Description and characteristics of Uzbek breed pigeons, breeding and care

Uzbek pigeons mean one of the most beautiful birds, which are often raised in captivity. The distinctive features of this species of birds are considered to be excellent flight characteristics and a friendly disposition. They stand out for their original color and flight style. Thanks to these characteristics of the breed, the birds are called fighting or flight-playful. Today these birds are widespread throughout the world.

History of the breed

This breed has an interesting history.The ancestors of these birds appeared on the territory of Uzbekistan back in the eighteenth century. They entered the country from adjacent territories. A characteristic feature of birds is the presence of fluffy feathers on their limbs.

Selection work using birds of a new variety began to be carried out in Uzbekistan in 1850. Birds with short beaks have become the object of attention of scientists. However, their appearance and flight properties were imperfect. Breeders began to work in this direction. Even gulls and short-billed tumblers were used to select and improve breed properties.

At the same time, the Uzbek line was formed from old-breed pigeons. From them the birds got their appearance and the ability to fight while flying. It represents the flapping of wings during a dive from a height.

General description and characteristics

This breed is characterized by fairly clear standards that were established back in 1986. The birds are characterized by a medium-sized body. Its length is 33-37 centimeters. The birds have a dry body with a wide chest that protrudes forward. They are characterized by a low body. At the same time, the neck has a beautiful bend. The birds also have long wings that close over the tail.

Uzbek pigeons are distinguished by dense feathers. Moreover, their shade depends on the type of bird. The appearance of the head is of no small importance. It should have a round shape and compact size. Some bird species also have whiskers and forelocks. The eyes are black or light gray.

Types of Uzbek pigeons

Uzbek pigeons are a fighting species of birds. Their characteristic feature is considered to be a columnar flight. However, there are many species of such birds:

1. Chubby - this species of bird lacks the characteristic forelock. They are distinguished by smooth feathers on their heads. At the same time, there are no protruding or raised feathers.
2. Nose-toothed - distinguished by thick feathers in the temple area and above the beak. Due to this, this part of the head looks hidden in the lush plumage. This is a rather valuable species of birds.
3. Chubby - they have a kind of forelock on the back of their head. Before shows, poultry farmers comb it. Due to this, the birds acquire a cocky appearance.
4. Short-billed - birds of this species have a beak length that does not exceed 8 millimeters. There is a special size grid that clearly classifies birds into this category. Pigeons of this species are considered exhibition and decorative. However, there are also demonstration specimens that have managed to maintain flight characteristics.
5. Two-foreheads are considered the most famous. Their distinctive feature is their furry legs. Also, the birds have 2 crests at the same time. They are located on the forehead and in the occipital region. Birds have a more powerful body. They are divided into fighting, exhibition, and decorative. Pigeons are characterized by different plumage colors. It can be fawn, black, red, white.
6. Small-nosed shaggy-legged ones are considered the most valuable. They belong to the exhibition category. The key difference between the breed is the presence of long feathers on its legs. They reach a length of 10 centimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages

Requirements for maintenance and care

The success of pigeon breeding depends on the owners. Under adequate housing conditions, birds can live 15-20 years. Moreover, within 10 years they give birth to offspring. This breed is considered very peaceful. Therefore, it is permissible to keep many individuals in a free enclosure. At the same time, it is important to provide personal space for each bird. Pigeons are provided with their own place - nests and perches.

In order for birds to develop normally, it is important to follow these rules:

1. Avoid drafts. It is important to ensure that the floors in the poultry house do not have any cracks and are covered with sawdust. It is recommended to make the walls strong enough.
2. Ensure a normal ventilation system.
3. Maintain optimal temperature conditions. It should be +20 degrees. If this parameter is exceeded, there is a risk of spreading ticks or other parasites.
4. Maintain adequate lighting. Windows or lamps should provide plenty of light.
5. Disinfect the room regularly. However, it is prohibited to use substances harmful to birds.
6. Place nests on litter. For this, it is permissible to use hay, felt, and straw.

It is important to ensure that birds are safe and do not come into contact with wild pigeons or other birds that spread pathologies.

Diet planning

Wild pigeons eat cereals, grass, and plant seeds. This diet is considered the most suitable for them. Domestic animals require similar nutrition. At the same time, they should receive 20-35 grams of feed per day. The following components should be included in the diet:

• 40% pearl barley or barley;
• 30% wheat;
• 10% legumes, corn, sunflower seeds;
• 10% millet;
• 10% greens – this category includes sorrel, cabbage and other products.

In summer, pigeons eat three times a day, and in winter they have enough food 2 times a day. Feeding depends on seasonal factors. It is selected taking into account the availability of feed. In winter they use more vitamins, in summer they use fresh feed. Sometimes pigeons need to be given peas and cottage cheese. They also need fresh vegetables and fruits.

Reproduction and breeding

Pigeons breed in the spring. However, winter breeding is also considered acceptable. The main condition for successful reproduction is the choice of a partner. Females do this on their own. If we are talking about exhibition specimens, it is worth selecting a male artificially.

Throughout the year, the female is capable of making up to 3 clutches. Each of them should contain 2 eggs. After mating, 7-8 days pass. In this case, the female lays eggs at intervals of 1-2 days. When the first egg appears, it is recommended to remove it to a warm, protected place, replacing it with a dummy. A little later it should be placed next to the second egg.

Hatched chicks do not require special care. Pigeons take care of their offspring on their own. At the age of 1 month, pigeons can begin to be fed millet and other crushed grains. To prevent the development of various pathologies, it is recommended to mix antibiotics into the feed. Timely vaccination and control of the presence of parasites are of no small importance.

Breed-specific diseases

Pigeons are susceptible to various pathologies. They are infectious and non-infectious. Birds often encounter salmonellosis and Newcastle disease. The main causes of disease development include the following:

• unbalanced diet;
• contamination of drinking bowls;
• violation of conditions of detention;
• an excessive number of birds in the dovecote.

If birds are kept crowded, there is a risk of them becoming infected with worms. These conditions also increase the risk of ticks or insects spreading. To avoid serious problems, it is important to promptly identify an infected bird, isolate it from the rest of the flock and contact a veterinarian.

Uzbek pigeons are considered a very popular breed. Many farmers breed such birds because they have excellent decorative qualities. For bird rearing to be successful, they need to be provided with quality care and balanced nutrition.