Italian Owl Pigeon Breed Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Italian owl pigeon is a breed of domestic pigeon known for its striking appearance and unique vocalizations. Originating in Italy, this breed is highly valued by pigeon fanciers for its distinctive features and personality.

With its sleek body, elongated neck, and unique coloration, the Italian owl pigeon is a stunning bird that stands out from other pigeon breeds. Its name comes from the owl-like appearance of its head and the distinctive hoots and whistles it makes.

Despite its unique features, the Italian owl pigeon is not widely known outside the pigeon breeding community, making it a rare find for those looking to add this breed to their collection. Read more about the history, characteristics, and care requirements of the Italian owl pigeon.

Appearance and Characteristics of the Italian Owl Pigeon Breed

The Italian owl pigeon breed, also known as the ghigliottino, is a unique breed of fancy pigeons. Originating from Italy, this breed is popular among bird enthusiasts due to its distinct appearance and characteristics. Here are the various physical features of the Italian owl pigeon breed.

Unique Physical Features

The Italian owl pigeon breed has unique physical features that distinguish it from other breeds.

• The breed has a broad chest and a well-rounded body, which gives it a sturdy appearance.
• It has short beaks and small, round eyes that look adorable.
• The most striking feature of the Italian owl pigeon breed is its feather tufts or crests on the top of its head. These crests are created by the upright position of the head feathers and give the bird a distinctive appearance.
• The breed also has a short tail held upright, another distinguishing feature of the Italian owl pigeon breed.

Colors and Patterns

The Italian owl pigeon breed comes in various colors and patterns, making it a versatile and unique.

• Solid colors: the breed comes in colors like white, black, blue, red, yellow, and brown.
• Splash: Ghigliottino has splash markings randomly scattered on the bird’s feathers. The splash markings combine two or more colors, and the random distribution makes each bird unique.
• T-pattern: some Italian owl pigeon breeds have feathers patterned in a t-shape over the wings and back, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Size and Ideal Weight Range

The Italian owl pigeon breed is a medium-sized bird with an ideal weight range of 400-550g. Maintaining a healthy weight for the bird is essential to ensure its overall well-being. Proper nutrition and exercise are necessary to keep the bird in the ideal weight range, making it healthy and happy.

Breeding Italian Owl Pigeon Breed

Breeding the Italian owl pigeon breed is a practice that requires a thorough understanding of the bird’s behavior. As a breeder, you must ensure appropriate breeding practices are employed, identify any health concerns and prevent them, and understand the mating behaviors of the breed.

Here’s a detailed guide on breeding Italian Owl Pigeons:

Selecting Breeding Pairs

• Choose breeding pairs with desirable traits, conforming to the breed standards. Look for specific color patterns, feather quality, body shape, and size.
• Avoid inbreeding by selecting unrelated or distantly related pigeons to maintain genetic diversity.

Housing

• Provide a spacious, clean, and well-ventilated loft for the breeding pairs. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.
• Each pair should have its nesting box or space to ensure privacy and reduce stress.

Nesting Material

• Supply nesting materials like straw, hay, or nesting pads. Italian Owl Pigeons prefer secluded and cozy places for nesting.

Diet and Nutrition

• Offer a balanced diet consisting of high-quality pigeon feed. Supplement their diet with grains, seeds, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
• Ensure access to clean and fresh water at all times.

Breeding Season

• Italian Owl Pigeons typically breed in spring and summer. Provide 14-16 hours of daylight to simulate the natural breeding season.
• Some breeders may adjust the lighting to encourage breeding during specific times of the year.

6.Egg Laying and Incubation

• The female pigeon will lay one or two eggs, usually laid a day or two apart.
• Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 17-19 days.
• Ensure a calm environment around the nesting area to prevent disturbances.

Chick Rearing

• Once hatched, chicks are fed “pigeon milk,” a specialized secretion in the parents’ crops.
• The parents provide warmth and protection to the chicks. Monitor their progress and ensure they are well-fed and healthy.

Weaning and Independence

• Chicks are weaned at around 4-6 weeks of age when they can eat solid pigeon feed and drink water independently.
• Young pigeons can be separated from their parents and housed in a separate area of the loft.

9. Record Keeping:

• Maintain detailed records of breeding pairs, hatch dates, lineage, and any specific offspring characteristics. This information aids in future breeding decisions.

Identify Common Health Concerns & Prevention

Breeding the Italian owl pigeon breed can be challenging, and improper breeding practices can often lead to bird health concerns.

• Respiratory infections are a common problem, with bacterial and viral infections being the most frequent causes. To prevent this, ensure the birds have a clean environment.
• Parasites such as lice and mites can infect the birds and cause skin irritation. Ensure that the birds are properly treated to prevent this.
• Cannibalism is another common concern in breeding. To prevent this, ensure the birds have adequate space and are not overcrowded.

Care and Maintenance of Italian Owl Pigeon Breed

Italian owl pigeons are a captivating breed popular among bird fanciers worldwide. With their unique physical features and curious personalities, these birds require proper care and maintenance to stay healthy and happy. Here are the essential factors for keeping Italian owl pigeons in top condition:

Nutrition/Diet

Caring for Italian owl pigeons begins with providing a balanced and nutritious diet.

• Fresh water should always be available, and it should be changed daily.
• Pigeons thrive on a diet of grains, seeds, and nuts. Pelleted diets designed for pigeons are also available and can be used as a supplement to the regular diet.
• Calcium and protein are essential for healthy bones and feather growth. Consider feeding your pigeons cooked eggs or crushed oyster shells as a supplement.
• Avoid feeding your pigeons bread and other processed foods, as they can cause health problems like obesity and digestive issues.

Ideal Living Conditions and Housing

Your Italian owl pigeons’ living conditions and housing are critical to their health and well-being.

• Pigeons need a spacious coop with plenty of fresh air and natural light. A minimum of 4 square feet per bird is recommended.
• The coop should be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease, and fresh bedding should be provided often.
• Italian owl pigeons prefer high perches, so provide roosting areas at varying heights.
• Access to outdoor space is essential, but make sure your pigeons have a secure and predator-proof environment. Fencing off the outdoor area and keeping chickens and other predators away is recommended.

Bonding with The Bird and Proper Handling Techniques

Bonding with your Italian owl pigeons is important for their mental and emotional health.

• Spend time with your pigeon daily, offering food or treats to establish trust.
• Talk to your bird and make eye contact to show you are not a threat.
• Handle your pigeon gently, using proper techniques to avoid causing injury or stress.
• Give your bird enough space to move freely and maintain its natural behaviors.

Protection from Predators and Outdoor Hazards

Italian owl pigeons are vulnerable to predators and outdoor hazards.

• Install netting or wire mesh over the coop to prevent aerial predators like hawks and eagles from attacking your birds.
• Fence off the outdoor area to keep out other predators like raccoons, foxes, and coyotes.
• Avoid using harmful pesticides or chemicals that could contaminate your pigeon’s food and water sources.
• Regularly check for hazards in or around the coop, such as sharp objects or exposed wiring.

Conclusion

The Italian owl pigeon breed is a fascinating and versatile bird that deserves attention from bird enthusiasts around the world. The Italian owl can deliver whether you’re looking for a beautiful show pigeon or a friendly and loyal pet. Their distinctive appearance and unique behavior make great additions to any aviary or backyard flock.

By understanding these key features and taking the time to care for these birds properly, you can enjoy all the benefits the Italian owl pigeon breed offers. So why not consider adding one of these majestic birds to your collection today?