All over the world there are lovers of pigeons, these beautiful ornamental birds that delight with their plumage or ability to fly quickly. Historians believe that the domestication of pigeons took place about 5 centuries ago. Since then, hundreds of breeds have been bred, differing from each other in habits and appearance. If initially they were bred for practical use, now many people engage in them “for the soul.”
For some, it is a great happiness to watch these snow-white birds flutter against the backdrop of a bright blue sky. Experienced pigeon breeders try to constantly replenish their collections. Considering the fact that there are about a thousand domestic breeds of pigeons alone, they have plenty to choose from.
Real professionals can purchase and provide decent care for rare breeds. The most expensive pigeons in the world are not affordable for everyone, but they will undoubtedly be the pearl of any collection. You will find out what is special about them and what their price is from our article.
Volzhsky tape
The breed was developed by Russian breeders at the beginning of the 20th century. To do this, the lop-winged pigeons, red-breasted and Rzhev pigeons were crossed. They were called Volga because most of them were formed in the cities of the middle Volga.
These are small birds with a stately build, with a beautiful range of plumage. Their color is cherry, sometimes yellow in combination with a white tint. A distinctive feature is a light stripe on the tail, which runs across the tail (1-2 cm wide).
If handled properly and regularly, the Volga Ribbon can show its flying qualities.
The advantage of this breed is its calmness, they always behave reserved and quiet. These pigeons are excellent parents.
The cost is at least $150 per pigeon, but can cost more.
Breeds
There are a large number of breeds of fighting pigeons, differing in appearance, plumage color and feather arrangement. Breeders, working to improve their flight qualities, ignored external characteristics.
This is why the appearance of fighting pigeons is so varied; within the same breed there can be individuals of very different shades. Let's look at the most popular breeds.
Baku
Photo of the breed:
They were identified as a separate breed in the mid-20th century. During selection, their exterior was improved. Having retained the flying abilities of their ancestors, Baku residents have become much more attractive.
External characteristics of the breed:
- the head is oval-shaped, smooth or with a forelock;
- neck of medium length;
- the beak is straight and thin, slightly curved;
- yellow eyes, black pupil;
- the back is sloping, the body is spindle-shaped, dense;
- the plumage fits tightly to the body;
- powerful wings – fit tightly to the body, do not cross;
- paws are medium, with or without brushes;
- claws are white or flesh-colored.
The forelocks of forelocks have two-colored forelocks - white in front, colored behind. The plumage is very dense - if you take a Baku pigeon in your hand, it seems that it is a smooth stone.
Flight. They fly scatteredly, without forming a flock. Each bird performs solo tricks. Soaring high, pigeons are practically invisible from the ground. Flight duration is 2-12 hours. The height of the “pillar” during flight is 15 m, while the bird makes up to seven somersaults. Each somersault is accompanied by a characteristic clicking sound.
Other features. High immunity. Prolific and easy to reproduce. Good orientation. They return home 500-600 km away. Faithful and devoted.
Chile
Photo:
This is the most spectacular subspecies of Baku fighting pigeons. The breed is popular in the Russian Federation; in other countries, chili pigeons are practically unknown.
Description. The plumage is variegated - black, dark gray or red. The speckles are snow-white. They often have two-colored forelocks. The front part is motley, the back part is the same color as the main plumage.
Exterior Features:
- dense, elongated body;
- on the paws there are brushes;
- yellowish eyes;
- the neck is medium, with a beautiful curve;
- the chest protrudes forward;
- broad shoulders;
- wings tightly pressed;
- on the neck and chest there is a purple tint;
- the beak is straight, white, curved at the end;
- if the head is dark, then the beak is black.
Flight. Capable of flying for many hours at a time. They take off vertically and launch into battle at high altitude. They move softly into a pillar and quickly somersault. Easily hang in the air.
Other features. Breeders value the breed for the complexity and entertainment of the somersaults it performs. Each bird has an individual flight. So, every chili pigeon flies at a certain altitude, and the duration of the flight is also different for each. Unpretentious to living conditions.
Marble
Photo:
Another variety of Baku fighting pigeons. They are variegated, like Chili, but their color is a mosaic pattern of feathers of different colors. One of the most beautiful breeds. Its representatives often participate and win in international exhibitions.
Description. The plumage is motley, with dark splashes. Bronze individuals are valued more than others - they have a brass color with black or scarlet spots scattered randomly.
Flight. It rises up without making preparatory circles. Having fluffed up its tail and wings so that it looks like a ball, the marble dove soars up, hovers, somersaults, shows various tricks, and each time returns down to its owner. They show different types of fighting - pole, belt, screw.
Other features. The saturation of plumage color is the criterion by which the age of marbled pigeons is judged. Young animals have lighter shades than mature individuals. After the first molt, the young darken, the plumage takes on different tones.
Baku hryvnia
They are considered universal “pilots”. They were bred in the first decades of the 20th century in the city of Baku.
Description. A harmonious body with a well-built head. The forehead is elongated, the back of the head is rounded. The beak is long, the eyes are dark cherry color. The neck is beautifully curved, the wings are long, the legs are medium.
The plumage is thick and white. There is a characteristic pattern on the back of the head. “Print” color – yellow, black, red.
Flight. They perform all types of flight perfectly - combat, entering a pole, climbing until they disappear from the visibility zone.
Baku white barefoot
Another variety of Baku pigeons with excellent flying abilities.
Description. The breed is similar in appearance to the toothless Baku hryvnias. The difference is the snow-white color. Legs bare, reddish. They are distinguished by a downed constitution. The body is oblong, the head is elongated, with or without a forelock. The forehead is sloping, the beak is white. The plumage is thick, the tint is purple.
Flight. Flying high. They demonstrate a beautiful fight.
Turkish (takla)
Turkish fighting pigeons are divided into three types - takla, donek and kalabek. Takla is the most popular breed of the Turkish group, and one of the most ancient breeds of pigeons. The word "takla" is translated as "somersault". There are several types of takla - two-forelocked, forelocked, long-toothed, long-nosed.
Description. There are many varieties of takla, each of which has its own differences in appearance. But there are also common signs - a standard body, slender, without unnecessary massiveness. Any color can dominate the color.
Gray and variegated colors are more common than others. The tail section is indicated in white. There is a white “cap” on the head. The legs are feathered. There are forelocks. There is no single standard for tackle.
There are many subspecies of the breed, here are just a few of them:
- Urfa. Long tails and wings drooping to the ground. The plumage is yellow-brown with bluish tints.
- Mardin. Low but scenic flight. Similar to tumblers. Plumage - all shades of gray.
- Sivash. Less long flight than previous subspecies, but stronger combat. They come with forelocks and white tails.
- Antalya. They are distinguished by high flight. Miniature. Rarely found.
- Ankara . Miniature birds of silvery gray, brown, red, white and yellow shades.
Flight. They tumble masterfully and master the technique of propeller flight. Demonstrate exciting wing play. Capable of long flight - about 10 hours.
They show an original flight: they take off vertically, repeat somersaults several times, fall sharply down - 2-3 m, and then again reach the same height.
Other features. Growing takla requires regular training.
Interestingly, the ability for screw flight is associated with the color of the bird. The paler the plumage, the more beautiful the flight. It has been noticed that motley taklas often do not know how to “screw themselves” into the sky.
Uzbek (two forelocks)
The two-foreheaded “Uzbeks” were the first to be bred within the breed in question. There are more than a dozen subspecies that differ in plumage and build.
Description. The “business card” of Uzbek pigeons is the forelock, which almost all representatives of the breed have. Two-foreheaded pigeons have lush plumage, shaggy brushes on their legs, and a forelock on their head, stretching from the forehead to the neck - across the entire head. The shaggy appearance gives the bird a massive appearance.
Plumage depends on the subspecies:
- The chins are dark red, the tail and wings are white.
- Gyulsary are black with a white head.
- Awlaki are mostly white with mottled wings.
- Chelkari – marbled color.
- Hakkya are black, tail is white.
- Gulbadam is white, the spot on the neck is reddish or yellowish.
- Tasmanians are coffee-colored. The tail, head and chest are dark brown. The rump, outer tail feathers and outer side of the wings are white.
Flight. The long flight is accompanied by amazing stunts.
Other features. Breeders are working to improve the plumage of the breed - these birds are not only good flyers, but also have decorative value.
Iranian
The oldest breed of pigeons, bred over 5 thousand years ago. Iranian pigeons are very expensive. The second name of the breed is Persian.
Description. There is no single standard for the exterior; individuals differ in plumage, the presence of forelocks, brushes on the legs, etc. Common features are a long beak and a wide tail with 12 tail feathers. The wingspan is 60-70 cm. The head is usually smooth. The most popular are birds with black, gray, yellow, scarlet and almond plumage.
Flight. They fly slowly and tend to hover in one place for a long time. Flight duration – 3-5 hours, maximum – 10 hours.
Other features. There are several subspecies of the Iranian breed. The Tibriz and Hamadan fighting cosmachi are known more than others.
Krasnodar (red)
This breed is valued more for its beauty than for its flight. Their flight is short but impressive. There are many subspecies of Krasnodar pigeons, the most popular are Artamon, Neverovsky, Blagodarnensky.
Description. Compact body. The head is small, the crown is flat. The beak is white, slightly curved downwards. The wings are long and fit tightly to the body. The plumage is varied, the most beautiful is red. Proud stance, harmonious physique.
Flight. Flight duration – 1 hour. Flight altitude – average. They fly in flocks and individually. The flight is short and swift, they enter the pole well - slowly and smoothly. They do somersaults sharply, loudly flapping their wings.
Other features. Often bred for meat. The breed is popular in the Krasnodar region, Voronezh and Rostov regions.
Pakistani
Pakistani pigeons owe their worldwide fame to their unusual flight style, which is not replicated by any other breed.
Description. The bird is beautiful, the plumage is varied, mostly light. The main color is white, and on the back, wings, head, neck and tail there is a special feather pattern that remains the same throughout its life.
There are several subtypes of “Pakistanis”. There are birds that are bare-footed and those with “pants,” those with forelocks and those without forelocks. The forelocks are peaked and needle-pointed. The tail is long. Eye color – red, orange, blue.
Flight. The bird, rising up and entering the pillar, makes somersaults, which are accompanied by a loud fight.
Other features. The breed is valued in Russia for its unique flight, external beauty and unpretentious maintenance. But birds require attention - they need regular training. Flight abilities are passed on genetically.
Persians
Persians are famous for their flight characteristics. Among them there are individuals who can “fly like a butterfly” and “walk like a shuttle.”
Description. They are distinguished by the unusual structure of their feathers - they seem to be cut at the ends. This makes the birds look curly. The head is rounded, with a wide convex forehead. Some birds have a forelock on the back of their head. Pearl colored eyes. The legs are feathered. The plumage is of rich shades - yellow, red, dark brown.
Flight. They fly at high altitude. They prefer to fly alone. They stay in the sky for up to 11 hours. They quickly rise into the pillar and perform sharp somersaults.
Other features. They respond well to training. Excellent location orientation – they always find their home. If Persians are not trained, they lose their flying abilities and fly at a low altitude - 1-2 m. They are fertile and good parents, they feed their offspring on their own.
Leninakanskie
This is an extremely hardy and resilient breed. In Armenia and Russia, this breed continues to be improved - its flight qualities are improved.
Description. Sturdy, beautiful, streamlined body. The head is smooth, round in shape. The beak is medium in size, light in color. Eyes are black. The tail is straight.
Flight. Continuous flight lasts 6-8 hours. They quickly gain height, enter the pillar and somersault.
Other features. Freedom lovers. If they need to be transported, then they are accustomed to the cages in advance - so that the birds do not get sick from anxiety. Attached to the nesting site. Constant training is needed. Well oriented in space.
Pairs of Leninakan pigeons are very friendly and loyal. Pigeon breeders do not advise releasing a female and a male into flight at the same time. The female will distract the male from performing tricks.
Maykop
The official name is Maikop short-billed fighting pigeons.
Description. The birds are small, their wings are wide and long. The head is small and neat. The paws are shaggy. The plumage is smooth and shiny. The eyes are large and protruding. Color – single or two-tone.
Flight. They fly quickly and rhythmically. The fight is loud, the exit into the post is sharp.
Other features. The breed combines decorativeness with excellent flight characteristics.
Blagodarnensky
The breed was bred in the North Caucasus in the 50s of the last century. They were bred to hatch chicks, and these birds were not particularly beautiful.
Description. Birds of medium weight and size. They have a large forelock on their head. Moreover, the forelock can be located in different places - above the beak, on the crown. The most common color is red and white. The head is graceful and small. The beak is white or yellow.
Breeders value black specimens more than other species - they are very rare. The disadvantage of black pigeons is low endurance. The most persistent variety is with feathering on its feet.
Flight. In flight they expertly somersault, performing various kinds of somersaults. But today this breed is valued more for its decorative qualities than for its flying qualities.
Other features. They have a calm and friendly disposition. Unpretentious to food and living conditions. They feel good in an urban environment.
The breed received its name in honor of the village of Blagodarny in the Stavropol region. The city's coat of arms and flag even have an image of a red and white dove flying over the bridge.
Thurmans
One of the most valuable breeds. There are several varieties of the breed and hundreds of subspecies - there are ribbon tumblers, Oryol, Odessa, Volsk, Vienna, Kursk, Moscow, Chisinau and others. Thurmans have unique flying abilities that are not available to other breeds.
Description. Tumblers have a small body and a small head. Dark eyes with light eyelids. The beak is short, the forehead is high, the neck is elongated and long. Widely spaced short legs. The tail is fluffed and raised up. There are forelocked and toothless tumblers. The color is varied. Weight – about 800 g.
Flight. They are distinguished by their original flight. They perform flight similar to the movement of a wheel. They tumble over the wing, tail, head. They can stay at high altitudes for a long time. Not every tumbler can perform complex elements - there are more and less capable birds.
Other features. Strong and resilient. Staying in shape requires hard training.
North Caucasian cosmach
Kosmachi is the oldest breed of pigeon. Today, enthusiasts in the North Caucasus are engaged in restoring flight qualities in varieties that have lost them.
Description. Large body, long legs. The head is small, with a forelock. Eyes black or silver. The beak is white. The coloring and pattern differs depending on the subspecies. The plumage is red, yellow, black, gray, coffee, marbled. The head and primary flight feathers, undertail and uppertail, tail feathers are white.
Flight. They fly quickly, abruptly entering the stance. Next, they perform somersaults - 5-10 times in a row, performing characteristic clicks - fight. Flight time is up to 5 hours.
Other features. Hardy and unpretentious. They live up to 20 years. They reproduce until they are 10-12 years old. When purchasing a new pigeon, you need to endure a month-long quarantine.
Anjian
Broad-tailed Andijan pigeons also deserve special attention. They are valued for their beautiful vertical exit and excellent flight qualities. This breed has more than 60 varieties that differ in plumage color.
In addition, there are other types of pigeons in Russia, among which are: Armavir (Krasnodar Territory), stately (Kuban), Tajik and Bukhara. Agasievsky, Pakistani, Central Asian, Chebarkul and Leushkovsky pigeons also become frequent participants in exhibitions.
Experts recommend that beginning poultry keepers breed Leninakan, Mozdok and Leushkovsky species. Their representatives are distinguished by easy care, resistance to diseases and the ability to impress with beautiful flight.
fan crowned
A very beautiful breed of pigeons with a lush evening tuft. The crowned fantail has a special color: its body is blue or bluish above, and brown below. The wings have a transverse white stripe ending in a grayish dash.
Another feature of it is its size: it weighs about 2.5 kg and grows up to 74 cm in length. It lives in New Guinea and on the islands next to it. Prefers to be on the ground, choosing wetlands. If it senses danger, it flies up into a tree. Eats seeds, fruits, berries, young foliage.
The number of these magnificent birds is rapidly decreasing, because... Their habitats are being destroyed, and the pigeons themselves are being hunted. Therefore, this is one of the most expensive and rare breeds; it is almost impossible to find them.
But if you manage to find this pigeon, you will have to pay at least $1,800 for it.
Known varieties
Fans and researchers of these birds claim that there are several hundred breeds of pigeons in the world. They differ not only in appearance characteristics, but in their purpose. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively answer the question of how much this bird costs. Of course, a full-fledged dovecote will require quite a significant investment. However, you should always take into account the riskiness of any undertaking. And with the right approach, selling pigeons can bring good income in the future.
As practice shows, pigeon breeders simultaneously keep about fifty birds. The cost of one can reach $50. Pigeons are divided into racing, slaughtering, meat and decorative. Birds that serve as decoration practically do not fly; they have an aesthetic purpose. Breeds with large and bushy tails are especially popular. They can often be seen in photos of newlyweds or on advertising posters. The popular Pout breed has a crop that opens when it coos, and the Jacobin pigeons have an amazing color. Of course, the price of such breeds can be quite high.
Meat birds are raised for consumption. The Maltese or Hungarian giant is highly valued among lovers of this tasty and dietary meat. These birds also almost cannot fly, their heavy weight hinders them. They recruit it in a very short time. This production is practically waste-free, since feathers can be made into jewelry or used for pillows. An individual of the meat breed costs from 10 to 25 dollars.
Racing breeds are designed to fly at high altitudes. They do interesting pirouettes that are very interesting to watch. Fighting breeds rise upward in battle, hence the name. They are often used for competitions. The cost of one bird at the poultry market fluctuates around $10.
It is worth buying pigeons in pairs, the cost for each will be approximately $100 per year. But the cost may fluctuate and is influenced by the area and breeding conditions. It is very difficult to predict how much birds are worth today. The price is influenced by the breed of bird, its skills, and achievements. Tariffs for exhibition copies can go through the roof. Just look at photos of these beauties on the Internet, and everything will become clear.
The costly part is also the organization of space for pigeons. They live in cells, which should have a rectangular shape. For postal birds, you need to choose cages made of mesh.
Funds will also be needed for:
- permission to build a dovecote;
- construction and maintenance of a dovecote;
- keeping birds;
- veterinary reports;
- exhibitions and competitions.
Typically, the price in the market is determined by the buyer's level of interest in the bird. Of course, we must not forget about competition. When breeding meat breeds, you need to think in advance about where to sell the meat. These should be gourmet restaurants or high-end stores. You can make money on pigeons by renting them out for special events or photo shoots. To do this, just place an advertisement with a photo of pigeons. However, it is very important to train the birds.
Golden motley
It lives in the tropical forests of the islands of Viti Levu, Gau, Oavlau and others, owned by the state of Fiji.
The golden motley is small in size, only about 20 cm. But it is incredibly beautiful. The plumage is yellow, with a hint of green. The beak and eye rings are bluish-green. It feeds on insects, berries and fruits. Usually 1 egg is laid.
This breed of pigeon prefers to lead a solitary lifestyle and is rarely caught on camera.
Keeping chicks
The optimal temperature in the room where the chicks live is 36-38°C. With the beginning of the second week, you can lower the temperature to 20°C - by this point the chicks are able to independently maintain body thermoregulation.
Nutrition and diet
Until the age of one month, pigeons almost do not need food - if they are fed by their parents. In the second week they need water. To teach babies to peck, they are given small grains from the 3-4th week.
From 25 days of age, the chicks can visit the common enclosure and make short flights.
Feeding diet for pigeons:
- First week of life. They give you chicken yolk, mashed and heated. You can also feed the chicks with chicken mixture, stirring it until it becomes a porridge.
- Second week of life. The yolk is mixed with millet, barley, millet, and peas. Add honey, crushed shells and red clay - on the tip of a teaspoon. The grains are crushed and filled with warm water.
- 3-4 weeks of life. The diet includes water, chopped vegetables and fruits, and greens. From the 22nd day, the chicks can be fed white bread. Once or twice a day, you can add a few drops of fish oil to the food.
When accustoming chicks to water - on the 15th day, they try to tilt their beak so that water does not get into the nose. Having reached one month, the chicks completely switch to adult food.
Chicks need special fat-containing food; they need more nutrients than adults. The feed is given in crushed form. To strengthen the immune system, pigeons are given decoctions of herbs - string, chamomile, thyme.
Feeding process
For the first few days, hatched chicks eat at intervals of 3 hours. It’s good if the parents are caring, then they will fully provide the offspring with food. If adult pigeons do not want to feed the chicks, the pigeon breeder will have to do this.
The chicks are fed:
- The first 3 days - a mixture of milk and egg yolks. Before feeding, the mixture is placed in warm water.
- The second option is to feed regular infant formula. Milk nutrition is drawn into a syringe and then injected into the goiter.
In the second week, the chicks are able to feed on their own. Starting from the 6th day, pigeons can be given compound feed in tablets. The dragees are crushed, diluted in water, and then injected into the beak with a syringe. Feeding frequency is twice a day.
Chicks should not be overfed. Excess food will not benefit a growing body. But access to water must be constant.
For 1 part of dry food fed to chicks, there should be 3 parts of water. If the air temperature rises, more water should be given.
Sharp-crested stone
This breed lives in Australia, in the interior of the continent, in its most arid and desert regions. They have an unusually beautiful brown plumage that almost blends into the surface of the rocky desert.
The sharp-crested rockfish is particularly hardy and searches for food during the hottest hours, when other birds and animals are hiding from the harmful rays of the sun.
After the end of the rainy season, i.e. from September to November, they begin the mating period. The female builds a kind of nest, choosing a secluded place under a stone and fencing it with grass. There she lays 2 eggs. Both parents incubate them for 16-17 days. It only takes the chicks a week to learn to feed and fly on their own.
Feeding
The health and beauty of pigeons depends on how adequate the nutrition is.
According to experienced pigeon breeders, there is not a single industrial feed that fully satisfies the needs of fighting pigeons.
Therefore, they need to be given a complex of feeds:
- Dry grain mixture. Such compositions contain almost all the necessary minerals.
- Fine gravel or river sand - for effectively grinding food in the stomach. They are given in a separate feeder.
- Legumes. Contains B vitamins, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus.
- Cereals: Millet. It is recommended to give brighter varieties of millet - they contain more vitamins.
- Barley. Ideal food. It is recommended to give crushed.
- Wheat. It is high in protein and low in fat. This is a valuable product for pigeons.
- Rice. A nutritious product rich in various beneficial elements.
- Corn. It is given only to large birds. It is not worth giving to small ones - due to the coarseness of the grains.
Pigeons are fed twice a day - in the mornings and evenings. As soon as the birds eat, the feeders are removed.
The daily amount of feed for one adult pigeon is 40 g. These 40 g are divided into two times - part is given in the morning, part in the evening. For example, pigeons can be given 10 g of food before summer, and 30 g before bed.
Table 1 shows the composition of the daily diet as a percentage:
Store feed in dry rooms. All grain crops that feed pigeons must meet the following requirements:
- be well dried;
- free from impurities and contaminants;
- show no signs of mold or mildew.
Winter diet
In winter, the diet of pigeons is adjusted. Protein food is given less - this reduces sexual activity and prevents egg laying. In winter, pigeons are not fed legumes; instead, they are given barley and oats. You can give porridge cooked from different grains in salted water.
To make the plumage of birds soft and fluffy, flaxseed and rapeseed are introduced into the diet - about 4 g.
In winter, it is also recommended to give dried herbs - dill and parsley are suitable. Instead of grain, you can give potato mash with wheat bran. Feed rate in winter is 40 g.
Approximate diet for one winter day:
- oats – 40%;
- crushed corn – 10%;
- lentils – 10%.
Diet during molting
Molting in pigeons, starting in June, lasts until mid-autumn. Birds during this period require more protein in order for new plumage to form.
At the same time, you need to make sure that eating protein foods does not cause increased sexual excitability. For this purpose, more barley and oats are introduced into the diet, and wheat is removed.
During the molting period, pigeons are given rapeseed and cabbage leaves. The norm of nutrition during molting is 40-50 g.
Approximate diet:
- peas – 20%;
- oatmeal – 20%;
- millet – 10%;
- corn – 10%;
- vetch and barley – 10%;
- juicy vegetables and herbs – 30%.
Ruffed
The only representative of maned pigeons , its second name is Nicobar pigeon . It lives on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as on other small uninhabited islands, where there are no predators, in the jungle.
He is very handsome: he has something like a robe around his neck. This is a necklace of long feathers, shimmering with emerald and azure; under the rays of the bright sun it shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow.
The maned pigeon does not really like to fly. It grows up to 40 cm in length and weighs up to 600 g. These birds spend most of their time on the ground; only because of approaching danger can they fly up into a tree. In search of seeds, fruits, nuts and berries, they can join in flocks and fly from one island to another.
Despite the fact that this breed is not rare, recently the natural habitat of the birds has been destroyed, and the pigeons themselves are caught for sale or used for food. If this continues, this species may become extinct.
Freeback
Frillback (curly-haired pigeon) is one of the oldest breeds with unknown origins. According to various versions, their homeland is South-Eastern Europe or Western Asia.
The breed appeared in the 17th century. Pigeon breeders from many countries took part in its selection, trying to achieve the feather structure that we have now. The curls should be spiral-shaped and distributed evenly, without gaps. There are about 18 varieties of flowers in the breed.
Due to poor aerodynamics of the body, curly hair does not shine with flying abilities. Their temperament is balanced.
Despite the antiquity of the breed, the first specialized club was created in 1905, and the standard was approved only in 1909.
English Crusade
Another name is the dove Nun . This is a decorative breed of pigeons that was bred in Great Britain. It has a hood of feathers on its head, which is why its breed is called "Nun". When flying, they open their wings so much that a cross becomes visible on them, hence the second name.
The English Cross was bred to be a rutting bird, so it requires constant training. They are snow-white, but the head, apron and tail feathers are black.
What birds do pigeon breeders choose?
Breeders and simple connoisseurs keep these birds in order to observe their behavior, flights, and pirouettes. Birds belonging to flying breeds are divided into:
- High-flying. They can take off for up to 10 hours.
- Gone. They do pirouettes and flip over their shoulders while flying.
- Fighting, tumbling over the tail.
- Roller birds, they spin while flying.
There are also decorative breeds, they are distinguished by their beauty, unusual plumage, growths on their paws, non-standard posture, and so on. They are bred solely for beauty, for the purpose of performing at exhibitions.
Postman pigeon, up to $400,000
In 2013, a homing pigeon raised in Belgium was sold for almost 400 thousand dollars, the exact price is 399.6 thousand. This bird is from Leo Eeremans, a breeder.
The dear pigeon postman passed on to a Chinese businessman. Only a year old at the time, he was named Bolt after champion Usain Bolt. It was planned to be used for breeding pigeons, because... he has an excellent pedigree; at one time Bolt’s parents paid 237 thousand dollars.
Breeding
Dove chick
The fighting breeds are characterized by productive reproduction, and in one clutch they can hatch up to 8 eggs. The female sits on the eggs. The male does not participate in incubation.
The chicks hatch hairless and completely helpless. But they grow and fledge quickly. By two weeks, the chicks begin to leave the nest. After two months, the birds look like adults.
If there are no nests in the pigeon coop, then the birds will make them on their own, using any available materials.
When the nest is built, there is no need to move it - the birds will be upset, as they become very attached to the fruits of their labor. Therefore, it is better to take care of nests in advance.
Reproduction of pigeons at home begins in the spring. Before starting laying, you should prepare a separate enclosure, which is thoroughly washed, cleaned, dried, and then nests are placed - boxes with low sides.
Plaster and small sawdust are poured into their corners.
In nature, random mating dominates. But if a breeder wants to produce offspring with certain characteristics, he cannot rely on chance.
Female and male
For breeding pigeons it is recommended to use:
- Inbreeding. They knit related individuals - parents and offspring, brothers and sisters, “cousins”. This form of crossing improves the quality of the breed and preserves its positive characteristics. Inbreeding can be used for a long time, crossing several generations.
- Crossing similar individuals. Two healthy parents pass on positive qualities to their offspring. The method allows you to use extraneous genetic potential that is not inherent in the breed - it is designed to improve the original characteristics of the breed.
- Line breeding. Allows you to know exactly the consequences of mating and inheritance of characteristics. In contrast to inbreeding, individuals that are more distantly related are used.
Racing pigeon Armando, 1,250,000 euros
Racing pigeon Armando became the best long-distance pigeon and the most expensive in the world.
They never dreamed of selling it for that kind of money. The owners were counting on 400-500 thousand, at best - 600 thousand. But two buyers from China began to bargain for this champion, and in just an hour, bids from 532 thousand increased to 1.25 million euros or 1.4 million. dollars. But Armando is worth that kind of money, because... he has won the last three major races.
Interestingly, he was bought not for racing, but for breeding fast pigeons. Armando is now 5 years old, but racing pigeons produce offspring for up to 10 years, and can live up to 20 years.
Growing places
Raising is a very responsible process for the poultry farmer and parents of pigeons. They are grown under the following conditions:
- Special farms. The cost of individuals here is quite high. The advantage is the ability to supply even the rarest species. We also carry out sales to order when purebred individuals are needed. In addition, companies are ready to provide documentation on the animals raised;
- Home breeding. In this case, breeding is carried out by private individuals in their own homes. The price for individuals is 30-40% lower, but most often only standard individuals are bred.
This factor has a huge impact on how much pigeons cost, so you should rely on available funds.
PS Information taken from open sources. Data collected on the Internet.
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Winstra carrier pigeons, $2,520,000
Winstra carrier pigeons have become one of the most expensive. In 1992, the Dutch breeder of elite homing pigeons, Peter Veenstra, organized an online auction. Through a well-known Belgian Internet site, he sold several birds for a total of $2.52 million.
The most expensive was the dove Dolce Vita , which translates as “Sweet Life”. It went to Chinese businessman Hu Zhen Yu for $329,000. He is the winner of various exhibitions and races.
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Content
Fighting pigeons live quite a long time, some individuals live up to 35 years.
Average life expectancy is 15 years. But such a long life can only be achieved with proper care. Birds, first of all, need a cozy home and adequate feeding.
Most fighting breeds are unpretentious and are easy to maintain. Training is important, without which fighting pigeons lose their abilities.
To accommodate birds use:
- cells;
- enclosures;
- dovecotes.
The room in which pigeons are kept must meet the following requirements:
- availability of high-quality ventilation;
- distance between floor and ceiling – from 1.5 m;
- When calculating the volume of the enclosure, you need to proceed from the condition - there should be 1.5 square meters per individual. m;
- the pigeon house should be equipped with perches, the thickness of the pole should correspond to the circumference of the bird’s paw;
- litter thickness - more than 5 cm;
- monthly – disinfection, cleaning – regularly;
- room temperature – from +20 to +30 °C.
