Uzbek pigeons (20 photos): features of the fighting breed, two-toed and decorative species

Uzbek pigeons are one of the most beautiful birds that are used for keeping in captivity. Their unusual appearance provides opportunities for obtaining aesthetic pleasure from contemplation. The peculiarities of this fighting breed are also interesting, the two-toed and decorative species of which are distinguished by a very energetic and daring disposition. Even in flight, a specialist can easily distinguish beautiful and elegant Uzbek pigeons from all other birds.

Origin story

Uzbek pigeons are a breed with an interesting history. For the first time, the ancestors of these birds appeared in the 18th century on the territory of the country due to the import from neighboring countries: Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan. A distinctive feature of the new breed was the presence of abundant plumage on the legs. In addition, the beak of the birds was significantly shorter than usual. Own selection with the use of producers of a new species began in Uzbekistan in 1850.

Short-billed birds attracted the attention of specialists, but their appearance and flight characteristics were far from perfect. It was in this direction that the main work began. In the course of selection and improvement of breed characteristics, even such bird species as short-billed turman and gull were used.

The ancestors of the Uzbek line are considered to be old-breed pigeons, formed about a hundred years ago. It was from them that the birds received the appearance familiar to modern pigeon breeders and the ability to perform "battle" during the flight - flapping their wings when diving from a height.

A distinctive feature has become the habit of Uzbek pigeons literally soaring upward, like an arrow. But the predominantly aviary keeping of birds in recent years has led to the fact that they have turned into an almost decorative species that has lost its flight qualities. Experienced pigeon breeders still advocate for predominantly free content, mentioning the historical significance of flights for these birds.

The very first is considered the Uzbek two-chuba breed, the selection of which continues today. The magnificent plumage made this species predominantly decorative - when breeding offspring, the emphasis is on the appearance.

Description

Uzbek pigeons are a breed that has quite clear standards. They were established in 1986 after the birds gained international recognition and popularity. The birds have a medium-sized body, the length of which is within the range of 33-37 cm. The constitution is dry, with an emphasized broad chest protruding forward. The body is low set, the neck is well curved, long wings, closing in the area above the tail.

The plumage of Uzbek pigeons differs in density, the color depends on the type of bird - in total, several dozen variations can be identified. Great importance is given to the head when determining the breed - its shape should be round, compact size with a wide forehead. Some species are additionally decorated with sideburns, forelocks, which make the pigeon especially attractive. Eye color is also highly regulated - it can be black, light gray, or pearl.

Varieties

All varieties of Uzbek pigeons have their own names, which make it easy to recognize representatives of certain areas of the breed. Decorative and fighting birds are still few in number and for this reason are highly popular. There are several main groups of monochromatic Uzbek pigeons, which will be discussed below.

  • Toothless. The birds do not have a characteristic chubiness, their head plumage is completely smooth, there are no raised and protruding feathers. They bear the greatest resemblance to the common birds found in the city.
  • Nose-nosed. They have a pronounced feather cover in the temporal region and above the beak, which makes this part of the head appear hidden in dense vegetation. In some birds, the plumage is so developed that it covers the eyes, like a bang. But the beak itself, according to the standard, should not be completely hidden. Birds of this type are highly prized.
  • Chubate. On the back of the head of this bird, the feathers are raised and form a characteristic forelock. Before the shows, the owners, in order to emphasize the breed belonging, lightly comb it, giving the pets a particularly cocky look. The decorative direction of this type has a rather strict regulation on the shape and length of the tuft on the back of the head. Flight options are not as strictly assessed.
  • Short-billed. Uzbek pigeons of this type have a beak no longer than 8 mm. It is important to bear in mind that there is a special dimensional grid that quite clearly defines the inclusion of a bird in this category. Outwardly, the beak is similar to those that can be seen in parrots. Usually, these specimens are considered exhibition and decorative, but you can also find demonstration ones that have retained their flying and playing qualities.
  • Two-lipped. These are the most famous of the Uzbek pigeons, they stand out due to their shaggy legs, fluffy plumage, the presence of two crests at once: on the forehead and back of the head. Birds are also characterized by a more massive body, there is a division into fighting and decorative, exhibition. Available in such colors as pure white, pure red or with black dusting, pale yellow, black.

Among the colorful birds, there are also their most popular options. In this case, fighting pigeons are divided into four main varieties.

  • Gulbadam. They are white pigeons with clean background plumage and a yellow or red chin. A pronounced speck is also noticeable on the surface of the neck.
  • Chelkari. These are ash-colored birds with the effect of marble gray hair on the body. This result is achieved due to the presence of small contrasting specks, which form an extraordinary decorative effect. These include all forelock pigeons.
  • Chinny trap. Snow-white traps have a white background plumage and a brightly colored lower crop of a yellow or red hue. From it, an unusual accent spreads over the entire surface of the neck.
  • Tasmans. Spectacular Uzbek Tasman pigeons have expressive plumage of a coffee shade. A brown tone is present on the head, chest, end of the tail. The pureness of the breed is emphasized by the white color of the outermost feathers in the tail and on the wings.

Conditions for keeping

Uzbek pigeons are not too demanding on the conditions of detention. But they are initially thermophilic, they value comfort and cleanliness in a dovecote.

    Preparation for breeding these birds always begins with the creation of a spacious room for keeping them.

    The requirements for a dovecote are pretty simple:

    • availability of additional heating;
    • a significant area that allows nesting;
    • protection from predators and strangers;
    • convenience for cleaning and sanitization.

    There are two types of dovecotes suitable for keeping Uzbek birds. The simplest option is a ground, aviary type, suitable only for regions with a rather warm climate. Only mesh walls and a roof are being erected in it. Usually one dovecote is created to accommodate 12 pairs of birds, with an area of ​​1 m2 per family.

    Attic poultry houses are the best option for owners of their own home. It is quite easy to place any number of birds on a private territory, it is easier to solve the problem of heating and many other points here. On the outside of the attic there is an open-air cage with a mesh fence. The internal space is divided into separate houses, equipped with everything you need. The bird's dwelling must be heated.

    Under good conditions, birds demonstrate a maximum life span of up to 15-20 years and remain suitable for reproduction throughout the first decade.

    Uzbek pigeons are quite peaceful, get along well with each other, but they need their own places in the form of poles for sitting, nests.

    Recommendations for keeping birds are as follows:

    • lack of drafts;
    • creation of a ventilation system for forced air exchange;
    • compliance with the temperature regime - about 20 degrees Celsius;
    • artificial and natural lighting all year round;
    • disinfection of the premises with special preparations harmless to birds;
    • bedding for nests made of straw, felt, hay;
    • arrangement of nests with a diameter of 20-25 cm in diameter;
    • protection of thoroughbred birds from contact with other birds and predators.

    Feeding and care

    There are special requirements for the care of Uzbek pigeons to ensure cleanliness. Abundant vegetation on the legs easily accumulates dirt.

    For this reason, cleaning should be carried out daily, and general cleaning of the premises of the poultry house - three times a year.

    In the absence of birds, all drinkers and feeders are completely cleaned, treated with boiling water with a soda solution dissolved in it. The walls and floor are cleared of dirt and the bedding is removed and replaced.

    Uzbek pigeons are swimming lovers. The cleanliness of the pool they need must be high and the water must be changed daily as the birds can use it for drinking. Pets should not be denied water procedures. You also need to regularly examine birds for the detection of parasites, and quarantine infected individuals.

    In the wild, Uzbek pigeons prefer to feed on plant seeds, grain crops, and grass. The home diet should be as similar as possible in composition and be issued in the amount of 20-35 g per day.

    In this case, the main components of the menu should be:

    • up to 40% barley or pearl barley;
    • up to 30% millet or wheat grain;
    • sunflower seeds, corn and other legumes - up to 10% of the total;
    • about 10% millet;
    • green food based on sorrel, cabbage, nettle - up to 10%.

    In winter, two feedings per day are enough for pigeons with limited mobility. During the summer, the birds should be given food three times a day.

    In some regions, cottage cheese, chopped fresh vegetables and fruits are added to the feed.

    Breeding

    Breeding of Uzbek pigeons is carried out in winter or spring - artificially partners are selected only for show birds. Mating of the rest of the individuals is carried out in a natural way - the birds can choose their own male or female. During the year, the dove is capable of laying three times, up to 2 eggs at a time. The maternal instinct is well developed.

    The first egg after mating is laid 7-8 days. The second appears in the nest with a delay of 1-2 days. The first is usually hidden until the next clutch. Only after a few days it returns to the nest, otherwise it may suffer from the bird's legs. During the incubation period, pigeon breeders try to carefully monitor the behavior of females.

    Nests are checked in the absence of parents. Incubation lasts on average about 4 weeks. A pair of pigeons also take care of the already hatched chicks; the young are fed from the age of one month with finely crushed grain mixtures. Prophylactic introduction of antibiotics into feed, antiparasitic treatment, vaccination are carried out.

    An overview of Uzbek pigeons in the video below.