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Pigeons are such unpretentious birds that they are found everywhere in a wide variety of natural conditions, with the possible exception of the Arctic and Antarctica. In the pigeon family, it is customary to distinguish about 42 genera and more than 300 varieties. Decorative pigeons are probably the largest group of breeds, although today they have minimal economic use. They are bred mainly for aesthetic pleasure.
Features of decorative pigeons
Pigeons from Australia and South Asia are especially diverse in species and breeds. But these birds are adapted exclusively to warm and even hot climates and are not suitable for keeping in the climatic conditions of Russia. This article will focus primarily on decorative breeds of pigeons that survive well and breed in the middle zone. They are also distinguished by great diversity, but at the same time relative unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention.
Of course, the very name of the group of pigeons – decorative – implies the fact that they are distinguished by their originality in appearance. This could be a bright color and unusual plumage pattern, exterior features, or an unexpected shape and growth pattern of feathers.
Unlike their wild relatives, many of the decorative pigeons are ideally suited for aviary keeping, since they do not have the best flight qualities. Some breeds have practically forgotten how to fly high. Although sometimes some flying breeds, characterized by certain decorative elements, are also classified as decorative pigeons.
The color of decorative pigeons can be the most unexpected and varied: from soft green to bright red and brown. Their size can also vary greatly, from very tiny, as tall as a lark, to large, almost the size of a chicken.
Within each breed, there are usually many color variations known. Therefore, the color shade rarely served as an identification mark of a particular pigeon breed.
Decorative pigeons are usually shy, so caring for them should be very gentle and careful.
The best breeds of decorative pigeons
The names of breeds of decorative pigeons often came from the names of countries or populated areas where one or another variety was bred. Sometimes the name reflected the relationship between the external characteristics of the pigeon and the traits of the character in whose honor it received its name. So swallows, bullfinches, peacocks, etc. often appeared in the names of pigeon breeds.
Jacobin
In European countries it is better known as the wig pigeon.It got its name thanks to a peculiar wig - a rosette of almost vertically growing feathers, creating a magnificent outfit on both sides of the lower part of the head.
This fluffy "collar" often covers most of the pigeon's face and limits its normal view of the area. Because of this, the flight abilities of the Jacobins are severely limited. They fly heavily and very slowly. Otherwise, the birds are characterized by a proportional build with long legs and a thin tail. The color of the plumage can be white, black or motley.
Jacobins look great at exhibitions and are therefore very popular. But they are distinguished by some timidity and delicacy. Despite the fact that they are excellent at sitting on eggs and feeding chicks, they need special drinkers and feeders. During the hatching period, the fluffy collar is usually trimmed so that it does not interfere too much with the life of the birds.
Peacocks
One of the most popular and widespread decorative breeds of pigeons. The appearance of the pigeon immediately indicates that this name was given to this breed for a reason. In the tail of birds, you can count up to forty feathers, which the pigeon spreads like a fan in an excited state and becomes like a peacock. The tips of the tail feathers are beautifully fluffed. In general they grow vertically, but the outermost feathers may even touch the ground.
The chest of peacock pigeons protrudes slightly forward, forming a proud posture. The head is small, oval in shape, and lacks forelock decorations. The body is quite short with small legs, usually without feathers, and the neck is long.
The most common color of peacock pigeons is white, which allows these birds to be used during all kinds of special events and weddings. It is this breed of pigeon that is usually depicted on advertising posters as the “bird of peace.” But there are also other colors of peacock pigeons: yellow, brown, reddish and black.
Peacock pigeons are very unpretentious in keeping and perform their parental duties well. In addition, they are fertile, which is a valuable trait for breeding them. Peacock pigeons fly very beautifully and gracefully. They have a quiet, calm character.
Curly or Wavy
Sometimes pigeons of this decorative breed are called astrakhan. They are difficult to confuse with any other breed due to the unusual pattern of highly curled feathers on the upper surface of the wings and on the legs. The feathers are so tightly curled that they appear lace-like and artificially created. True, flight performance cannot but suffer from such elaborate decorative elements - pigeons prefer to walk and run rather than fly. Although otherwise the birds have the usual physique of a standard pigeon. The color of the plumage can be solid or spotted. But a distinctive feature of the breed, in addition to its curly plumage, is its white forehead. The tail also most often has a lighter color.
Pouters
Decorative pigeons, which are also difficult to confuse with any other breed of birds. Pigeons got their original name for their exorbitant size, like a swollen crop. Sometimes it makes the head completely invisible. There are several varieties of blowers:
- Brno blowers - originally from the Czech Republic, they have a vertically elongated body with long and bare legs. Birds move with support not on their entire paw, but as if on tiptoe, resting only on their toes.
- Pomeranian pouters – one of the largest breeds of decorative pigeons, reaching a height of 50 cm. Long legs are decorated with shaggy elegant feathers.
- Marchenero – these pigeons have a low-set body, so the crop hangs down and forward. The tail, meanwhile, is directed almost vertically downwards. The breed was bred in Seville.
The color of the plumage can come in a wide variety of shades.
Barb
The decorative nature of this breed may seem controversial to some. It belongs to the subgroup of warty pigeons. Birds are distinguished by a convex forehead and a short beak. Characteristic features of the breed are peculiar skin growths around the eyes and beak. In addition, pigeons of this breed do not have variegated colors. They can have different shades of plumage, but are always of a uniform color.
Saxon priest
As the name suggests, this breed of decorative pigeons was developed in Saxony. It has impressive decorations of long feathers on its paws and two crests on its head, smoothly turning into a collar on its neck. This unique plumage slightly resembles a monk's hood, which explains the name of the breed. Moreover, the forehead of all pigeons of this breed, regardless of the general color, always remains white. However, the breed is not particularly bright in its plumage; pigeons are usually white, gray or brown.
German monk
The name of the breed is a little reminiscent of the previous one, all thanks to the same hood of feathers at the back of the head. True, the feathers are very short, and the paws, unlike the Saxon priest, are completely devoid of feathers.
But this breed is considered quite ancient, its roots go back to the 17th century. Birds do not know how to fly high at all, but they always fly up at the sight of a stranger. By doing this, they are able to lure the pigeons to follow them. This feature of the German monk was used to steal birds from other dovecotes. The color of pigeons also gives them a resemblance to monks - black and white shades predominate in the plumage.
Bullfinch
The breed of decorative pigeons originates from Italy, but received its final formation in Germany and England. The name of the birds was given for the copper color of the body, unusual for pigeons, with shiny, greenish iridescence, darker wings. It has normal proportions, large size and a lively, cheerful character. It is unpretentious in content.
Bohemian space-footed fairy swallow
An ornamental breed with such a complex name was bred in the Czech province, in Bohemia. Pigeons are quite large in size with a proportionally developed body and have richly feathered legs. But their most important distinguishing feature is the incredibly beautiful color of their plumage. Usually it consists of only two contrasting shades, but mixed in a checkerboard pattern. Exactly the same pattern is repeated in the plumage on the paws.
Bukhara or Uzbek
The Bukhara breed of pigeons has a long history. Currently, several varieties have been obtained from it, which are most often called Uzbek. These pigeons belong to the transitional flight-decorative group, as they are famous throughout the world for their amazing flight qualities. They are especially good at jumping, somersaults and other incredible stunts during flight.
The body of Bukhara pigeons is quite large, the feathers are slightly curly. The paws are necessarily covered with feathers, sometimes quite long. There is one or even two forelocks on the head: above the beak and on the back of the head.
The color of the plumage can be anything, including variegated.
Pigeons of this breed have a rather lazy character. This leads to the fact that birds are not very active in breeding and incubating chicks. Therefore, their eggs are often laid on other more active and conscious pigeons.
Banta pigeons or seagulls
This decorative breed of pigeons can also be considered quite ancient. The birds have a small body size and a very short beak. Outwardly, they really look a little like seagulls. But the main distinguishing feature of this breed of pigeons is the presence in front, between the crop and the chest, of a small decorative decoration of feathers, sometimes growing in all directions. Feathering is also common on the legs of gull pigeons. A crest may be present on the head, but this is not a mandatory feature of the breed.
The color of the plumage may vary, but white birds look the most beautiful.
Bantha pigeons have good flying abilities, and it was on their basis that several postal breeds were subsequently bred.
Keeping decorative pigeons
Pigeons are birds accustomed to living in flocks and at the same time coexist peacefully with each other. Their lifespan in humans can be up to 20 years.
Considering that most decorative breeds of pigeons are poorly adapted to flight, it is better to build an aviary for them with a small house inside.A special window for birds to enter and exit should be about 15-20 cm wide. The dovecote should be light and spacious. Pigeons especially do not like dampness, darkness and musty air. In such conditions they may begin to get sick.
Perches are made in the form of shelves on the walls, fixed at different heights. Nest boxes are usually made of wood.
For the normal maintenance of decorative pigeons, the following sanitation rules must be observed:
- Drinkers and feeders must be washed regularly in running water at least 2 times a week.
- At least once a month, the dovecote is cleaned, removing, if possible, all droppings from the room.
- Two or three times a year, the dovecote must be treated with a disinfectant solution and a general cleaning is carried out.
- Sick birds must be isolated and treated.
Pigeons are usually fed with various grain crops. The most suitable are wheat, peas or corn. To facilitate digestion, small pebbles, chalk and crushed eggshells are also added to the feeders.
During the winter and mating season, it is possible to add pumpkin or sunflower seeds to the diet.
It is very important to constantly ensure that there is fresh water in the drinking bowls. Pigeons need especially a lot of water in hot summer weather. They love not only to drink, but also to swim in it.
Conclusion
Decorative pigeons, despite their minimal economic value, continue to be very popular and in demand among bird lovers. Every year, several new breeds of decorative pigeons are bred in the world, which meet various needs of poultry farmers.
