Breeding pigeons 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 the birds attract those who like to breed pigeons. Let's look at what monks look like, their characteristics, what conditions need to be created for them, what to feed them, and what problems they might encounter.
History of the breed
Cross monks were received in the mid-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 bred for meat.Then, over time, breeding of the breed took a decorative direction, and they began to be raised by lovers of beautiful pigeon breeds.
The variety gets its name "cross monk" because of the cross-like pattern formed by the dark feathers on the wings and tail when the bird flies, and the crest that looks like a monk's hood. There are 2 main types of the breed - German and Moscow monks, the latter obtained in the 20th century. The varieties differ in the color of their plumage. In addition to them, there are other varieties - South German, Saxon, Ural, Tula.
Appearance and characteristics
Pigeons have a strong body build, they have a wide chest and long legs. The average body length is 35 cm, height is 32 cm. 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, or silver-gray. The tail feathers and wing feathers are dark. The iris of the eyes 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 exploited by some breeders who use the females' caring behavior for their own purposes. Pigeons reproduce well; over the summer, under good housing conditions, they can raise 3-4 broods.
How to distinguish a non-pedigreed pigeon
Cross monks participate in exhibitions to which only purebred individuals are allowed. In non-pure breeds, defects are found, for example, short wings, a beak shorter than 1.5 cm, short legs with feathers, dark claws. Such pigeons have a wide tail, the feathers on it are lighter than usual, there is no crest, and a sunken chest. Birds with such characteristics are not allowed for breeding.
Required containment conditions
Pigeons of the cross monk breed are kept in specially equipped poultry houses. There should be enough space for each bird. There is no need to install bars, pigeons like to move freely. There are enough feeders and drinkers installed in the poultry house so that all birds can comfortably approach food and water.
In the summer heat, the poultry house needs to be darkened, ventilated every day, and the temperature maintained at 10-25˚C in the middle.
In the poultry house, it is necessary to regularly clean the droppings and disinfect the room once every six months - before hatching the chicks and after molting. The dovecote is disinfected when there are no birds in it. All surfaces and equipment must be treated. Afterwards the room is ventilated.
Diet of monks
Pigeons will eat almost any bird food, but you can’t feed them just anything. The correct diet ensures the natural formation of the bird’s body, development, resistance to disease, and the healthy functioning of the reproductive system.
A peculiarity of digestion is the incomplete absorption of fiber, so protein feed should be introduced into the bird’s diet (at least 15% of the total diet). Lentils and legumes contain a lot of protein. Pigeons are given oats, barley, and high-calorie corn during molting and hatching. To replenish the birds' bodies with vitamins and mineral elements - millet and sorghum. Any grain fed must be ripened, free of foreign impurities, and not treated with pesticides. It must be clean, free from dust, mold and not damaged by fungi.
Fresh fish oil is added daily to grain mixtures for pigeons in an amount of 10 ml per 1 kg of feed. You can feed the monks wheat soaked in water, some bread crumbs and boiled potatoes. Weak birds are given yeast and glucose in drinking water.
During mating, molting, illness, and adaptation to new conditions, pigeons are fed grains that contain a lot of fat - sunflower seeds, rapeseed, flax and hemp. During the remaining periods of their life, the proportion of fat-containing foods is reduced.
Frequent illnesses
Pigeons suffer from infectious diseases, they have hypovitaminosis, digestive disorders, and 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 a veterinarian as soon as possible. Preventive measures – cleaning the premises, vaccination, supplementation with vitamin preparations.
Possible problems
In general, pigeons of this breed do not cause difficulties for their owners. They are calm in nature, not aggressive towards other birds, not picky about food, and easily get used to new conditions. Therefore, if you keep them in a properly equipped dovecote and follow the maintenance rules, problems should not arise.
The cross monk pigeon breed is classified as decorative; by their plumage and crest they can be easily distinguished from representatives of other breeds. They are bred to decorate the yard and for display at exhibitions. Their unusual appearance attracts both novice and experienced poultry keepers to them. The maintenance and feeding of monks is no different from the maintenance and feeding of pigeons of other breeds, so both breeders of purebred birds and ordinary hobbyists can afford to keep them.
