Pigeon keeping
Livestock rearing was perceived to be a preserve of a
specific community. Today, many people have seen the sense of rearing livestock
for a number of reasons. We are going to focus on pigeon rearing.
There are numerous breeds of pigeons worldwide. However,
such breeds are always reared mainly for two purposes namely
·
Meat production
·
Entertainment
Pigeons are known to be staying together in pairs and each
single pair of a female and male stay together for the whole of their lives. Some
of the notable examples of pigeon breeds include; the white king, silver king,
texona, lokha, gola, fantail, Jacobin, Modena, frillback, trubit, trumpeter and
Templar among others.
Life expectancy
After identifying a partner, pigeons can survive for a
period of thirteen years. Both male and female collect straw in order to build
their nest. At the age of five and a half months, the female pigeon starts
laying eggs. Pigeons lay two eggs and they have a breeding capability of about
eighteen years for hatching their eggs. Baby pigeons have crop milk in their
stomach and this they use for four days of their birth. Using their lips or
beaks, the female pigeons always feed their young ones for a period of ten days
and later leave them to look for their own food. The young ones attain adult
age after twenty six days.
Even though many people rear pigeons to entertain them as
their pets, today rearing pigeon can help you generate a lot of money owing to
their tender and sweet meat. For instance, the meats that baby pigeons produce
are very tasty and soft compared to those of the adults.
Benefits of pigeon
farming
i.
Pigeons can easily be domesticated and handled
ii.
After attaining six months of age, pigeons lay
eggs and hatch two baby pigeons monthly
iii.
Pigeons can be raised on the roof tops and/or
within the home yard and do not require big space
iv.
The period taken to hatch their eggs is quite
short…only eighteen days.
v.
Within a span of just three to four weeks, the
young ones also commonly referred to as squabs
are always ready for consumption
vi.
Pigeon feeds are very affordable. In fact, in a
number of occasions, pigeons normally fetch for their own food.
vii.
The meat got from the pigeons is tasty, with a
lot of demand as well as value in both local and international, markets.
viii.
Rearing pigeons can be very entertaining and
pleasing. You can spend your leisure time admiring some of the activities of
the birds
ix.
There are comparatively less diseases in pigeon
x.
Their closet can be used as the best place for
crop manure cultivation
xi.
The pigeon feathers can be used to make
beautiful toys
Conclusion
Just like already indicated, rearing pigeons can be much
interesting in addition to being profitable. Many consider them symbol of
peace. People with facilities love raising them due to the fact that they make
your home beautiful besides their economic values.