Characteristics of the Grateful pigeons
People have long tamed pigeons and bred many different breeds. Each of them is attractive in its own way and deserves attention. It is very difficult to confuse the Grateful pigeons with some others. That only there is a forelock on a beak, gorgeous plumage and excellent fighting qualities. Grateful pigeons are native to the North Caucasus, but there is no more accurate data on their origin.
Grateful dove
Presumably, the ancestors of the representatives of the breed were Turkish birds with two forelocks: one on the beak and one on the head. And two centuries ago, in the Stavropol Territory, in the city of Blagodarny, it was possible, by selection, to breed a breed with the same name - Blagodarny pigeons. This is a rather rare species, and if you want to breed them, it is better to purchase pigeons directly in their homeland, in the Stavropol region.
Appearance
Nowadays, the breed is more likely to belong to the decorative group: the fighting qualities of birds are no longer too pronounced. The birds are small in size, but powerful in constitution. Despite this, the birds look elegant and neat. Description:
- round head with a wide forehead;
- one or two forelocks (on the beak and back of the head);
- certainly light-colored eyes with a black pupil;
- medium white beak with a beak at the tip;
- the area above the beak is flesh-colored;
- straight short neck that widens in the chest region;
- strong straight body with a slight backward slope;
- not very wide convex chest;
- slightly elongated and elongated body;
- long wings touching the edges of the tail feathers;
- a small tail, consisting of 12 feathers;
- short legs up to 8 cm long, covered with feathers;
- a thick feather with an exquisite ebb;
- the colors range from brown and cherry to black and multi-colored, however, dark birds are very rare, and more often pigeons are red and yellow;
- the head and neck are white, while other colors predominate on the rest of the body.
Flight qualities
The characteristics of real Grateful pigeons amaze the minds of ordinary people. It is these criteria that determine the breed, and therefore a narrow back, a long beak, a disproportionate forelock, and poor plumage of the legs are definitely not allowed. Small errors are considered to be a pinkish tint of the eyes, a not too clearly defined forelock, a white head and neck interspersed with other colors.
Grateful pigeons have 2 subspecies. They are fighting and decorative. The difference is that decorative ones are those in which the appearance is considered the main one. The rarest is considered to be the breed of pigeons with black plumage. Selection has led to a deterioration in flight properties, while ordinary combatants fly effectively and quickly, but at low altitude. Grateful winged ones are not distinguished by their endurance either: the flight duration does not exceed 4 hours. Only regular training affects the flight parameter, because it is the loud sound of the wings and the ability to do somersaults that are their distinctive features.
Conditions of detention
Grateful fighting pigeons are unpretentious in care, therefore they are suitable even for breeding for beginners.The main requirement for a dovecote is its illumination, it is also important not to forget to constantly ventilate it. A well-thought-out ventilation system will simplify the matter. It is imperative to divide the room into 2 parts: one for the parent, and the second for feeding. Accordingly, in the first it will be necessary to take care of the placement of nests for incubating chicks, and in the second - to put containers for feeding and drinking. It is important to provide for the possibility of going outside. Experienced pigeon breeders know about the importance of keeping the house clean: it is important to do regular cleaning at least once a week, and general cleaning at the time of nesting. At the same time, disinfection is carried out.
Another thing is the feeders, which need to be cleaned every day and do not forget to pour fresh water into the drinkers all the time. The diet of the Grateful pigeons is very diverse and consists of cereals and corn. In general, pigeons are not particularly whimsical in food. When the breeding season arrives, it is good to add legumes and wet root mixtures and greens to your food. A mixture of minerals and vitamins will not interfere.
Vaccination of birds is required from the first days of life. Vaccinations will help protect the winged body from various diseases. It is very important to remember that Blagodarning pigeons do not have special flying qualities from birth, although they receive them as an inheritance, but are mastered with the help of numerous trainings. You need to understand that high-quality nutrition, good care will not only make the birds healthy, but also provide excellent offspring. Moreover, these pigeons are exemplary parents.
Breeding
It is the characteristics, the color of the plumage of the Blagodarny pigeons that make it possible to form an accurate idea of the breed. The best pets are located in the city of Blagodarny, which is why it is most rational to acquire them there. It is important to know exactly which pigeons are needed. If they are fighting, then it is important to check how the bird flies.
Grateful pigeons know how to look after beautifully during the mating season, which they have in February-March. It is interesting that the male helps the female both in building a nest and in incubating the offspring, and the joint feeding of the chicks with goiter milk by both parents simply cannot leave anyone who saw this process indifferent. Due to this, the species has such a high survival rate. In one season, a couple is able to raise about 6 babies, and one clutch contains no more than 2 eggs. Grateful fighting pigeons fascinate with their appearance and captivate by flight. Breeding them is a pleasure, since it does not require a lot of effort and time.