Caring for Fantail Pigeons

Of the over 800 historical breeds descended from the rock dove The fantail pigeon is among the most ancient, and considered the original “fancy pigeon”. While the exact origins are unknown the breed is described in Spain as early as 1150 AD. Fantails can be bred with many color variations, but all possess the regal tail held upright much like miniature peacocks of the pigeon world.
Our fantails are a cross between American Fantails and Indian Fantails. Indian fantails date as far back as 1560 AD. The key differences between the two types are in ornamentation and display. Indian fantails have a much fancier tail, which after developing becomes “bristled” as the feather filaments separate, yielding a mesh like pattern towards the tips. Indian fantails have feathered feet and a raised crest at the back of the head. American fantails lack the crest and can have feathered or non-feathered feet. American fantails have solid tails with full filaments out to the tips. American fantails display in a very awkward posture with the head brought back to touch the tail and the chest puffed out and upward while on tip toes. Indian fantails stand flat-footed with the head held in parallel to the tail, giving a much more natural pose.
Our fantails possess a mix of body traits from both breeds, but all display in an Indian style. The males dancing can become quite elaborate, with marching back and forth puffing up the neck and holding the wings at full span and perpendicular to the ground, alternating with the wings held tight against the body and bobbing the head up and down with the throat remaining inflated.
If tamed in a more hands on manner than Diamond Doves, any pigeon breed can become a great pet, very devoted and loving. Pigeons can also be trained to fly to the hand and perch on the shoulder, as well as to fly on command. Bonding with the bird is important to proceed in similar fashion as with Diamond doves. However when handling a pigeon, considering the size, it cannot be simply perched on the hand. An excellent way to begin handling a pigeon is to hold the feet with one hand toward the tail, and cradle the bird with the other arm providing a posture in which the bird is laying down in your arms. By holding the feet the bird will not readily try to escape, and if the lap is used as the cradle you can even pet the bird and begin a more assertive approach to showing the bird you mean it no harm. After the bird is calm one can allow it to perch in the palm of the hand, but this should be implemented after a long handling period of several weeks. Eventually the pigeon can be allowed to fly freely in the home, and a good way to train the bird is to use the cage with “freedom” positive re-enforcement. When a behavior is not desired, cage the bird. In this way the bird will associate desired behaviors with being able to be in larger spaces, or “freedom”.
Fantail pigeons kept as pets do not require a great deal of space, however when given large areas to live in the displays presented will be more grand. A pet pigeon can be housed in a cage without fear of injury given their size. The minimum sized cage should be 30 by 30 by 30 inches, to allow the bird to be able to flap it’s wings at full span. The same minimum requirements must be provided, two perches, food dishes, cuttlebone, and preferably litter rather than paper. Pigeons make a mess when eating, and thrash food about. Hooded food dishes can help contain the spread of seeds. Pigeons are grain eaters, and safflower, millet, wheat, and even corn can be fed to them. Avoid a narrow diet of seeds. Experimenting with many blends may be needed over the course of several months to find your birds best taste.
Pigeons love to bathe, and require a large shallow dish to bathe in. Like Ringneck doves the dish should be provided at least once a week, and removed to keep from fowling the living environment. A deep water dish is needed for drinking, as like all doves and pigeons fantails submerge the head to drink.
A pet pigeon should be considered with a great deal of investment, as they can live as long as 40 years with excellent care, and average 20 years in life span.