A Comprehensive Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon Breed Guide
The Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon is a breed of domestic pigeon characterized by its unique color pattern and distinctive feather crest. It originated in Germany in the early 20th century and is known for its friendly and docile temperament.
This breed is relatively easy to care for and forms strong bonds with its owners. They are social birds that enjoy spending time with their flock and interacting with their humans.
This breed guide will explore the Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon’s characteristics, history, and care requirements. So, if you want to learn more about this breed, read on!
The History and Origin of Aachen lacquer Sheild Owl Pigeon
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over centuries of selective breeding. Fancy pigeons are types of domestic pigeons, which are derived from the wild rock dove. The breed is known for its unique appearance and coloration, with a shield-like appearance on its wings and vibrant colors.
Origin and Development
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon origins can be traced back to Aachen, a city in Germany. Hence, the name “Aachen” is used in their title. The exact date of the breed’s development is not accurately documented.
However, the pigeon breed is considered mature and has been recognized for centuries. The breed was developed by crossing several pigeon breeds together to create its unique appearance and color.
Features and Appearance
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon is characterized by its unique shield-like appearance, which has been a prominent factor behind its name. This breed has a distinctly round and broad head. The eyes are expressive and are dark. The plumage is smooth and close. The breast is broad and round, the wings rest on the tail and the stance should be lively and upright.
One of the most distinctive features of this breed is its lacquer-like coloration, characterized by vibrant, shiny colors. They come in several color varieties, with black, white, and red being common. The feathers on the wings provide contrast to the body of the pigeon, much like a shield hence validating its name as “Shield Owl”.
Recognition
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon is recognized by various pigeon enthusiasts and collectors across the globe. It is known for its exotic look and relatively peaceful demeanor. Despite its origin, it is not just limited to Germany, but it can now be found all over the world, thanks to pigeon enthusiasts and collectors.
Physical Characteristics of Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon
The Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon is a unique breed with distinctive physical features. This breed is quite intriguing and beautiful, from its size and weight to its unique characteristics.
Size and Weight
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon is medium in size when compared to other pigeon breeds. Their weight typically ranges from 350 to 400 grams. This compact size makes them popular amongst pigeon enthusiasts who live in urban areas.
Color and Pattern
The breed has a characteristic glossy green-black colouration on its wings and tail. This lacquer-like shine is where the pigeon gets its name “Lacquer Shield”. The rest of the body, however, is usually white, which creates a stark contrast with the black, giving the bird a unique, appealing appearance.
Head and Beak
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon has a round-shaped head which resembles an owl’s — thus the name “Owl Pigeon”. Their eyes are big and usually come in bright orange or red color, surrounded by a thin, white eye-ring. They have stout beaks which are almost hidden in their full and puffy plumage.
Feathers and Shield
Its back, also referred to as its “shield”, as well as it’s tail, showcase a lustrous black hue that shines with iridescence in the sunlight, thereby creating the illusion of a lacquered surface. The chest and underbody are plush with white feathers that extend all the way to its feet, keeping it warm in cold temperatures.
Legs and Feet
The legs of Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon are of average length for a pigeon of its size. The legs and feet are covered in soft feathers usually white in color. The toenails are hard and can be either white or light-colored.
Behavior and Temperament of This Breed
The aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon is a unique breed with distinct behavioral traits. Understanding their behavior and temperament is vital to keep them healthy and happy.
Behaviour
- These pigeons are known for their calm and friendly nature.
- They are mostly non-aggressive and get along well with other birds.
- Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeons are intelligent and can develop close bonds with their owners.
- They have exceptional homing instincts, making them ideal for racing and releasing in homing pigeons’ competitions.
Interaction With Humans and Other Birds
Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeons are very social animals, and they enjoy being around their owners and interacting with them.
- They are not aggressive and usually get along well with other pigeon breeds.
- They often communicate with other birds in soft coos, a way of bonding and establishing a hierarchy.
- These pigeons are very confident around other birds and humans.
Training Tips
Training your aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon is crucial for their overall development and health. Below are some training tips that can help.
- Start with basic training, such as training your pigeon to fly short distances and return to the loft.
- Reward your pigeon with treats and praises for good behavior.
- Train your pigeon to become more comfortable around people and other birds.
- Practice obedience training and commands such as “come,” “stay,” and “fly.
- Regular training and exercise help to keep your aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon healthy and happy.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon is a unique breed that requires proper care and maintenance to keep it healthy and happy. Understanding the housing requirements, feeding needs, and health issues is crucial if you are a seasoned breeder or a beginner.
Here is a comprehensive guide to help you care for your aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon.
Housing Requirements
The following are the housing requirements for aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon:
- The pigeon coop should be spacious enough for the birds to fly and move comfortably.
- The coop should be properly ventilated to prevent the birds from getting respiratory diseases.
- Most importantly, the coop should be predator-proof to keep away rodents and other animals that may harm the birds.
Feeding and Nutritional Needs
Feeding and nutritional needs of aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon include:
- The birds should be fed a balanced diet containing protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- The food should be given in small amounts to prevent overfeeding.
- Access to clean water is vital to keep them hydrated and healthy.
Health Issues That May Arise & How To Handle Them
The following are some of the common health issues that may arise among aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon and how to handle them:
- Respiratory diseases – the best way to prevent respiratory diseases is by ensuring proper ventilation and hygiene. This includes regular cleaning of the coop and using disinfectants.
- Feather pecking is a common habit among birds that may result in feather loss and injuries. The best way to prevent feather pecking is by providing enough space for them to move around and keeping them occupied with toys.
- Pox-pox is a viral disease that affects the skin and respiratory system. Although there is no cure, vaccinating your birds can prevent the spread of the disease.
What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Aachen Lacquer Shield Owls and Andaman Wood Pigeons in terms of Care and Maintenance?
The Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl and Andaman Wood Pigeon breed both require similar care and maintenance. Both species need a clean and spacious living environment, a balanced diet, and regular grooming to keep their feathers in good condition. However, their specific dietary requirements and grooming habits may differ.
Breeding and Raising Aachen Lacquer Shield Owl Pigeon
Aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon is a rare and exquisite breed of pigeon that requires a special kind of care. Breeding and raising them involves some essential practices. Let’s take a look at some tips for breeding, and raising healthy chicks, and mistakes to avoid.
Essential Tips
Breeding aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon requires careful consideration of some vital factors.
- The breeding pairs should be healthy, disease-free, and genetically diverse. This ensures that the offspring are healthy and maintain the breed’s unique characteristics.
- The breeding environment should be kept clean, dry, and well-ventilated. It would help if you kept the breeding pairs and their offspring safe from extreme temperatures and predators.
- The breeders should be well-fed, with a balanced diet that includes grains, seeds, and fresh water. A healthy breeder produces high-quality eggs and has a higher chance of successful breeding.
How to Raise Healthy Chicks
Raising healthy aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon chicks requires close attention to their feeding, temperature, and general welfare.
- Keep the nest box clean and well-aerated. This prevents the chicks from developing respiratory or bacterial infections.
- Feed the chicks a balanced diet of pigeon feed, grit, and fresh water. Providing them with adequate nutrients for healthy growth and development is essential.
- Maintain a warm temperature for the chicks (between 80-85°f) until they are feathered. This regulated temperature keeps the chicks warm, stimulates healthy growth, and lowers the risk of diseases.
Common Breeding Mistakes to Avoid
The breeding process can be complicated, and breeders make common mistakes that can affect the offspring’s health and survival.
- Inbreeding or using related breeding pairs. This lowers genetic diversity, which can lead to genetic disorders and poor offspring quality.
- Providing the breeding pairs with substandard or unbalanced diets can lead to improper egg formation, lower hatch rate, or poor offspring health.
- Neglecting the chicks’ basic needs, such as proper hygiene, adequate warmth, and balanced nutrition. This can lead to poor growth and development, a higher mortality rate, or disease susceptibility.
Conclusion
Now you are knowledgeable about the unique breed of aachen lacquer shield owl pigeon. These pigeons are not only beautiful in appearance but also have an impressive history that stems back to the 16th century. Their distinct characteristics and striking qualities make them a perfect addition to any pigeon lover’s collection.
From their striking iridescent feathers to their intelligence and social nature, aachen lacquer shield owl pigeons are truly a special breed. Proper care, attention, and nutrition can ensure your pigeon’s happy and healthy life.
By following the tips and guidelines in the breed guide, you can become a proud owner of this magnificent breed.