Strasser Pigeon Breed Guide- A Complete Guidance for Breeders
Raising pigeons as a hobby requires expertise to produce superior birds. The Strasser pigeon breed, in particular, is a popular choice among pigeon fanciers, known for its distinctive appearance, excellent flying abilities, and friendly temperament. So how to breed your Strasser pigeon?
Generally, these birds require a good breeding environment with plenty of space, proper nutrition, and regular health monitoring. The pair will reward you with beautiful chicks if you provide all these requirements.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to breed Strasser pigeons, including tips on creating a suitable nesting place, providing a nutrient-rich diet, and maintaining a secure and pleasant environment for your birds.
How to Breed Strasser Pigeons?
Breeding Strasser pigeons involves a meticulous process that demands thorough planning and attention to detail. Follow these steps to achieve successful breeding of Strasser pigeons:
Step 1: Get a Pair of Healthy Pigeons
Finding a healthy pair of Strasser pigeons is the first step in breeding them. Look for awake, active pigeons who show no indications of disease. To minimize genetic difficulties caused by inbreeding, selecting pigeons that are not closely related to one another is critical.
Step 2: Provide an Appropriate Nesting Place
To maintain your Strasser pigeons’ well-being, provide them with a nesting spot that is pleasant, safe, and favorable to breeding. For optimal protection, the ideal nesting box size should be no less than 12 inches square and placed at an elevated height from the ground. The nesting box should also be easy to enter and depart for the birds.
Choose soft and comfortable materials like straw, hay, or wood shavings for nesting to improve the health and productivity of Strasser pigeons.
Step 3: Facilitate Optimal Nutritional Intake and Adequate Hydration
The nutrition of breeding pigeons is an essential component of their general health and vigor. So, if you want your birds to stay healthy and happy, you have to give them good food. Get some of that fancy pigeon feed made for breeding birds, and you’re good to go!
Also, it’s really necessary to make sure that your bird buddies have access to fresh and clean water all the time. This will help make sure they get all the nutrition and hydration they need to stay healthy and happy.
Step 4: Let Them Create a Bonding
Prior to procreation, facilitating a strong interpersonal connection between avian partners is of utmost importance. This can be achieved by providing a separate enclosure for the duo to inhabit for a brief period, allowing them to establish a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Step 5: Keep an Eye Out for Indicators of Breeding Behavior
In Strasser pigeons, procreative conduct is initiated when the male shows interest in the female through courting behavior such as circling or displaying dominance posturing with puffed-up chest feathers. Upon forming a bond, the pair will proceed to mate.
It is essential to be vigilant for these indications of reproductive behavior as they signify that your avian charges are prepared for breeding. At this stage, it is crucial to ensure the birds are not subjected to any disturbances.
Step 6: Eliminate Non-Fertilized Eggs
Following copulation, the female Strasser pigeon will produce eggs in the designated nesting area. It is of paramount importance to vigilantly observe the eggs and cull any that are non-fertilized.
This practice is essential not only for the well-being of the breeder but also to circumvent any complications associated with egg binding. Typically, the gestation period for hatching is a span of 18 to 21 days.
Step 7: Care for the Chicks and Observe Development
Pigeons are very caring parents and will take care of their hatchlings, but it is necessary to regularly check on the chicks and monitor their growth and development. But don’t touch the chicks too often, as this might disrupt the natural bonding process between the parents and their offspring.
Sometimes one baby can be weaker than the others or need extra attention. In such cases, it is advisable to separate the weaker chick from the others until it gains strength or to hand-feed it if necessary.
After a few weeks of hatching, the chicks will be fully feathered and ready to leave the nest. Now you can begin the process of weaning them off their parents’ crop milk and transitioning them to a solid food diet.
What are the Health Issues that Strasser Pigeons May Encounter?
Strasser pigeons are generally healthy birds but can be susceptible to certain health issues. Here are some of the most common health problems they may encounter:
Respiratory Infections
These birds can be prone to respiratory infections like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. These infections can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Parasites
Mostly unclean conditions cause parasites, such as mites and lice. These parasites can cause itching, feather loss, and other skin issues. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the pigeon’s living space can help prevent infestations.
Nutritional Deficiencies
These pigeons require a balanced diet to maintain optimal health. If they do not receive proper nutrition, they can develop nutritional deficiencies that can affect their overall health.
Common deficiencies include a lack of vitamins, minerals, or protein. Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your bird is receiving a balanced diet.
Fungal Infections
Strasser pigeons are also susceptible to fungal infections such as Aspergillosis. This disease can be caused by breathing in fungal spores found in contaminated food, water, or living conditions.
The symptoms include difficulty breathing, a decreased appetite, and lethargy. Treatment may include antifungal medication and improving living conditions to prevent further infections.
Egg-Binding
Female pigeons can sometimes experience egg-binding, when an egg becomes stuck in the oviduct. This can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Conclusion
Breeding Strasser pigeons can be a fulfilling experience for bird enthusiasts. Following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive breed guide, breeders can ensure that their pigeons have a healthy environment, optimal nutrition, and adequate care.
However, it is essential to keep an eye out for any health issues that may arise and take prompt action to prevent the spread of illnesses. Strasser pigeons may thrive and offer delight to their breeders with adequate care and attention.