Pigeon lovers breed many different breeds, among which Turkish fighting pigeons stand out. They are also called takla. Translated, this word means “somersault”, and they were nicknamed “fighters” for their specific flight. Birds beat the air with their wings, which is accompanied by special sounds. They are called “battle”, hence the colorful unusual epithet – “fighting pigeons».
Breeding history
These birds are originally from East Asia, but they became most famous and widespread in Turkey, hence their name.Active selection in this country has led to the fact that Turkish pigeons are now popular in dozens of countries. Breeding and selection began under the Seljuks. Wandering, they settled in the territory of what is now Turkey, bringing with them not only culture, but also bred breeds of animals and birds. Among them were the founders of the takla.
The first information about birds dates back to 1055, and in 1071 they became known in Europe. The nobility bred Turkish pigeons for fun, and the sultans used beautiful and unusually flying birds as gifts for crowned heads. So the takla pigeons gradually conquered the whole world.
Description and breed characteristics
Takla pigeons are classified as tumblers, that is, a species that is capable of tumbling in the air while flying. The name itself refers to this specific feature, emphasizing that these birds not only “punch” the air, but also roll over.
The following colors of Turkish pigeons are found:
- White.
- Gray or gray.
- Motley.
Birds can stay in the air for up to 10 hours. Takla are slender, graceful birds with a small head, a straight long neck and well-developed flight muscles. The eyes of pigeons are dark with light eyelids and noticeable convex brow ridges. The beak is pale pink, small, the legs are pubescent, the feathers are folded so that they resemble lace panties. Depending on how the feathers are arranged on the head, they form an original forelock, which gave rise to several “forelock” varieties of pigeons.
Pros and cons of the breed
Representatives of the Takla breed have the following characteristics:
Turkish takla pigeons are the national pride of Turkey, so purebred birds are very reluctantly exported to other countries.
Content nuances
Takla pigeons are demanding about the cleanliness of the dovecote, drinking water and freshness of food. If the owner does not take care to make a nest for them, the couple will create it themselves in the place where they see fit. But in this case, it will no longer be possible to move the nest - the birds will persistently rush where they decided for the first time. Therefore, it is worthwhile to start arranging housing for Turkish pigeons in advance.
How to train takla?
Only an experienced specialist can teach all the intricacies of a Turkish pigeon chick, so novice flight enthusiasts are advised to take adult birds “with experience.” Studying and training are complex and multifaceted, as they require a lot of time, effort and perseverance. It takes up to 3 or even 5 years to achieve the first noticeable success, so this path is work for a true enthusiast and connoisseur of tackle.
Turkish pigeons are distinguished by good memory, intelligence and intelligence. Birds begin to be trained at the age of 6 weeks, after they acquire “adult” plumage. During molting, training is stopped.
An important condition for training is getting used to the owner, housing and take-off site. It is also necessary to develop a certain signal by which the bird will return.
The first training sessions last no more than half an hour. At this time, the bird should not sit down in order for the skill and association to be formed: “taking it to the site = flying.” They train adults first and then teenagers. They must land at the same time. Experienced older pigeons can teach young pigeons by example. Before training, Turkish pigeons are fed light food, not exceeding a third of the entire daily diet.
Breeding rules
The main rule is not to cross Taklas with representatives of any other breeds. This selection method is not suitable for this breed, as it leads to a complete loss of the specific qualities of Turkish pigeons, for which they are valued.
The third rule is not to chase external beauty. With this breed, things are like this: the brighter and more beautiful the bird is in appearance, the worse and more inexpressive it flies. A simple gray takla may turn out to be a unique record holder in its specialization.
Diet
Turkish takla pigeons are demanding when it comes to nutrition. They have it seasonally: in the summer they provide more millet and crushed barley, and in the cold season, cereal crops are mixed proportionally, in equal doses. Adult birds are fed twice a day; after eating, feeders with leftover food are removed, since the purity of food and water is important for health.
For the first three days, chicks feed on yolk, like the offspring of other birds. Then they are transferred to a mash of steamed feed mixed with whey or skim milk. The initial dose for one chick per day is 15 grams. By the end of the month, the portion increases to 30 grams.
Takla pigeons need fine gravel for grinding food, as well as vitamins and minerals. They are given in the form of special mixtures, and fresh grass is added to the food. When molting, fish oil or vegetable oil is added to food - this promotes the growth of healthy, smooth plumage.
Diseases and prevention
Turkish takla pigeons can become ill, so it is important to monitor their behavior and appearance. If a bird refuses food or water, and looks disheveled and unkempt, this should cause alarm. A sick pigeon should be isolated and contact a veterinarian.
Also dangerous signs are rapid heartbeat, wheezing, and increased body temperature.
The most common diseases found in Turkish pigeons are:
- Salmonellosis. It manifests itself as compactions under the skin, bloody stools, joint damage, death of embryos in eggs, and sterility of birds.
- Coccidiosis. Its symptoms: lethargy, bloody diarrhea, paralysis, retraction of the head, weight loss.
- Trichomonosis. This disease is accompanied by bloating, diarrhea with a strong unpleasant odor, sticky feathers, weakness, lethargy, and labored breathing due to a blocked throat.
- Paramyxovirus. With this disease, the bird becomes nervous, fearful, and drinks a lot. Loose stools appear, paralysis develops, causing the pigeon's neck to twist.
In addition to infections, birds suffer from damage to the joints, especially the wings, improper formation of plumage, exhaustion, obesity, eye and ear diseases. To reduce the risk of losing expensive Turkish pigeons, it is necessary to keep the dovecote, aviary and nests clean, and disinfect not only the premises, but also the feeders and drinking bowls. The purity and quality of food also affects the health of the takla.
