Vets corner

The Specialist Pigeon Veterinary Surgeon

The late David Palmer B.V.Sc. M.R.C.V.S. The British Homing World Veterinary Corner resident vet.

Veterinary Corner is dedicated to the late David Palmer B.V.Sc. M.R.C.V.S. who sadly passed away in 2002 at the age of 48. David was well known and respected within the pigeon fancy as a specialist in pigeon health and became the British Homing World's resident vet.

David was born in Liverpool in 1954 and lived there until he qualified as a veterinary surgeon from Liverpool University in 1976. He married a fellow veterinary student, Margaret, and his first job, was in Boston Spa in North Yorkshire. Together they had three children, James, Catherine and Rosie. David moved to be a veterinary assistant in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire in 1978 and was offered partnership in, what was then a six man practise, in 1980.

David always took a keen interest in racing pigeon patients, and it was not until ill health forced him into early retirement that he realised how few 'pigeon' vets there were in the UK. After his 'retirement' from the physical demands of cattle, horse, pig, dog and cat veterinary practise, due to multiple sclerosis, David confined his veterinary activity entirely to writing about pigeons and offering advice over the telephone to concerned fliers.

Prior to the onset of his incapacity, David spent all his spare time walking and climbing in the British hills and his ability to be of service to the pigeon world and exercise his veterinary training remained a great comfort to him. This contact with the British racing pigeon fraternity gave him an intimate familiarity with the problems that are particularly relevant to the Flier that keeps his pigeons in the British Isles.

He dealt with many telephone calls at home during his illness and took great pleasure in being able to help fanciers with his vast knowledge and experience. He regularly wrote a column in the British Homing World until his illness made it impossible for him to continue. He also enjoyed attending the Blackpool show each year where he gave health advice to pigeon fanciers. David had been involved with Petron for many years both as a vet and a friend. His illness was tragic and he is greatly missed by all our staff and I am sure by the pigeon fancy as a whole.

David also wrote three hugely successful pigeon health books and produced a best seller video. Details of all David's books and videos can be found on our books and videos section.

Check out the pigeon health Questions and Answers page which will hopefully help you with your pigeon health queries.