Uzbek pigeons: breed description and characteristics, breeding and care

Uzbek pigeons are one of the most beautiful birds that are often bred in captivity. Distinctive features of this species of birds are excellent flight characteristics and friendly disposition. They are distinguished by their original color and flight style. Thanks to these features of the breed, birds were called fighting or flight-playful. Today, these birds are widely distributed throughout the world.

History of the breed

This breed has an interesting history. On the territory of Uzbekistan, the progenitors of these birds appeared in the eighteenth century. They entered the country from adjacent territories. A characteristic feature of birds is the presence of fluffy feathers on the limbs.

Breeding work using birds of a new variety began to be carried out in Uzbekistan in 1850. Birds with short beaks have become the object of attention of scientists. However, their appearance and flight properties were imperfect. In this direction, breeders began to work. Even gulls and short-billed tumblers were used to select and improve breed properties.

At the same time, the Uzbek line was formed from old-bred pigeons. From them, the birds got their appearance and the ability to perform combat during the flight. It represents the flapping of wings while diving from a height.

General description and characteristics

This breed is characterized by fairly clear standards that were set back in 1986. Birds are distinguished by a body of medium size. Its length is 33-37 centimeters. Birds have a dry body with a wide chest that protrudes forward. They are characterized by a low body. At the same time, the neck has a wonderful bend.The birds also have long wings that close over the tail.

Uzbek pigeons are distinguished by dense feathers. Moreover, their shade depends on the type of birds. Equally important is the appearance of the head. It should have a rounded shape and compact size. Some species of birds also have whiskers and forelocks. The eyes are black or light grey.

Types of Uzbek pigeons

Uzbek pigeons are a fighting kind of birds. Their characteristic feature is considered to be pillar flight. However, there are many species of such birds:

1. Toothless - this species of birds lacks the characteristic forelock. They are distinguished by smooth feathers on their heads. At the same time, there are no protruding and raised feathers.
2. Nose-toothed - distinguished by thick feathers in the area of \u200b\u200bthe temples and above the beak. Due to this, this part of the head looks hidden in lush plumage. This is a fairly valuable variety of birds.
3. Forelock - they have a kind of forelock on the back of their head. Before showings, poultry farmers comb it. Due to this, the birds acquire a cocky appearance.
4. Short-beaked - in birds of this species, the length of the beak does not exceed 8 millimeters. There is a special dimensional grid that clearly ranks birds in this category. Pigeons of this species are considered exhibition and decorative. However, there are also demonstration individuals that managed to maintain flight and play characteristics.
5. Two-toed - are considered the most famous. Fluffy legs are considered their distinctive feature. Also, the birds have 2 tufts at the same time. They are located on the forehead and in the occipital region. Birds are distinguished by a more powerful body. They are divided into fighting, exhibition, decorative. Pigeons are characterized by different colors of plumage. It comes in fawn, black, red, white.
6. Small-nosed shaggy-legged - are considered the most valuable. They belong to the exhibition category. The key difference of the breed is the presence of long feathers on the legs. They reach a length of 10 centimeters.

Pros and cons

Pros and conscomparative undemanding to nutrition and care;endurance;excellent flight characteristics;resistance to many pathologies.the risk of genetic defects;the need for long-term training;the need for a large amount of food with a high content of vitamins and trace elements.

Maintenance and care requirements

The success of breeding pigeons depends on the owners. Under adequate conditions, birds can live 15-20 years. At the same time, within 10 years they give offspring. This breed is considered very peaceful. Therefore, it is permissible to keep many individuals in a free enclosure.At the same time, it is important to provide personal space for each bird. Pigeons are provided with their own place - nests and poles.

For birds to develop normally, it is important to follow these rules:

1. Exclude drafts. It is important to ensure that the floors in the poultry house do not have gaps and are covered with sawdust. The walls are recommended to be strong enough.
2. Ensure proper ventilation.
3. Maintain optimal temperature conditions. It should be +20 degrees. If this parameter is exceeded, there is a risk of spreading ticks or other parasites.
4. Maintain sufficient light. Windows or lamps should provide plenty of light.
5. Regularly disinfect the room. At the same time, the use of substances harmful to birds is prohibited.
6. Arrange nests on the litter. For this, it is permissible to use hay, felt, straw.

It is important to keep birds safe and not in contact with wild pigeons or other birds that spread disease.

Meeting plan

Wild pigeons eat cereals, grass, plant seeds. Such a diet is considered the most suitable for them. Domestic individuals require a similar diet. At the same time, they should receive 20-35 grams of feed per day. The following components should be included in the diet:

• 40% barley or barley;
• 30% wheat;
• 10% legumes, corn, sunflower seeds;
• 10% millet;
• 10% greens - this category includes sorrel, cabbage and other products.

In summer, pigeons eat three times a day, and in winter they have enough food 2 times a day. Feeding depends on the seasonal factor. It is selected taking into account the availability of food.In winter they use more vitamins, in summer they use fresh food. Sometimes pigeons need to be given peas and cottage cheese. They also need fresh vegetables and fruits.

Reproduction and breeding

Doves breed in spring. However, winter breeding is also considered acceptable. The main condition for successful reproduction is the choice of a partner. The females do it on their own. If we are talking about exhibition specimens, it is worth picking up a male artificially.

During the year, the female is able to make up to 3 clutches. Each of them should contain 2 eggs. After mating, 7-8 days pass. In this case, the female lays eggs with an interval of 1-2 days. When the first egg appears, it is recommended to remove it to a warm, protected place, replacing it with a dummy.A little later, it should be placed on the second egg.

Hatching time is approximately 1 month. During this period, it is not recommended to disturb the birds. It is recommended to check the nests in the absence of birds.

Hatched chicks do not need special care. Pigeons take care of their offspring on their own. At the age of 1 month, it is permissible to start feeding pigeons with millet and other crushed grains. To prevent the development of various pathologies, it is recommended to mix antibiotics into the feed. Timely vaccination and parasite control are essential.

Characteristic diseases for the breed

Pigeons are prone to various pathologies. They are infectious and non-infectious. Birds often encounter salmonellosis and Newcastle disease. The main reasons for the development of diseases include the following:

• unbalanced diet;
• dirty drinkers;
• Containment Breach;
• too many birds in the dovecote.

When birds are crowded, there is a risk of infection with worms. Also, in such conditions, the risk of the spread of ticks or insects increases. To avoid serious problems, it is important to identify infected birds in a timely manner, isolate them from the rest of the population and contact a veterinarian.

Uzbek pigeons are considered a very popular breed. Many farmers are engaged in breeding such birds, as they are distinguished by excellent decorative qualities. To be successful in raising birds, they need to provide quality care and a balanced diet.

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