Lahore Pigeon Breed Guide: The Ultimate Guide

The Lahore pigeon breed is a domestic fancy pigeon that is believed to have originated in the city of Lahore, Pakistan. As one of the oldest and most popular pigeon breeds, it is known for its distinct appearance and regal bearing.

With its long, curved neck and plump, rounded body, the Lahore pigeon is a sight. While originally bred for its ornamental value, the breed has also become prized for its excellent homing instincts and is often kept as a racing pigeon.

In this guide, I will explore the characteristics, breeding process, and care of the Lahore pigeon breed. Keep reading to no more!

Physical Characteristics of Lahore Pigeons

Lahore pigeons are known for their unique physical characteristics, which make them stand out from other breeds. Their enticing colors and beautiful appearance make them a top choice for bird enthusiasts and pigeon fanciers.

Appearance and Size

Lahore pigeons have a robust build and a distinctive rounded shape. They’re relatively heavy, weighing around 500 grams, and about 27-30 cm long. They have a short, broad beak, and their eyes are large and circular, giving them a friendly and approachable demeanor.

Their neck is short and thick, which adds to their fairly broad breasts. Lahore pigeons have mighty wings that enable them to fly with agility.

Unique Markings and Colors

Lahore pigeons come in various colors, ranging from solid to multi-colored. Many lahores have a unique crested head that adds to their appeal.

Black
Blue

White
Red
Yellow

Silver
Golden
Brown

Anatomy and Physical Traits

Lahore pigeons have exciting physical traits that stand out among other breeds.

They have a full and rounded head, giving them a distinctive and impressive appearance.
Lahore’s feathers are soft and silky, with an elegant sheen that can add to their magnificence.

They have a close-fitting body that makes them comfortable flyers.
Lahore pigeons are active birds with swift reflexes that enable them to glide and turn in the air with remarkable grace.

Breeding Lahore Pigeons

Breeding Lahore pigeons is an art that requires patience, skill, and a lot of effort. They are known for their beauty, grace, and intelligence, making them a popular breeder choice. If you are interested in breeding Lahore pigeons, here is a guide on how to do it right.

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How to Select A Mating Pair

Selecting the right breeding pair is crucial for successful breeding.

Choose healthy pigeons with no signs of illness or deformities.
Look for pigeons that are of different genetic backgrounds to avoid inbreeding.

Select pigeons that display the desired physical traits you want to breed for, such as feather color and size.
Observe the pigeons’ behavior to ensure they are compatible, and avoid pairing aggressive pigeons together.

Incubation of Eggs

Once you have a mating pair, it’s time to focus on incubating the eggs.

The ideal temperature for incubation is between 37. 5-38 degrees Celsius.
Keep the humidity level at around 55-60% to prevent the eggs from drying.
Turn the eggs regularly to prevent the embryo from sticking to the shell.

Use a candler to monitor the embryonic development and discard any infertile eggs.

Raising and Nurturing Young Lahore Pigeons

Once the eggs have hatched, providing appropriate care to the young chicks is essential.

Provide a warm and safe nesting area for the chicks.

Feed them a nutritious diet that includes a mixture of pigeon feed, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Gradually introduce the chicks to solid food as they grow older.
Monitor the chicks’ health regularly and seek veterinary care if necessary.

Lahore Pigeon Behavior

Understanding these pigeons’ behavior is crucial to providing them with proper care and training. Here are some essential points on Lahore pigeon behavior.

Temperament and Socialization

Like all birds, Lahore pigeons have their unique personalities and temperaments. Understanding their behavior can help you interact with them better.

Lahore pigeons are docile and easy-going birds. They don’t usually exhibit aggressive behavior, making them an ideal pet for families with kids.

They have a particular social hierarchy within the flock. They communicate through cooing, mirroring body language, and head bobbing.
Generally, Lahore pigeons are sociable birds and tend to bond easily with their owners. They enjoy human interaction and seek attention.

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To raise social Lahore pigeons, it’s best to keep them in pairs to encourage bonding. Additionally, providing ample space and regularly interacting with them will help build a strong and friendly relationship.

Interaction with Other Breeds of Pigeons

Lahore pigeons have fantastic social skills and can mingle well with almost any breed. However, they might exhibit some level of dominance and hierarchical tendencies.

Lahore pigeons tend to keep to themselves and avoid conflict with other pigeons.
They can live with other breeds of pigeons without any issues. However, they might become territorial during breeding season, and it’s best to isolate them during this period.

Lahore pigeons are known to learn faster when exposed to other pigeon breeds. If you have a variety of pigeon breeds in your loft, your Lahore pigeon will quickly pick up new behaviors and skills.

Training and Handling Lahore Pigeons

Training Lahore pigeons might seem challenging initially, but with the right approach, it’s easy to train them.

Start training them when they are young. Younger pigeons tend to learn faster and are generally more receptive to training.

Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praises, to encourage desirable behaviors.
Ensure that they have a comfortable environment free of any distractions when training. This will help them concentrate better.
Handling Lahore pigeons requires patience and care. Ensure you are gentle and calm when handling them to avoid frightening them.

Health and Care Guide of Lahore Pigeons

Like any other animal, Lahore pigeons require proper care and attention to maintain their health and well-being.

Here is everything you need to know about caring for your Lahore pigeons, specifically focusing on their health, nutrition, and housing needs.

Preventative Measures for Common Pigeon Diseases

Preventative measures are crucial in ensuring your Lahore pigeons stay healthy and disease-free.

Avian pox: A viral disease that manifests as wart-like growths on the bird’s skin and mucous membranes. This can be prevented by vaccinating your pigeons regularly.
Paratyphoid: A bacterial infection that affects the bird’s digestive system. It can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene in the pigeon loft and providing clean water and feed.
Salmonella: Another bacterial infection that can affect the bird’s digestive system and cause diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. It can be prevented by providing clean water and feed and avoiding overcrowding in the loft.

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Feeding and Nutrition Requirements

Lahore pigeons require a balanced diet with grains, seeds, and vegetables. Providing your pigeons with clean water and fresh food is essential daily.

High-quality pigeon feed that contains a mixture of grains and seeds. You can also supplement their diet with lettuce, spinach, and carrots.
Provide your pigeons with clean water daily. Change their water frequently to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Adding grit to their diet helps in their digestion, as they require small hard particles in their crop to grind their food.

Housing and Environment

Creating a suitable environment for Lahore pigeons is essential to their health and well-being.

Provide a well-ventilated and safe pigeon loft that protects your pigeons from predators, harsh weather, and direct sunlight.

Ensure that the loft is clean and dry at all times to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
Give them enough space to move around freely. Overcrowding can lead to stress, which can cause health problems in your pigeons.

Conclusion

Lahore pigeons are stunning and magnificent birds that require specialized care and attention. This breed is ideal for pigeon enthusiasts who value beauty and elegance. They have proven popular among bird keepers, from their unique appearance to their calm nature.

If you’re considering owning a Lahore pigeon, gathering as much information about their care and breeding requirements as possible is essential. Owning one of them is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, and with proper care, these birds can thrive and bring joy for many years to come.