People are engaged in breeding pigeons for various reasons. Some amateurs are interested in breeding new breeds or improving existing ones. Particularly enterprising people build business on breeding pigeons. The fact is that the meat of these birds is very tender, and some gourmets do not mind eating dishes that use this kind of meat. There is a breeding of post pigeons.
When starting to breed pigeons, lovers need to consider the compatibility of some species, choose the right pair, make a balanced diet and prepare facilities for keeping the birds. To improve the qualities of the breed you need to know exactly the age of the birds, their tribal characteristics and their origin. The breeding of slaughter pigeons, as well as other species, requires profound knowledge, since mistakes made can prevent the desired result.
Preparing for the breeding season
At the end of winter pigeons are planted in cages or let out for a walk, in order to do general cleaning and disinfection in the room. After the room has dried, bring in the steam boxes. Pre-boxes are also recommended to be disinfected. The number of boxes must be more than the number of pairs of pigeons. This is necessary for the pigeons to freely choose their place. Do not put the boxes in a row, because the pigeons can not remember where their nest is. It is recommended to put them on racks, paint in different colors and number. Before mating in the boxes and on the floor of the dovecot, a little straw or hay is spread.
Pairing pigeons
Pairing pigeons is better done in late March or early April. Do not recommend the practice of breeding pigeons in winter, as this knocks down the biological rhythms of birds. For mating, it is better to choose pigeons at the age of 1-2 years. Young pigeons do not sit well on eggs, do not feed chicks and are more prone to disease.
The age of the pigeon can be easily recognized by the wax and the condition of the legs. After 5 months, the wax becomes white, then up to 2 years it increases in size. Thus, we can confidently determine the age to 3-4 years, then the definition of age becomes difficult. Breeding of domestic pigeons can be carried out with birds, whose age does not exceed 10 years. Old pigeons are not productive, and their offspring are weak and painful.
Pair recommend healthy, thoroughbred pigeons. Mating can be natural. This is when the male himself chooses a suitable female. Or forced. In this case, the amateur himself chooses both the female and the male. This is done in order to obtain offspring with certain characteristics. For example, for the breeding of Baku pigeons and other thoroughbred species, only purebred male and female are required.
Hatching eggs and feeding chicks
After the first mating, after 15 days the female lays the first egg. Some time before and after laying off the female sits in the nest. Most eggs are carried by the bird in the morning or in the middle of the day. After laying, the female needs to rest, since she has spent
In the masonry there are 1-2 eggs. Each weighs 20 grams.
Doves sit on the eggs alternately, this allows the birds not to overcool. 10 hours before hatching, there will be a crack on the egg. When the chick appears, the parents warm it up. The dried pigeon pigeons are fed with goiter milk. To taste it looks like butter.
The maintenance and breeding of pigeons is a huge work. But when lovers see purebred beautiful pigeons, they understand that this work is not worth it.