Armavir short-beaked pigeons: description and characteristics, breeding

Armavir short-beaked pigeons were bred by Kuban breeders. Specialists were able to grow birds with a fighting character and stable appearance. Compared to other varieties, birds native to the North Caucasus do not require too much effort in breeding. But you need to know the features of the content and the rules of care.

Origin

The first mention of Armavir pigeons dates back to the 18th century. In the south of Russia, birds appeared with immigrants from Asia. The birds were distinguished by feathers on their legs and a short beak. Pigeons are interested in breeders.Work on breeding birds with unique characteristics lasted a century and a half. The breed got its name from the city where they were breeding a new species.

During the Second World War, the number of small-beaked pigeons declined sharply. The livestock was restored only thanks to the efforts of poultry farmers. Today, Armavir is bred mainly in the southern regions of the country.

Description, characteristics and varieties

There are 2 types of Armavir pigeons. Breeders bred white-headed and short-beaked kosmachi. Each species has its own exterior, but visually they immediately determine belonging to the same breed.

Fluffy framing on the legs is a kind of hallmark of birds. Other signs:

1. Unique flying style.
2. Graceful addition.
3. The surprised look given by large, slightly bulging eyes to birds.

Kosmachi are fighting varieties.

White-headed Kosmach

The head of the kosmachi is small, sometimes decorated with a forelock. The beak is pink in color, does not exceed 25 millimeters in length and is bent down. The eyes are always black, and the eyelids are light. Fluffy spurs come in a single color. Different colors are allowed, diluted with a white pattern. Pigeons with variegated plumage and spur lengths less than 6 centimeters are to be culled. Poultry breeders consider the long beak, more than 3 white feathers in the tail part and the color of the eyelids not accepted for this species to be a disadvantage.

Short-billed kosmach

The head of the short-beaked is slightly rounded. In some cases, a fluffy forelock covers the forehead. The eyes are black or grey. The eyelids also have light shades. This species also boasts a short hooked beak.

The chest of pigeons is wide, the back narrows towards the tail. The plumage on the paws looks like a fluffy skirt. Black or white color accepted. Other shades are allowed. Feathers are darker at the edges than at the base.

Among the shortcomings are eyes of different colors, a narrow head and a not very wide beak. Birds with insufficiently dense feather cover on spurs are culled.

Pros and cons of Armavir pigeons

Pros and consUnique flying styleUnique plumage patternDo not require compliance with a large number of conditions for maintenanceGreat popularity in the North CaucasusDeveloped instinct for caring for offspringLow immunity, need for regular vaccinationsIn a confined space, they lose their flying qualitiesFeeding chicks is difficult due to the short beak

Cosmachi look beautiful in flight. White-feathered wings and furry paws give the birds an extra flair.

Maintenance and care requirements

Armavir short-beaked pigeons are placed in comfortable conditions. Lack of space has a bad effect on the reproduction of birds and leads to a loss of flying abilities.

Poultry requirements:

1. At least 1.5 square meters of premises are allocated for each Armavir citizen.
2. Set up perches.
3. The walls are whitened.
4. The floor is insulated with dense flooring.

It is important to ventilate the room regularly. Stale air is harmful to birds and promotes mold growth.

Disinfection of the internal space every month is included in the set of preventive measures to prevent diseases. Dovecote cleaning is carried out especially carefully in the spring. After cleaning, the surfaces are treated with a blowtorch, and then special preparations are sprayed into the room.

When feeding, observe the regimen and monitor the balance of nutrition:

1. Each bird needs a 40 gram serving of food each day. In the morning, pigeons are given a quarter of the diet, the rest in the evening.
2. If pigeons are fed with tap water, the liquid is left to stand for 12 hours. During this time, chlorine evaporates.
3. As vitamin supplements use shredded cabbage, spinach or dandelion. Fresh nettles are also useful.

Feeders are cleaned of leftovers after each meal.

Features of reproduction

Armavir short-billed pigeons usually choose only one mate. An equal number of heterosexual individuals are populated in the poultry house. Then each bird will surely find the other half.

Maternal instinct in females is highly developed. But because of the short beak, it is difficult to feed the chicks. Usually Armavir eggs are placed in other breeds of birds.

Diseases and vaccination

Salmonellosis is considered one of the most dangerous ailments of the Armavir short-beaked breed. Deadly for cosmetologists and Newcastle disease. The virus gradually spreads in the body, affecting vital systems, and affects the brain. Harmful bacteria are carried through the air by the wind. The disease immediately covers a large number of individuals. Every year, the disease causes the death of more than 2 thousand pigeons.

The only way to keep birds he althy is vaccination. Especially often he alth problems occur during transitional seasons. Temperature fluctuations and a sharp change in the weather create favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, vaccinations during this period strengthen the immune system.

Compliance with the rules of keeping and a balanced diet, as well as the observance of preventive measures, allow you to raise he althy birds. Armavir short-beaked pigeons regularly participate in competitions among birds, where they rightfully occupy a leading position.

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