is the next ring out. The function of the iris is to protect the retina from over exposure to light, which it does by virtue of its dark pigment. Thus the iris should show a lot of depth and a richness of color.

5. Find the next ring out from the iris, which is called the Circle of Health. This ring is believed to be important in the blood supply to the eye, and as such is an indicator of overall condition. It should show a dark, rich color.

Tips & Warnings

• Examine bird's eyes outdoors when the sun is at full height. This will allow you to see the colors clearly and to view the action of the pupil.