After learning Animal Planet is developing a series about Mike Tyson racing pigeons -- and hearing PETA's trepidation -- we went to the experts: Folk who call themselves pigeon "fanciers" and know the ins and outs of the sport. We asked two pigeon veterans for their gut reactions about the forthcoming TV show, tentatively titled 'Taking on Tyson,' and whether they've ever seen a character quite like Iron Mike on the pigeon racing circuit. PETA is pushing for prosecutors to investigate the show, claiming the program is both cruel to its feathered participants and could involve illegal gambling.
Had you heard Mike Tyson is a pigeon enthusiast?
I'm not aware of him actually racing. I've heard he has roller pigeons, but not homing pigeons, which are the racing birds.
What's pigeon racing like? What should Tyson expect?
You might have a team of 10 or 20 race birds, and however many you're interested in entering in a race, you ship them to a release point. If a bird is older than one year, they can do 600 miles in a day. Once the birds are released on a clear, sunny day, the owners are either at home with manual clocks or the birds automatically clock in with a computer chip.
What attracts people to the sport?
They enjoy the animals and the camaraderie of other people who enjoy it, and they enjoy competition, too.
Is it pretty competitive?
Can be. All of it's very personal interest. It ranges from "I just like to watch them fly" all the way to "I'm interested in winning every race." Some people may spend the minimum on a smaller loft, others may go crazy and buy a big loft and big-name birds and attempt to win that way. But it will depend on your care and training.
How important is the budgetary aspect? Mike Tyson's probably got access to some serious funds -- will that work in his favor?
Not necessarily, but that's the belief, like any other sport, where you think if you spend more, you get more. It's important you get a quality bird in the first place, yes, but most important would be your care of the bird -- vaccination, medication, housing, food. They're little flying athletes, so they have to have the right nutrition. Then you have to build their muscles through training.
Have you known many celebrity pigeon fanciers?
Ray Price, the country singer, owns them, but his schedule doesn't allow racing. Tony Tarantino -- he's Quentin's dad -- is in a racing club.
Iron Mike's a pretty, um, interesting guy. Is he going to stick out from the pack, or is he joining a well-populated field of eccentric folks? Honestly, I don't know that we have a character like that. Anybody I have met has been a super person, super pleasant, very generous, an animal lover, a nice person to be around. You have some personalities that are a little more fun, but probably nothing flashy like Tyson.
Is there a certain disposition or set of qualities that's suitable to pigeon racing?
Any age, background, level of expenditure -- that's up to you and how heavy-duty you like it.
Had you heard Mike Tyson is a pigeon enthusiast?
I knew it because I met him in Kentucky at the National Young Bird Show years ago.
What was he up to there?
Just lookin' at the birds. You could tell he was enthusiastic. You know, even all the years he was fighting, he paid guys to take care of his birds in New York City.
What's your gut reaction to 'Taking on Tyson'?
It's gonna be a great show. It'll be good for this dying sport -- pigeons are the poor man's racehorses.
What's pigeon racing like?
It's fun. You can't cheat. It teaches you a lot about genetics and the natural world. It's more than just about pigeons -- you learn so much more.
Is it pretty competitive?
Very. In some areas, super competitive. Down in Florida, all the good racers from the north retire to an area called Little Belgium. It's all very, very serious racing birds and racing people. I mean, their lofts cost more than my house.
Does any certain disposition or set of qualities translate well to pigeon racing?
You better learn patience. And heartbreak, because the bird you like the most is usually the one the hawks get.
Have you seen any eccentric pigeon racers? We're wondering if anyone will match Tyson, with his lisp, his tribal-tattooed face, his history...
Almost everybody into pigeons is eccentric. There are some characters, and a lot of them move to Florida. Those guys are absolutely berserk.
Iron Mike is used to fighting in big-money situations. Will pigeon racing compare?
There are some races in Florida and Vegas where the winning bird makes a million dollars. On the day of the race, they have parties and drinks are served, entertainment is hired, and they all wait for the birds to come in.
Do you think Tyson's funds will help him much as a competitor?
It's really about dedication. You have to get out there and train 'em. You can buy expensive birds that can't fly across the street. The important part is putting in your time.
Below, a video of Mike Tyson showcasing his pigeons on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
PETA go kill another cat or dog. That is all you are good for. Leave Mike alone. Why don't you try and place some of these poor pets instead of killing them. PETA is the last people to talk aobut being cruel.
I got hooked on this sport while living in Scotland. If this show [series] is done right it will be awesome. These birds do things that can and will blow your mind.
It's a surprise to read something so charming about Mike Tyson though I can understand PETA's concerns. A sport for eccentrics, well he sure qualifies.
I like the PETA is bringing in the gambling aspect to bolster their agenda. I'd be more impressed with hearing how this is bad for the birds. It's not like their wings are clipped and they are caged in a small spot - they are allowed to do what they do - fly.
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I think it might fly..UH UH UH YEAHHHH FIRST AND ALWAYS FIRST DOGG..WHAT ?? WHAT ??
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i think its great that mike can make a show about something he has always loved. only if we all could be so lucky.
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pigeon racing is actually a cool way of feeding falcons
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PETA go kill another cat or dog. That is all you are good for. Leave Mike alone. Why don't you try and place some of these poor pets instead of killing them. PETA is the last people to talk aobut being cruel.
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I got hooked on this sport while living in Scotland.
If this show [series] is done right it will be awesome.
These birds do things that can and will blow your mind.
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like to see it great for pigeon fancier's. as for peta get a job!!!
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It's a surprise to read something so charming about Mike Tyson though I can understand PETA's concerns. A sport for eccentrics, well he sure qualifies.
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I like the PETA is bringing in the gambling aspect to bolster their agenda. I'd be more impressed with hearing how this is bad for the birds. It's not like their wings are clipped and they are caged in a small spot - they are allowed to do what they do - fly.
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