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Pigeons Monks got their name because of their unusual color and tuft in the form of a hood, reminiscent of the robes of monks. In addition, during flight, they move away from their flock and prefer to fly alone. Often these pigeons are called cross, since during the flight of the bird, the tail and wings form a cross.
History of the breed
Monk pigeons first appeared in Germany in the 17th century. They were bred by German pigeon breeders as a breed of driving pigeons. They had to participate in the hunt, driving out the hidden birds from the foliage. Pigeons quickly gained popularity in Europe, and at the beginning of the 19th century they were appreciated by breeders in Russia.
Flight characteristics
They are very emotional birds, flight properties are well developed. It is interesting to watch how the flock flies through the crowns of trees. Pigeons Monks require constant training. Then they are able to stay in the air for several hours. They do not fly at high altitudes, but in flight they move quickly and maneuver. The type of flight is circular.
Cross pigeons monks in flight are beautiful.
Breed characteristics and standards
The main distinguishing feature of the German cross dove of the monk is the snow-white body, on the head is a kind of hat. The color of the plumage of the bird is cruciform.
Bird appearance:
- the presence of a ridge;
- on the back of the head there is a white tuft-hood;
- pigeon body length 36 cm;
- the neck is short;
- the body of the pigeon is slightly inclined forward;
- the physique of the correct elongated shape, proportional;
- small wax, adhering tightly;
- the beak is small, neat, pointed, up to 16 mm;
- the chest is wide, reaches 24 cm in girth;
- the wings are long, do not protrude beyond the tail;
- the back smoothly passes into the tail, consisting of 12 tail feathers;
- legs are short, pink in color.
The character traits of the German cross dove are friendliness, trustfulness and devotion towards a person. Very good parents. The female pigeon is able to carefully hatch even other people's chicks, which is actively used by breeders.
Signs indicating a lack of purebredness:
- claws are dark;
- short wings;
- somewhat sunken breast;
- beak less than 15 mm in size;
- too short legs;
- wide tail with light feathers.
There is also a more critical list of defects for culling pigeons: the tail is white, there is no tuft, there is plumage on the paws, white stripes on the head, a large beak, eyes of a red or yellow hue.
Varieties
There are several main varieties of the Monk's pigeon: German, Moscow, Altai. And also there are breeds bred as a result of crossing. This is how pigeons appeared: the South German breed (there are cosmonoids and bare-footed species), Saxon (striped, blue-laced pigeon), Ural, Tula.
German
There is no exact information about the receipt of the German Monk pigeon. They are classified more as decorative pigeons than flying ones. The main characteristic of the species:
- pigeon feathers can be black, gray, beige with caramel tint, gray, red;
- the hood is white;
- small, pointed beak (black in birds with dark plumage, light shades in bright birds);
- there are white feathers on the body;
- the shade of feathers on the tail and head is brown (can be colored);
- the body length of a pigeon reaches 35 cm;
- bust girth 25 cm;
- the iris of the eye is light;
- the tail is dense, medium in length.
They differ in average flying qualities, but the flight is quite spectacular and impetuous.
Moscow
The breed originated from the mating of Polish turmans with racing pigeons in the 20th century in Warsaw. The Moscow pigeon Monk is very similar in appearance to the German one, but there are significant differences:
- feathers on the head and tip of the tail are dark shades, there are also blue, yellow and red tones;
- the crest is somewhat disheveled;
- feathers on the forehead and under the eyes of other shades.
The color of the beak directly depends on the shade of the feathers on the cap. According to the observations of breeders, the nature of this species of pigeons is more pugnacious.
Altaic
It has another name - Barnaul fold-winged (large-headed). Obtained as a result of selection work on the Ural Monks. Pigeons are blessed with more elegance than their ancestors. The species is referred to as decorative species.
It differs from the German and Moscow Monk in the color of the plumage on the head (sometimes brown, beige, brick), the paws of the Altai Monk are slightly lowered.
Breeding cross pigeons monks
Monk pigeons have a fairly developed parental instinct. Under the right conditions, balanced feeding, 3-4 broods of chicks can be produced per season. In the dovecote, it is necessary to install several rounded perches so that the paws do not deform. There should also be nesting boxes in the dovecote. The breeding season is in March-April. Pigeons form pairs based on their temperament - they are looking for their own kind in character. In nature, couples form independently, in captivity they are formed by the breeder. But such partners look after each other worse.
The clutch is incubated for no more than 19 days. They do it according to the schedule: the male in the afternoon from 10 to 16 hours, the female for the rest of the time. Feeding with goiter milk takes about 20 days. They breed up to 10 years of age, but the best offspring are given at 3-5 years of age.
Feeding
The diet must contain proteins for growth and development, fats as a supply of nutrients, carbohydrates for the energy of the bird. Feed mixtures should consist of:
- oats, barley (they contain fiber);
- corn (energy source);
- lentils (contains vegetable proteins);
- millet (large amount of vitamins);
- hemp, flax (amino acids).
Also green food, chalk, shells, pebbles are added without fail. Chicks after goiter milk are introduced into the diet of wheat soaked in water.
Care, maintenance of monks' pigeons
Pigeons of this species are not picky about their diet, they have good resistance to infections. They are very clean, but pigeon breeders need to regularly clean the room, disinfect once a month, change and clean the feeders and drinkers every day.
For prevention purposes, pigeons should be examined for any signs of disease. For prevention, pigeon breeders drink a solution of potassium permanganate to the birds, and also administer vaccines. The causes of diseases in pigeons are varied. These are inadequate conditions of keeping, care, vitamin deficiency, infection from other pigeons.
The sight of a sick individual immediately arouses suspicion: the bird is hiding, feathers are ruffled, eyes are closed, breathing is rapid. At the same time, the pigeon refuses food, water, flights. If signs of disease are found, the bird should be removed from the rest in a separate room.
Arrangement of a dovecote
The Cross Monks are the calmest and friendliest of the other pigeon species. Difficulties with breeding can arise due to non-observance of the basic conditions for caring for them.If you have a properly equipped dovecote, a balanced diet, and timely care, you can breed pigeons effortlessly.
Experienced breeders recommend setting up a spacious dovecote with a separate place for each pigeon. It is better not to put grates inside the dovecote - the birds should have freedom of movement. In winter, the temperature in the dovecote should not drop below 10 degrees. It is recommended to install additional lighting sources to extend daylight hours. In summer, during the heat, the dovecote must be shaded and do not forget about the installation of bathing suits for the birds.
The pigeon room should be made of wood or brick. It is better to make the entrance directed to the south or southeast, windows are also needed for the departure of pigeons up to 20 cm wide.For some thoroughbred pigeons, the walking of which is controlled by the owner, you need to equip an enclosure for walking so that they can walk on their own in the fresh air.
Conclusion
Monk pigeons have a long history of development, so this affected the breed - it is almost impossible to meet purebred Monks today. Now they belong to the representatives of ornamental breeds, although many years ago they were bred as driving pigeons.
