Indian Gola Pigeon Breed Guide: Everything You Need to Know
India has various pigeon breeds, each with unique characteristics and traits. Among the most popular pigeon breeds in India is the Gola Pigeon.
This breed is known for its stunning appearance, intelligence, and friendly temperament. Gola Pigeons are easy to train, making them popular among pigeon enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.
If you’re interested in learning more about Gola Pigeons and how to care for them, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide to the Gola Pigeon breed.
History and Origin of Indian Gola Pigeons
Indian gola pigeon is one of the oldest and most famous breeds, highly valued for its beauty and unique characteristics. Its history dates back to centuries in India, where the breed was initially developed and bred for sports.
Let’s explore the early history of Indian gola pigeons, their origin, and how the breed evolved and developed
The Early History of Indian Gola Pigeons
Indian gola pigeon is an ancient breed that has been around for hundreds of years in India. These pigeons were initially bred for the sport of “kabootar bazi,” where they were trained and used for aerial competitions and pigeon racing.
The Origin of The Breed
The origin of Indian gola pigeons is still debated among experts. Some believe the breed was developed in India by crossbreeding different breeds, including Iranian, Uzbekistani, Turkish, and Pakistani. Others believe that the breed is indigenous to India and was developed purely from local pigeons.
Evolving And Developing Over The Years
Over the years, the Indian gola pigeon was bred selectively for its unique features and characteristics, such as its stout body, strong wings, and beautiful feather patterns.
The breeders focused on developing the breed for more enhanced features and performance, such as speed, agility, and stamina, to excel in “kabootar bazi” and other pigeon sports.
Today, Indian gold pigeons have become popular in India and other parts of the world. They have been bred for their beauty and elegance, making them a sought-after breed in the pigeon fancy world.
Characteristics of Indian Gola Pigeons
Indian gola pigeons are known for their distinct physical attributes, unique behaviors, and communication techniques. Here are the characteristics of Indian gola pigeons.
The Physical Attributes
Indian gola pigeons are characterized by their medium-sized body, approximately 14-15 inches long. Their head is round and slightly smaller than their body. They have a beak that is short and slightly curved downwards. Their eyes are large and prominent, giving them a striking appearance.
The wings of Indian gola pigeons are strong and broad, with the longest primary flight feathers. Their legs are short, and their toes are thin and straight. They have a unique color combination, usually white with gray or black patterns. This color combination is seen on their chest, neck, and head.
The Unique Features of The Breed
Indian gola pigeons have several unique features that make them stand out from other breeds of pigeons.
- Plumage: the feathers of Indian gola pigeons are soft, silky, and feathered outwards, giving them a smooth and shiny appearance.
- Size: Indian gola pigeons are medium-sized birds, making them easier to manage than larger birds such as the king pigeon.
- Shape: the round head and broad wings of Indian gola pigeons give them a unique shape that’s pleasing to the eye.
Unique Behaviors & Communication Techniques
Indian gola pigeons are known for their unique behaviors and communication techniques.
- Head bobbing: Indian gola pigeons frequently bob, especially during courtship and mating.
- Wing flapping: They also flap their wings rapidly and glide to communicate with other pigeons.
- Purring sound: Indian gola pigeons make a low-pitched, purring sound while communicating with each other.
Caring for Indian Gola Pigeons
Indian gola pigeons are prized for their beauty, grace, and intelligence. These birds require special care to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
The Ideal Living Conditions
To keep your Indian gola pigeons healthy and happy, providing them with ideal living conditions is essential.
- Provide a spacious pigeon loft that is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Keep the temperature of the loft between 10°c to 25°c.
- Place a few perches that they can use to rest and sleep.
- Ensure that the loft is protected from predators and pests.
The Appropriate Diet for The Breed
The appropriate diet for Indian gola pigeons should contain all the essential nutrients required to keep them healthy.
- Give them a protein diet, including seeds, grains, and legumes.
- Supplement their diet with green leafy vegetables and fruits.
- Ensure they have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Avoid feeding them too much junk food, like bread.
Health and Disease Prevention Methods
Indian gola pigeons are relatively healthy, but they can still get sick occasionally.
- Visit your veterinarian and establish a routine check-up schedule.
- Exercise proper hygiene practices to avoid transmission of diseases.
- Isolate infected birds to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Keep the pigeon loft clean to avoid the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Breeding and Maintaining Indian Gola Pigeons
Indian gola pigeons are a unique and captivating breed that requires responsible breeding and maintenance. If you are interested in breeding and maintaining this breed, there are a few essential tips to remember.
The Techniques Involved in Breeding
Breeding Indian gola pigeons requires patience, dedication, and attention to detail.
- Choose healthy breeding pairs that meet the standard for Indian gola pigeons.
- Create a comfortable environment for your breeding pairs. The enclosure must provide ample space for the pigeons to fly and be clean.
- Place nesting material in the enclosure, such as hay or straw. This is essential for nesting pigeons and their offspring.
- Monitor the breeding process daily to ensure the eggs are healthy and the chicks are developing correctly.
- Avoid inbreeding to maintain the breed’s health and diversity.
Maintaining the Breed and Its Purity
Maintaining the breed’s purity is critical to preserving the unique characteristics of Indian gola pigeons.
- Ensure the breeding pairs you select meet the standard for Indian gola pigeons, including physical characteristics and temperament.
- Avoid crossbreeding with other breeds, which can dilute the unique and distinctive traits of the Indian gola.
- Maintain accurate records of the breeding pairs and their offspring to track the breeding history and ensure that the breed’s purity is preserved over time.
- Participate in breed organizations and events to stay connected with other breeders and protect the breed’s purity.
Tips for Showing & Exhibiting The Breed
If you plan to exhibit your Indian gola pigeons, there are several essential tips to keep in mind:
- Familiarize yourself with breed standards and guidelines to ensure your pigeons meet the criteria for Indian gola pigeons.
- Train your pigeons to become comfortable with handling, as judges will examine them at shows.
- Ensure your pigeons are clean and well-groomed before the exhibition.
- Practice before the event to ensure your pigeons are ready for the show ring.
- Look for opportunities to showcase your Indian gola pigeons, including regional and national exhibitions.
Conclusion
The Indian gola pigeon breed is a fascinating and unique breed that has become increasingly popular among pigeon enthusiasts. They are an excellent option for those seeking a calm, docile pet requiring low maintenance. Being a hardy breed, they can adapt to any climate and are known for their flying abilities and endurance.
However, remember that owning pigeons requires a certain level of commitment and responsibility. Proper care, nutrition, and housing are essential for their health and happiness.
Additionally, it is essential to source pigeons from a reputable breeder and to follow any relevant regulations in your area.
Overall, the indian gola pigeon breed is an excellent option for those looking for an interesting, low-maintenance, and affectionate pet that they can treasure for years to come.
