Hryvnia pigeons were bred by Russian breeders in Perm. Today this is one of the most common varieties and is in great demand among professional breeders. Grivuns belong to the category of high-flying pigeons, and received their name due to their unusual colors. When breeding, keeping, or purchasing birds, it is important to pay attention to the characteristics characteristic of a given breed.
History of the breed
This variety of pigeons originated in 1930 and was bred in the Perm region by crossing representatives of different pigeon breeds.The birds obtained as a result of breeding work were distinguished by strong immunity, endurance, a powerful body and the ability to fly at very high altitudes.
The founder of the breed is M.E. Subbotin, who at the time of the selection worked as a cook and was involved in breeding birds as a hobby. This is where another name for the breed came from – cook’s pigeons. According to some sources, England is considered the homeland of hryvnias.
Description, characteristics and varieties
The appearance of Perm hryvnias has the following characteristics:
- rounded head;
- large, slightly protruding eyes with brown irises;
- beak of medium size, straight;
- the cere is not expressed;
- elongated body (up to 35-37 cm);
- powerful, wide sternum, raised upward;
- a strong neck that smoothly transitions into the chest;
- wings of medium size, with 12 tail feathers;
- the tail is dense;
- the body is set rather low;
- legs are bare, light pink;
- muscles are developed;
- the plumage is dense and hard;
- The color is white, and there should be a spot on the back of the head that contrasts with the main color, which is the main feature of the breed.
There are several varieties of hryvnias:
- Southern, whose homeland is the city of Nikolaev in Ukraine. The difference from the Permian is in size. Variation in color is also allowed - from bright and rich yellow to cherry.
- Kirovskie. The plumage of these birds varies significantly. There are also non-standard combinations - red plumage and a white spot on the nape. All-black pigeons are also allowed.
In addition to those mentioned, Kazan, Yaroslavl, and Bugulma grivuns are also distinguished. These birds do not have any special distinctive features.
Advantages and disadvantages of hryvnia pigeons
The main characteristic that distinguishes hryvnias from other breeds of pigeons is their flight qualities. Birds rise high and quickly and soar at great heights. The advantages also include:
- strong immunity;
- endurance;
- high brood qualities;
- ease of breeding;
- can hatch other people's eggs.
Among hryvnias there are deviations from the norm, which are classified as acceptable or categorically unacceptable shortcomings. In the latter case, the bird is subject to culling.
Permissible deviations from the standard include:
- Dark claws.
- Presence of feathering on the paws.
- Short or thick beak.
- Uneven feather color.
- Horizontal stand.
- Wide eyelids.
Critical deviations are:
- Black beak.
- Sunken sternum.
- Light iris.
- Inappropriate feather color.
- Wide tail, not closed at the end.
- Short or tapered wings, or wings that do not close together.
- Disproportional physique.
Even if a breed fully complies with the standard, this does not mean that it does not have shortcomings. Features that negatively characterize hryvnias include:
- pugnacious character;
- need for special care;
- inability to tolerate temperature changes;
- increased weather sensitivity.
Maintenance, care and nutrition
The main thing is proper feeding, that is, balanced, containing vitamins and minerals. Prohibited:
- give heavy food;
- overfeed.
Birds are fed only after flight.
The hryvnia diet includes the following products:
- cereals (millet, wheat, barley);
- peas, corn, oats;
- carrots, cabbage (sometimes given instead of grains).
The serving for each individual does not exceed 30 grams.In the evening, hryvnias are given heavier food, which includes barley, oats without husks, corn, and lentils. Feed chalk or crushed eggshells are poured into a separate container. Pebbles (2 millimeters in diameter) are also added to the food so that the bird’s stomach can cope with processing the food.
Pigeons are kept in spacious, ventilated areas. At the same time, dampness and drafts are not allowed. Wide shelves, which are specially attached to the walls, are used as perches. The dovecote must be kept clean.
Breeding methods
It is not allowed to cross purebred individuals with defective ones. As a result of such unions, offspring are born that do not meet the standard, and most importantly, individuals lose their unique flight skills.
Diseases
The breed is susceptible to such pathologies as:
- psittacosis;
- smallpox;
- paratyphoid;
- coccidiosis;
- trichomoniasis.
In order to prevent diseases, vaccination is carried out, as well as complete disinfection of the dovecote once a season. The main feature of Perm hryvnias is the ability to soar high and long in the air, as well as the unusual contrasting color of their feathers. It is not difficult to recognize the birds among other pigeons.
