Armavir short-billed pigeons were bred by Kuban breeders. Experts were able to raise birds with a fighting character and consistent appearance characteristics. Compared to other species, birds native to the North Caucasus do not require too much effort when breeding. But you need to know the features of maintenance and care rules.
Origin
The first mentions of Armavir pigeons date 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. Breeders have become interested in pigeons. Work on breeding birds with unique characteristics continued for a century and a half. The breed received its name from the city where they were breeding the new species.
During World War II, the number of small-billed pigeons declined sharply. The livestock was restored only thanks to the efforts of poultry farmers. Today Armavir breeds are mainly bred in the southern regions of the country.
Description, characteristics and varieties
There are 2 types of Armavir pigeons. Breeders bred white-headed and short-billed kosmachi. Each species has its own exterior, but visually they immediately determine whether they belong to the same breed.
The fluffy frame on the legs is a kind of calling card of birds. Other signs:
- Unique flight style.
- Graceful build.
- The surprised look that large, slightly protruding eyes give to birds.
Kosmachi belong to the 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 curved down. The eyes are always black and the eyelids are light. Fluffy spurs come in a single color. Different colors, diluted with a white pattern, are acceptable. Pigeons with motley plumage and spur lengths less than 6 centimeters are subject to culling. Poultry farmers consider the long beak, more than 3 white feathers in the tail, and the color of the eyelids not accepted for this variety to be a disadvantage.
Short-billed kosmach
The head of short-billed birds is slightly rounded. In some cases, the forehead is covered by a fluffy forelock. Eyes are black or gray. The eyelids also have light shades. This species also boasts a short, curved beak.
Disadvantages include eyes of different colors, a narrow head and a not very wide beak. Birds with insufficiently dense feather cover on their spurs are rejected.
Pros and cons of Armavir pigeons
Kosmachi look beautiful in flight. White-feathered wings and shaggy feet give the birds extra flair.
Requirements for maintenance and care
Armavir short-billed pigeons are placed in comfortable conditions. Lack of space has a negative impact on the reproduction of birds and leads to loss of flight abilities.
Poultry house requirements:
- Each Armavir resident is allocated at least 1.5 square meters of room space.
- Set up roosts.
- The walls are whitewashed.
- The floor is insulated with dense flooring.
It is important to regularly ventilate the room. Stagnant air is harmful to birds and promotes the growth of fungal mold.
Disinfection of the internal space every month is part of a set of preventive measures to prevent diseases. The dovecote is cleaned especially thoroughly in the spring. After cleaning, the surfaces are treated with a blowtorch, and then special preparations are sprayed into the room.
When feeding, follow the regimen and monitor the nutritional balance:
- Each bird requires a 40 gram portion of food every day. In the morning, pigeons are given a quarter of the diet, the rest in the evening.
- If pigeons are fed tap water, the liquid is allowed to sit for 12 hours. During this time, chlorine evaporates.
- Shredded cabbage, spinach or dandelion are used as vitamin supplements. Fresh nettle is also useful.
Feeders are cleaned of residues after each meal.
Features of reproduction
Armavir short-billed pigeons usually choose only one mate. An equal number of different sexes are placed in the house. Then each bird will definitely find the other half.
The maternal instinct in females is highly developed. But due to the short beak, it is difficult to feed the chicks. Armavir eggs are usually placed with other bird breeds.
Diseases and vaccinations
Salmonellosis is considered one of the most dangerous diseases of the Armavir short-beaked breed. Newcastle disease is also detrimental to space travelers. 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 affects a large number of individuals. Every year, the disease causes the death of over 2 thousand pigeons.
The only way to keep birds healthy is vaccination. Health problems arise especially often during transition seasons. Temperature fluctuations and sudden changes in weather create favorable conditions for the proliferation 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 compliance with preventive measures, allows you to raise healthy birds.Armavir short-billed pigeons regularly participate in competitions among birds, where they rightfully occupy leading positions.
