The Indian Fantail pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon which was originated in India. It was actually developed over many years of selective breeding.
This breed and other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants of the feral or wild rock pigeon. It is one of the most popular varieties of the eye-catching fantail pigeon group.
Fantails may be among the oldest fancy pigeon breeds, since there is a record of these birds going back to Spain in 1150 A.D. The Indian Fantail itself has been dated back to 1560 A.D.
Indian Fantail Pigeon Breed Information
These fantail pigeons are very common and popular in many countries around the world. They are very beautiful and also good for raising as pets. Read some more information about the Indian Fantail pigeon breed below.
Indian Fantail pigeon is a medium sized breed with beautiful appearance. It has a distinct fan shaped tail, and is usually bigger than the English Fantail pigeons.
These birds are most commonly white in color with light tan spots. Although the pigeon breeders have introduced more new colors recently. They usually walk on their toes and the feet are covered in feathers.
Chest of the Indian Fantail pigeons is carried upright so that it is higher than the bird’s head, which rests back on the cushion formed by the tail feathers.
They have a small crest over their head. Their average body height is about 11 inch. And average live body weight of the mature Indian Fantail pigeon is about 370 grams, and sometimes more. Photo and info from RightPet and Wikipedia.
Making a good house or shelter for your pigeons is a very important part of keeping these pigeons. So, try to make a good shelter/house for your birds. If you have only a few pigeons, then you can consider purchasing a ready-made cage from the market.
Feeding the birds with very good quality and nutritious food is the most important part of keeping pigeons. Good and nutritious food helps the birds to stay healthy and grow better. Fantails are like other pigeon breeds, and you can feed them wheat, maize, paddy, rice, enamel, legume, mustard, gram etc.
Consult with an expert or a vet in your area for having better recommendations regarding feeding the birds. And provide your birds with adequate clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Like many other domestic pigeon breeds, the fantails are also very good breeders. They will breed easily if you keep them in pair. This breed has no breeding issues.
Indian Fantail pigeons usually lay 2 or 3 eggs in a clutch. Hatched fledglings take at least 4 to 6 weeks to fly and leave their home. Usually a breeding pair can lay eggs around or after 21 days from the first hatch.
These fantails are very strong and hardy birds and they generally require less caring and other management. Although, taking additional care will help the birds to grow well and stay healthy.
So, try to take good care of them. Feed them good food, clean their shelter regularly, provide them required medicines and monitor their health on a regular basis for any signs of health problem, and ask veterinarian if you notice anything wrong.
The Indian Fantail pigeon breed is used for exhibition and ornamental purposes.
Raising Indian Fantails as Pets
These pigeons are excellent as pets, and they are even very good for the beginners. They are very docile and friendly to humans. These pigeons will be very good for you if you are looking for raising pigeons as pets.
The Indian Fantail pigeon is very calm and gentle in nature. It is naturally tame and confiding. And it’s easy to train these birds. They can’t fly well, so keep them safe from cats and other predators.
They are very good for show and ornamental purposes. But also very good for raising as pets. They usually lay 2-3 eggs in a clutch. Hatched fledglings take at least 4 to 6 weeks to fly and leave their home.
Usually a breeding pair can lay eggs around or after 21 days from the first hatch.
The Indian Fantail pigeon is a pretty long lived bird, and it’s average lifespan is about 10-20 years. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
|Breed Name||Indian Fantail|
|Breed Purpose||Exhibition, pets|
|Special Notes||Beautiful birds, calm and gentle in nature, naturally tame, can’t fly well, good for show, good for ornamental purpose, good for raising as pets|
|Weight||Around 370 grams|
|Climate Tolerance||All climates|
|As Pets||Very good|
|Country/Place of Origin||India|
Indian Fantail Pigeon Facts
Here are the best Indian Fantail Pigeon facts, from their history and appearance to their behavior and care.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons originated in India and were bred for their unique tail feathers.
- They are a medium-sized breed, with males weighing between 12-14 ounces and females weighing between 11-12 ounces.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons have a distinctive fan-shaped tail that can grow up to 14 inches in length.
- They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, blue, red, and silver.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons have a gentle and calm temperament, making them popular as pets and show birds.
- They are social animals and enjoy the company of other pigeons and humans.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are a domesticated breed and are kept as pets, show birds, and for racing.
- They require regular grooming to prevent their tail feathers from becoming tangled or dirty.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are herbivores and require a diet of high-quality pigeon feed, fresh vegetables, and water.
- They have a lifespan of 7-10 years, depending on their care and genetics.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are a popular breed for pigeon racing, and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
- They require regular exercise and playtime to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are sensitive to extreme temperatures and require a cool and comfortable living environment.
- They are prone to health problems such as respiratory infections and parasites, which require regular veterinary care.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are a popular breed for their unique tail feathers, which are often used for ornamental purposes.
- They require a quiet and stress-free environment to thrive, as they can be prone to anxiety and stress-related illnesses.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are intelligent and can be trained to return to their home base or loft.
- They require a safe and secure living space, such as a pigeon loft or aviary.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are a low-maintenance breed in terms of feeding and exercise, but require regular grooming to maintain their tail feathers.
- They are docile and friendly animals that enjoy spending time with their owners.
- Indian Fantail Pigeons are often used in shows and competitions for their unique appearance and behavior.
- They are a unique and fascinating breed with a long history and many wonderful qualities. They make excellent pets and show birds for those who appreciate their distinctive tail feathers and gentle temperament.
Tips for Raising Indian Fantail Pigeons
Here some of the best tips for raising Indian Fantail Pigeons, from feeding and housing to health and breeding.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a clean and spacious living space. They require plenty of room to fly and exercise.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a comfortable and soft surface to rest on, such as straw or wood shavings.
- Make sure to provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with plenty of fresh water at all times. They also require a balanced diet of high-quality pigeon feed and fresh vegetables.
- Monitor your Indian Fantail Pigeons’ health closely and seek veterinary care if you notice any changes or signs of illness.
- Keep your Indian Fantail Pigeons’ living space clean and free of any hazards or potential dangers, such as sharp objects or toxic substances.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, such as toys and exercise opportunities.
- Train your Indian Fantail Pigeons to return to their home base or loft. This is important for their safety and to prevent them from getting lost.
- Make sure to provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with plenty of shade and fresh water when they are outside.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a safe and secure outdoor space to play and exercise.
- Avoid exposing your Indian Fantail Pigeons to extreme temperatures, as they can be prone to heat stroke and hypothermia.
- Keep your Indian Fantail Pigeons’ living space free of any drafts or cold air currents.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a nesting area or loft for breeding.
- Monitor your Indian Fantail Pigeons’ breeding behavior closely, and separate males and females when necessary to prevent over-breeding.
- Avoid breeding Indian Fantail Pigeons that are closely related, as this can lead to genetic problems and health issues.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and high-quality pigeon feed.
- Avoid overfeeding your Indian Fantail Pigeons, as this can lead to obesity and health problems.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a variety of perches and climbing structures to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
- Make sure to provide your pigeons with a clean and dry living space to prevent disease and infection.
- Provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with a nesting box or platform to encourage breeding behavior.
- Keep your Indian Fantail Pigeons’ vaccinations and parasite prevention up to date to prevent illness and disease.
- Monitor your Indian Fantail Pigeons’ behavior closely, and seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of aggression or unusual behavior.
- Make sure to provide your Indian Fantail Pigeons with plenty of attention and affection, as they are social animals that thrive on companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Fantail pigeons are very beautiful and amazing birds. They are very popular and available throughout the world. They are mainly used for ornamental or exhibition purpose. But they are also very good for raising as pets. Popularity of this beautiful and fantastic pigeon breed is increasing gradually, and that’s why many people are asking numerous questions about these birds. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions about this breed of domestic pigeon, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What are Indian Fantail pigeons used for?
Indian fantail pigeons are fancy birds and they are raised mainly for show, ornamental and exhibition purposes. They are also good for raising as pets.
What is the difference between Indian fantail and American fantail pigeon?
The Indian fantails are much larger, crested and have feathered feet. They also have a fairly natural stance, while the American form stands on tip-toes and leans way back, with head almost buried between the breast and tail.
How do you take care of an Indian fantail pigeon?
Caring these fantails is relatively easy. Common caring tasks for these birds include:
- Cleaning their water sources regularly
- Providing them adequate clean and fresh drinking water
- Giving them sufficient nutritious food (you can also give them commercial pigeon pellets)
- Removing any uneaten vegetables or fruits daily so they don’t rot
- Giving them all the required medicines
Are fantail pigeons good as pets?
Yes, the fantails are very good as pets.
Where do fantail pigeons come from?
Different fantail pigeons have originated from different countries. For example, the Indian fantail is from India.
How long do fantail pigeons live?
Average lifespan of a fantail pigeon is around or up to 20 years.
How many eggs do Fantail pigeons lay?
Indian Fantail pigeons generally lay 2 or 3 eggs in a clutch.
What do you feed fantail pigeons?
A Fantail Pigeon’s diet consists of a variety of grains, seeds, greens, berries, fruits, and occasionally insects, snails and earthworms.
Do pigeons bond with humans?
Yes, pigeons bond easily with humans.
How much does a fantail pigeon cost?
Average price of an Indian fantail pigeon is between $20 and $30. Although, exact price can vary from place to place.
Can fantail pigeons fly?
Yes, sure! They generally fly with a rapid darting movement.
Are fantail pigeons friendly?
Yes, the fantail is a friendly pigeon breed.
What is the difference between a male and female fantail pigeon?
The main difference between a male and a female fantail is in their size. The male fantails are generally larger than the females.
Are fantails aggressive?
Sometimes the fantails are territorial and aggressively defend their territories from conspecifics.
What are the main color varieties of Indian fantail pigeons?
The Indian fantail pigeons are available in many different color varieties including black, blue, dun, red, white, silver, yellow and. Their most common colors are white with light tan spots.
What are the Indian fantail pigeon facts?
They are beautiful birds, calm and gentle in nature, docile temperament, attractive appearance, smart and sweet, excellent for show, very good for raising as pets.