Raising pigeons for squabs
By: Dr. Elpidio C. Coligado
Question: What are pigeons? Squabs?
Answer: The pigeon is a species bearing the scientific name Columba livia linn. It is also referred to as Dove. The Pilipino (tagalong) term is “kalapati”.
The squab is the young of the pigeon which is the equivalent term for the chick of the chicken. It is also termed “pitson” in the tagalong region. The term squab or “pitson” sometimes refers specifically to the stage when pigeons are ready to be taken out from the nest and slaughtered for food. The squab is considered as one of the most expensive meat delicacies highly valued by the Chinese.