Monk pigeons: breed description and characteristics, breeding and care

Pigeon breeding has been popular for centuries. The monk pigeon breed has existed since the 17th century and is still recognized today. Its representatives have an unusual appearance and plumage color, which is why birds attract lovers to breed pigeons. Consider what the monks look like, their characteristics, what conditions need to be created for them, what to feed them, what problems you can meet.

History of the breed

Cross monks were obtained in the middle of the 17th century in Germany. They were bred with the intention of being used for hunting to scare away birds. At the same time, pigeons were also bred for meat.Then, over time, the breeding of the breed took a decorative direction, and they began to be raised by lovers of beautiful pigeon breeds.

The name "Cross Monk" is derived from the cross-like pattern formed from the dark feathers on the wings and tail when the bird flies, and the tuft that looks like a monk's hood. There are 2 main types in the breed - German and Moscow monks, the latter were obtained in the 20th century. The varieties differ in plumage coloration. In addition to them, there are other varieties - South German, Saxon, Ural, Tula.

Appearance and characteristics

The pigeons have a strong body, they have a wide chest, long legs. The average length of the body is 35 cm, the height is 32 cm. The monks have a round head, a moderately long neck, and a strong back. The main color of the feathers on the body can be red, blue, yellow, silver-gray. Tail feathers and wing feathers are dark. The iris is light, and the pupil is dark.

Female cross monks responsibly raise not only their chicks, but also pigeons of other breeds. This trait is used by some breeders who take advantage of the female's solicitousness. Pigeons breed well, during the summer, under good conditions, they can breed 3-4 broods.

How to distinguish a non-pedigreed pigeon

Cross monks participate in exhibitions, to which only purebred individuals are allowed. Impure breeds show shortcomings, for example, short wings, a beak shorter than 1.5 cm, short legs with plumage, dark claws. Such pigeons have a wide tail, the feathers on it are lighter than usual, there is no tuft, a sunken chest. Birds with these traits are not allowed to be bred.

Required Containment Procedures

Cross monk pigeons are kept in specially equipped poultry houses. They should have enough space for each bird. There is no need to install lattices, pigeons love to move freely. There are enough feeders and drinkers in the poultry house so that all birds can comfortably approach food and water.

In the summer heat, the house needs to be darkened, aired every day, in the middle to maintain a temperature of 10-25 ˚С.

In the poultry house, it is imperative to regularly clean the litter and disinfect the room once every six months - before hatching the chicks and after the end of the molt. Disinfect the dovecote when there are no birds in it. All surfaces and inventory are subject to processing. After the room is aired.

Monks' diet

Pigeons eat almost any bird food, but you can't feed them anything. Proper diet ensures the natural formation of the body of birds, development, disease resistance, he althy functioning of the reproductive system.

Monk pigeons need to be fed often, as they have a short intestine, so food must be fed into it constantly.

The peculiarity of digestion is not complete absorption of fiber, therefore, protein feed should be introduced into the diet of birds (at least 15% of the total diet). Lentils and legumes contain a lot of protein. Pigeons are given oats, barley, high-calorie corn - during molting and hatching. To replenish the organism of birds with vitamins and mineral elements - millet and sorghum. Any fed grain must be ripe, free of impurities, and not treated with pesticides. It must be clean, free of dust, mold and fungus.

Fresh fish oil is added daily to the grain mixtures for pigeons in the amount of 10 ml per 1 kg of feed. You can feed the monks wheat soaked in water, some bread crumbs and boiled potatoes. Weakened birds are given yeast, glucose with drinking water.

During mating, the period of molting, illness, adaptation to new conditions, pigeons are fed with grain, in which there is a lot of fat - seeds of sunflower, rapeseed, flax and hemp. In the rest of their lives, the proportion of fat-containing foods is reduced.

Frequent illnesses

Pigeons suffer from infectious diseases, they have hypovitaminosis, digestive disorders, metabolic diseases. The causes of diseases lie in violation of the rules of feeding and maintenance. If signs of disease appear, the sick bird should be placed in a separate cage and shown to the veterinarian soon. Prevention measures - indoor cleaning, vaccination, drinking with vitamin preparations.

Possible problems

In general, pigeons of this breed do not cause difficulties to their owners.By nature, they are calm, not aggressive towards other birds, they are not picky in food, they easily get used to new conditions. Therefore, if you keep them in a properly equipped dovecote and follow the rules of keeping, there should be no problems.

The breed of pigeons cross monks is decorative, by plumage and tuft they are easy to distinguish from representatives of other breeds. They are bred to decorate the yard, to be shown at exhibitions. The unusual appearance attracts both beginners and experienced poultry farmers to them. The maintenance and feeding of the monks does not differ from the maintenance and nutrition of pigeons of other breeds, so both breeders of purebred birds and simple lovers can afford to keep them.

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