Old pigeon breeds are distinguished by characteristic features that make representatives original and recognizable. Let's consider the description and characteristics of the forelock pigeon, the pros and cons of the breed, how to care for the birds, how to keep them, what and how to feed them. What are the features of breeding and reproduction of pigeons of this breed, how to prevent and treat diseases.
Description and characteristics of Nikolaev forelock pigeons
Nicholas pigeons have a streamlined body, the plumage is dense, thick, smooth, adjacent to the body.The feathers on the wings and tail are wide and flexible, creating a supporting surface for the bird when flying. The bones are light but strong, the muscles are developed, and therefore provide strength and endurance. The combination of characteristics allows pigeons to fly high without circling, rise high quickly, and remain in flight for hours without falling to the ground.
Pigeons of this breed fly alone, but are active and energetic in nature, and freely adapt to weather conditions, living conditions, and new food.
Pros and cons of the breed
Advantages of the Nikolaev Chubby breed:
- designed for long flights with vertical ascent and the same landing;
- Hardy and strong birds - pigeons can spend 6-7 hours in flight, and their movements are distinguished by their originality.
Disadvantages of the breed: during long and high flights, often in bad weather, forelock pigeons can get lost, the birds are carried far from home by air currents, and return after 3-4 days.
Requirements for maintenance, care and nutrition
The room in which forelock pigeons live must be voluminous. There can be no drafts, but it must be light. The size of the room is calculated by the number of birds: for 1 pair you need at least 0.5-1 square meters. m. area. It is recommended to keep 15 pairs in 1 dovecote.
The room should be maintained at a constant temperature of +5-7 °C in winter and +20 °C in summer. In addition, you need to take care of good ventilation and carry out timely cleaning, keeping the house clean.
Install the required number of drinkers and feeders so that the birds can approach them at the same time. Chubby pigeons love to swim, so there should be a container in the dovecote in which they can splash. The water needs to be changed as soon as it becomes dirty.
They feed Nikolaev Chubbys with dry grain or cook porridge from millet, oats, peas, you can use wheat and corn. They are fed with rapeseed and flax seeds, mineral and vitamin supplements. The grain should not contain a lot of protein and fat so that the birds do not become fat. An average-sized pigeon should receive 70-80 g of grain per day. When feeding birds with dry grain, the drinking bowls must be constantly filled with fresh water. You can add grated vegetables and fruits and chopped herbs to the food. The more varied the diet, the better. It is not allowed to feed the bird food from the table, spoiled or rotten food.
Breeding Features
Chubby pigeons are distinguished by their fertility, willingly hatching and raising offspring. To maintain the purity of the breed, only purebred representatives should be crossed. For breeding, keep birds of characteristic build, plumage color, and movements characteristic of the breed. Females and males with defects in conformation and those that cannot fly properly should not be allowed for breeding.
Frequent illnesses
Nikolaevskaya suffer from infectious diseases, which can be identified by weakness and lethargy. Digestive disorders, movement disorders, and refusal to fly are noted. Symptoms may indicate that the pigeon needs veterinary attention. Infections are treated with antibacterial or antiviral agents, the dosage is determined by age and weight.
Pigeons of this breed can be susceptible to eye diseases, in particular conjunctivitis, so you need to monitor the condition of your eyes and prevent infection.
Breeding the Nikolaev Chubby breed is not considered difficult; the birds do not require special treatment, are not picky and unpretentious. Feeding and care for them remain standard. But, since the individuals belong to a breed characterized by a love of flying, they need to be provided with the opportunity to fly freely.
