I would like to share with you the history and present
status of New England Pigeon and Livestock Supply, LLC.
You will see that this business is truly a “start from
scratch” operation!
Since the age of 6 (about as far back as I can
remember), when my mother put squabs that my father
raised in her spaghetti sauce, I have had a fascination
and love affair with pigeons. It started with feral
pigeons caught for me by my father and uncle and has
evolved into Master Breeder status, national office and
a business that serves fanciers in all corners of the
world.
After 12 years as a pipe fitter and then designer of
submarines for General Dynamics, I worked as a designer
on the road for four more years until I settled into an
Italian Restaurant business. In 1984, after seven years,
I sold that (it was the hardest work I’ve ever done) and
started a wholesale pet bird business from the ground
up. When the economy crashed and pet birds were not a
family necessity, I returned to my job with General
Dynamics and changed the name of my company from New
England Wholesale Bird Company to New England Pigeon
Supply. I worked full time and then tended to the
business (often well into the late night).
Eventually, the business grew to where it was no longer
possible for me to continue it and work full time, I
retired from GD in 2004. That was when NEPLS (then NEPS)
took off! Because of technicalities which state
authorities are so good at fostering, we changed the
name from New England Pigeon Supply to New England
Pigeon and Livestock Supply, LLC.
Since the days of the Feral birds, I have never been
without pigeons. In 1967, I found the breed for me in
Short Faced Helmets. I purchased all 7 of his birds when
the late Vinnie Nigrelli of Peacedale Rhode Island
decided to sell out. I added Medium Faces in 1974.
Helmets have been my main breed to this day.
So, here I am, retired and working three times harder
than I was at GD! Now, instead of one, I have thousands
of bosses! And I love it!
We are not the biggest supplier on the scene and in some
ways, that’s good for you! We try very hard to serve our
customers one on one as we would want to be served. I am
proud of the honesty and integrity of my company and
will do whatever is reasonably possible to rectify
occasional errors. Call on me if I can help you!
Tony Patti