Dragon pigeon: description and characteristics of the sports breed, content

At a time when pigeon mail was one of the means of communication, flying birds, able to accurately find a home, were of particular value. The dragon pigeon, which belongs to the types of sports, was bred to deliver letters and participate in bird competitions for distance and speed of flight. Today, a colorful bird, which breeders willingly demonstrate at exhibitions and competitions, has acquired a decorative purpose.

Description and characteristics

The dragon dove is distinguished by a number of characteristic features, thanks to which the species is easily recognizable.Birds have an elongated, strong, muscular body with a well-developed chest. An oval head with a rounded crown smoothly merges into a strong, medium-length neck, widening towards the bottom.

The elongated legs of the pigeon have densely feathered muscular lower legs. Wings with an even hard feather are located on the sides of the body. The plumage of dragons can have a different color:

• white;
• black;
• gray-blue;
• dark blue;
• yellow;
• brick red;
• light red.

The main distinguishing feature of dragons is a pronounced thickened cere above the dove's beak and around the eyes. The degree of development of a thickened skin formation depends on the subspecies of the bird. There are 2 types of dragon pigeons - a large London pigeon with an outstanding openwork cere and a more sporty Birmingham pigeon with a less bushy, tight skin fold on the beak and eye sockets.

Dragon pigeons are active, mobile, which is especially true for males, who often come into conflict with each other. The reason for the aggressive behavior of birds is also hunger or thirst. The fighting deposit often becomes the reason for the settlement of hostile birds in separate cells. Females are more peaceful, calm and less likely to cause trouble to the owner.

Pros and cons

Dragon pigeons are of interest to breeders, they have a number of advantages and disadvantages due to the peculiarities of the physiology and temperament of birds.

Pros and consresistance to environmental factors;unpretentiousness to the conditions of detention;unusual appearance due to wax;developed abilities for orientation on the ground;attachment to the house (nest);fertility;performance and endurance.the need to maintain the physical form of birds by organizing a place for a regular summer;male aggression towards each other;the need for a preparatory stage before participating in competitions.

The advantage of females of the dragon breed is considered to be a developed maternal instinct. Doves willingly breed and take care of chicks.

Trainable dragons are rightfully considered intelligent pigeons with developed brain activity.

Requirements for keeping sport pigeons

The pigeon house should be spacious and warm, with plenty of places for birds to rest in the upper part of the house. To protect against cold winds, the walls of the dovecote are insulated, eliminating drafts and dampness. For females, wooden or wicker nests are made with sides up to 15 centimeters high.

One of the main conditions for keeping dragons is daily physical activity. Sports pigeon breeds must fly a lot, regardless of the weather and season. For training, near the dovecote, they equip a platform with a mesh base for walking birds in the cold season.

What to feed the birds?

The question of the diet of dragons requires a careful approach. Pigeons have an excellent appetite, which, combined with a lack of physical activity, often causes obesity. The basis of the diet of pigeons is:

• cereals (wheat, barley, millet, corn);
• legumes (peas, lentils);
• oilseeds (sunflower seeds, rapeseed, hemp).

The daily norm of grain for an adult pigeon is 40-50 grams. Legumes contain vegetable protein, while oilseeds contain fats, the amount of which should not exceed 20% of the total feed.

In the diet of dragon pigeons for the harmonious development and prevention of diseases, vitamins A, E, D, group B must be present. To prevent hypovitaminosis, fish oil and vitamin preparations are added to the feed.

The optimal solution is to use ready-made balanced feeds containing the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals to feed the dragons. Pigeons must have access to clean water at all times. To prevent birds from knocking over water containers, special drinkers are installed.

Diseases of dragon pigeons

Under unfavorable conditions, birds become vulnerable to various infectious diseases and parasitic infestations. Infectious diseases of pigeons, which are caused by bacteria and viruses, are considered dangerous and contagious.Ailments quickly spread to the flock, and sometimes to a person, require timely treatment.

Pigeons are susceptible to the following diseases:

1. Ornithosis. Manifested by a change in the shape of the eyes, the color of the iris, lacrimation, shortness of breath and wheezing, rhinitis, diarrhea, paralysis of the body.
2. Smallpox is a viral disease. Characterized by apathy, respiratory failure, discharge from the eyes and nose, red spots on the skin, bald patches.
3. Virtyachka (Newcastle disease, pseudo-plague). The bird spins in place, rolls over on its side, or sits disheveled and ruffled.
4. Salmonellosis is a contagious disease that occurs in various forms (hidden, intestinal, articular, overt, nervous).
5. Coccidiosis (causative agent - protozoa). Manifested by ruffled pigeon, drowsiness, bloody diarrhea, loss of coordination, reduction in head size, paralysis.
6. Worm infestations.
7. Aspergillosis (fungal infection).
8. Tuberculosis (transmitted to humans).

Young animals are the most vulnerable to diseases. To avoid the spread of diseases, it is necessary to keep the dovecote clean, handle feeders and drinkers in a timely manner, and regularly inspect the birds.

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