On 2015-09-21 23:58:27 +0000, Ed Pawlowski said:
> On 9/21/2015 7:10 AM, wrote:
>
>>>>
>>>> Aren't pigeons also known as squab?
>>>
>>> Wow! I'm surprised that wiki says that's true. It has been used to
>>> refer to all dove and pigeon species. It now generally implies
>>> "domesticated pigeons". The "modern squab industry uses 'utility
>>> pigeons'".
>>
>> What on earth is a 'utility' pigeon ? The 'squabs' I can buy in my
>> supermarket are actually chickens.
Wiki sez:
Utility pigeons are domesticated pigeons bred to be a source of meat
called squab. Squabs have been used as a food by many nations for
centuries. They were bred to breed and grow quickly.[2] Because they
are bred for squab production, conformation to a show standard is
usually deemed unimportant.
Utility pigeons are one of three main breed groupings used by pigeon
fanciers. The other two are Flying/Sporting and Fancy.
The characteristics of utility pigeons of most importance to the
businessperson who is keeping them are rapid growth and high fecundity.
> Never saw squab at the supermarket, but the baby chicks are Cornish
> hens. I wonder if it is the same thing, different side of the border.