Pigeon Raising Honor

Agricultural Activities

Requirements

1. Identify, live or from photos, at least 3 species of pigeons, noting their respective aptitude (homing pigeon or ornamental).

   Answer: 1) Homing pigeon (Columba livia): message delivery, flies long distances. 2) Fantail pigeon: ornamental, with a fan-shaped tail. 3) Frillback pigeon: ornamental, with curled feathers. Others: trumpeter, king (meat), fantail. Each breed has its own characteristics of function and plumage. — Pigeon-fancying diversity. Homing pigeon: ancestor Columba livia, training uses the homing instinct; it covers 1000+ km at a speed of 90 km/h; used in wars (messengers). Fantail pigeon (Indian Fantail): a fan-shaped tail with 30-40 feathers, displayed vertically. Frillback: curled/frilled feathers (like a ruffle). King: heavy (up to 1 kg), bred for meat. Fantail: similar to the peacock pigeon. Trumpeter: a characteristic call. Tippler: flies for hours at altitude. More than 350 breeds are cataloged. The International Pigeon-Fancying Federation regulates competitions.

2. Describe and identify, by means of photographs, the following facilities and equipment needed for raising Pigeons:
   • Dovecote
   • Perches
   • Trapdoor
   • Nesting box
   • Drinkers (waterers)
   • Feeders

   Answer: 1) Loft: a covered shelter where the pigeons live, with a window or entry opening, ventilated, dry, and protected from predators; it must be cleaned regularly. 2) Perches: horizontal boards or supports fixed to the interior walls, where the pigeons land and rest. 3) Trap: a one-way (unidirectional) entry door that allows the pigeon to come back into the loft but prevents it from leaving, aiding the birds' return. 4) Nest box: a box about 30x30 cm, with lining, where the female lays and broods the eggs; there should be one nest per pair. 5) Drinkers: containers with clean, fresh water, usually of the inverted type (with a reservoir), changed daily to avoid contamination. 6) Feeders: tubes, trays, or troughs where the feed and dry grain are placed; they must be protected from rain and dirt. — Facilities for pigeon raising. Loft: 2x2x2 m minimum (10 pairs), roof, top ventilation, washable floor. Perches: 'V' shapes on the walls, 30 cm spacing. Trap: Bob type or Sliding type — the pigeon enters easily, leaves with difficulty; used so homing pigeons return to the loft. Nests: boxes on shelves (4 legs), lined with straw or husks. Drinkers: an inverted jug over a dish (Hering), 5 L capacity. Feeders: a cylindrical tube with a bottom outlet, keeps grain dry. Hygiene: weekly cleaning, monthly disinfection prevents salmonellosis and paramyxovirosis.

3. What characteristics should be taken into account when choosing a species of pigeon?

   Answer: 1) Purpose (ornamental, homing, meat). 2) Adaptation to the climate. 3) Availability in the market. 4) Acquisition cost. 5) Available space. 6) The breeder's experience. 7) The health and lineage of the parents. Beginners prefer the common domestic or the rustic homing pigeon before delicate ornamentals. — Decision criteria. The priority purpose defines the breed: homing (sporting training), ornamental (exhibitions), meat (squab). Climate: tropical breeds (rustic) vs. Nordic ones (sensitive). Availability: research nearby breeders, federations. Cost: ornamentals are worth R$300-2000/pair; homing pigeons R$50-500. Space: the fantail needs little flying; the frillback needs a larger box. Experience: common domestic for beginners; purebreds for advanced fanciers. Health: COBA ring (Brazilian Confederation), veterinary exam. Recommendation for beginners: 4-6 pairs, a simple breed, before advancing.

4. What is the ideal minimum size of the flock for an inexperienced breeder to start the activity of raising pigeons?

   Answer: 4 to 6 pairs (8-12 pigeons) are recommended for beginners. This allows good management of each animal, observing behaviors, identifying problems, and practicing techniques. More than 10 pairs initially requires experience. After 6 months to 1 year, the flock can be gradually expanded. — Criteria for beginners. Minimum pair: 1 male + 1 female breeding. 4-6 pairs allow you to: observe laying (1 egg every 10 days per pair), genetic variability, easy division into nests, manageable handling. A small flock: lower financial risk, gradual learning, the possibility of recoverable mistakes. Expansion: gradual, after stabilizing the health of the initial flock. Signs of readiness to grow: zero deaths in 3 months, hatching rate >70%, adequate body weight. Recommended limit: double the flock every 6 months if everything is stable.

5. Describe a feeding program for domestic birds, from the hatching of the eggs to the adult stage.

   Answer: At hatching to 7 days: 'crop milk' regurgitated by the parents. 8-25 days: the parents regurgitate pre-digested grain. 25-35 days: the chick starts eating grain on its own (cracked corn, sorghum). 1-3 months: balanced feed for young birds (18% protein). 3-6 months: a diet for growing birds (16%). Adult: a mixture of grains (60% corn, 30% sorghum, 10% pea) + minerals. Always clean water. — Nutrition in pigeon raising. Crop milk: produced by both parents, a secretion rich in protein (70%) and lipids — essential in the first days. It gradually ceases with the regurgitation of softened grain. The chicks ('squabs') leave the nest at 25-30 days. Initial solid feeding: cracked grain, sorghum (Sorghum). Adult: whole grains (digestible by the crop), in proportions that vary by region and climate. Supplements: digestive stones (grit), calcareous shells (calcium), trace elements. Water: clean, changed daily, with optional drops of iodine for disinfection.

6. Know and present a good formula of seeds, grains, and ground feed to be used in feeding pigeons, and in what proportions they should be mixed and administered? Why should less corn be used in hot climates?

   Answer: Formula: 50% corn, 25% sorghum, 15% pea, 5% wheat, 5% sunflower. Calcareous shells for calcium. In hot climates: reduce corn to 30% and increase sorghum (40%). Excessive corn causes heat stress and reduces laying. Climate adaptation ensures the health of the flock. — Climate-based nutrition. Corn: high energy (3,300 kcal/kg), 9% protein, generates metabolic heat during digestion. Sorghum: similar but less energetic, more resistant. Pea: 22% protein, an important legume. Wheat: 12% protein, a good complement. Sunflower: rich in fatty acids. Hot climates: excessive corn causes hyperthermia, low appetite, decreased reproduction. Sorghum is a popular alternative in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Supplementation: stones (grit), shells (calcium), iodine, iron. Presentation: mix well, offer in tubular feeders to avoid waste.

7. Name the main parts of a pigeon. Refer to and demonstrate, by means of photographs, the parts of the pigeon's wing, as well as the importance of this structure.

   Answer: Parts of the pigeon: beak, head, eyes, neck, breast, wings, back, tail, feet. Wing: primary flight feathers (10), secondaries (12), tertiaries, coverts (lesser/greater), alula (small feathers on the thumb). Importance: controlled flight, gliding, braking, maneuvers. Long, strong wings ensure the capacity for extended flight (homing pigeons) or display (ornamentals). — Pigeon-fancying anatomy. Beak: horny, a hard tip for grain. Eyes: exceptional (panoramic) vision. Breast: the flight musculature (the pectorals are 25% of the weight). Tail: the rudder of flight. Feet: 4 toes (3 front, 1 back), short claws. Wing structure: humerus, radius/ulna, carpus, hands. Feathers: long primaries generate propulsion, secondaries lift, coverts aerodynamics. The alula prevents stalling at low speed. Importance: aerodynamic capacity varies by breed — homing pigeons have reinforced feathers; ornamentals have decorative feathers (frillback). Visual identification allows assessing health and quality.

8. What is the importance of a correct molt? How can this period be controlled?

   Answer: Molting renews the worn plumage after breeding. It is important for flight, thermal insulation, display, and health. Control it with a diet rich in protein (sunflower) and calcium, vitamin supplements, shade, and rest. A poorly done molt causes fragile feathers and poor flight performance. — An annual physiological phenomenon. Molting: the gradual replacement of feathers, all replaced in ~3 months. Sequence: primaries (1 per year), secondaries, tail, body. Reproduction ceases during the molt — energy goes to regeneration. Essential nutrients: protein (keratin), calcium, biotin, zinc. Commercial supplements: 'molt grit', vitamins. Control: reduce reproduction (separate pairs), increase rest, water baths, a stress-free environment. Signs of a healthy molt: new, shiny feathers, with no spots. Bad signs: brittle feathers, compulsive hunger, excessive shedding (baldness). Time: 60-90 days normally.

9. Raise at least 2 pairs of pigeons. If they are homing pigeons, train them to return to the loft from a distance of 40 kilometers. If they are ornamental pigeons, prepare them for exhibitions.

   Answer: 2 pairs in a loft, balanced feed, clean water, nests. Reproduction at 6 months. Homing pigeons: train short flights (5 km), increasing up to 40 km. Release in a known place. Ornamentals: baths, gentle handling, COBA ring, groomed plumage, exhibitions. A practical activity. — An essential practical activity. Raising: establish a daily routine — feeding 2x/day, weekly cleaning, observation. Pairs: monogamous, 2 eggs per laying, 17 days of shared incubation. Training homing pigeons: the classic technique — start at 1 km, release several times at the same place, increase gradually. Pigeons memorize reference points (the sun, Earth's magnetism, smell). 40 km requires 4-6 months of consistent training. Ornamentals: a weekly bath, feeding that enhances colors, daily handling (getting used to judging). Federations: COBA Brazil, regulate certifications. Large annual exhibitions: SP, RJ, SC.

10. Present a report highlighting the main health problems that affect birds, pointing out the symptoms and signs, as well as how to prevent and/or treat them.

    Answer: Salmonellosis: diarrhea, weakness; antibiotic. Paramyxovirosis: tremors, paralysis; annual vaccine. Trichomoniasis: lesions in the crop. Coccidiosis: bloody diarrhea; sulfa. Lice: itching; insecticides. Prevention: vaccination, strict hygiene, a 30-day quarantine for new pigeons. — Pigeon diseases. Salmonellosis (Salmonella typhimurium): a zoonosis, transmissible to humans. Paramyxovirosis (PPMV-1): a virus, equivalent to Newcastle disease; compulsory vaccine. Trichomoniasis (Trichomonas gallinae): a protozoan, yellow patches in the crop; metronidazole. Coccidiosis (Eimeria sp): an intestinal protozoan; sulfa antibiotic, a dry environment. Lice (Mallophaga): they eat keratin; permethrin spray. Others: mycoplasmosis (sinusitis), avian pox. Quarantine for new birds: 30 days separated. Annual vaccination: PMV. Hygiene: daily cleaning of nests, weekly change of sand, complete monthly disinfection.

11. Visit a property where pigeon raising is practiced and write a report of at least 300 words highlighting the main activities carried out there, as well as your lived experience in fulfilling the requirements of this Honor.

    Answer: Locate a breeder via COBA or a club. Schedule a visit. Observe the facilities (loft, trap), management (feeding, hygiene), the flock. Talk with the breeder. Note down techniques. Report of 300+ words: describe the place, the activities, personal learning, comparison with theory, conclusions. — A hands-on immersion activity. Location: COBA Brazil (Confederation), regional clubs (CCRJ-RJ, ABCP-SP), agricultural fairs. Visit: 2-3 hours, bring a notebook and camera. Observe: the physical structure, the quality of the animals, the sanitary organization, the records. Key questions: 'How did you start?', 'How much time do you dedicate?', 'Biggest challenges?', 'Most common diseases?'. Learning: valuable real-world techniques that are not in books. Report: a formal structure — introduction, description of the visit, observations, lessons learned, conclusion. Apply the knowledge afterward (in your own raising or share it at a club).