Fantail Pigeon

Fantail Pigeon key facts

Care level

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

About 15 years

Size

Average length 28cm and average weight 369g (figures for the Indian Fantail)

Diet

Pigeon grain mixes, wheat, pulses, greens and grit

Cage

Because the birds fly poorly, a wide floor and low nest shelves suit them better than high perches. Clutches are of two eggs and a pair may begin the next clutch about 21 days after the first hatch, so provide more than one nest shelf.

Temperament

They move mainly on the ground and tame readily. Pigeon flyers use the breed as droppers, placing them on the loft landing board when training racing pigeons and Tipplers.

Vocalization

The voice is the low cooing of the rock dove, quiet enough that it rarely causes trouble even in shared housing.

Notes

The large tail soils easily, so keep the litter dry. Free-living rock doves in Japan are covered by the Wildlife Protection Act, and taking, killing or removing the eggs of such birds is in principle not permitted.

About Fantail Pigeon

The Fantail Pigeon is an ornamental breed with a fanned tail of 30-40 feathers and an upright, chest-out stance. Ground-dwelling with limited flight, it's a small, beginner-friendly bird averaging 28cm and 369g.

7 things to know before welcoming a Fantail Pigeon

1. 1A Tail of 30-40 Feathers

   The Fantail Pigeon's tail contains 30 to 40 feathers, far more than the 12 to 14 typical of most pigeon breeds. This unusually high feather count is what allows the tail to fan out so dramatically, giving the breed its signature look.

2. 2Built to Walk, Not Fly

   The large, heavy tail limits the breed's flying ability, so most of its activity happens on the ground. Plan enclosure space around room to walk and strut rather than height for flight.

3. 3A Proud, Upright Stance

   Fantail Pigeons carry themselves with a distinctive upright posture, chest pushed out and head drawn back. Combined with the fanned tail, this stance gives the breed real presence as an ornamental pigeon.

4. 4Beginner-Friendly to Keep

   This breed is generally considered suitable for first-time keepers. Even so, it's worth brushing up on basic pigeon care fundamentals before bringing one home.

5. 5A Compact, Small-Bodied Bird

   On average, Fantail Pigeons measure about 28cm in length and weigh around 369g, making them a relatively small and compact breed. Keep this in mind when sizing an enclosure.

6. 6Keep the Tail Area Clean

   Because the tail spreads so wide, it tends to brush against the ground or flooring and pick up dirt more easily. Keeping the living space clean and checking the tail regularly helps keep it in good condition.

7. 7Prepare a Ground-Level Space

   Since flying ability is limited, set up a spacious, low-obstacle area where the bird can move around comfortably on the ground before bringing one home. It's also a good idea to ask the breeder about the environment the bird has been kept in.

Frequently asked questions about Fantail Pigeon

Q.Is the Fantail Pigeon suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, this breed is generally considered beginner-friendly, making it approachable even for first-time pigeon keepers. That said, it's still worth learning the basics of pigeon care before bringing one home.

Q.Why does its tail spread so widely?

A.Most pigeon breeds have around 12 to 14 tail feathers, but the Fantail Pigeon has 30 to 40. This unusually high feather count is what lets the tail fan out so dramatically.

Q.Can Fantail Pigeons fly?

A.Their large, heavy tail limits their flying ability. Day to day, they mostly move around on the ground rather than flying.

Q.How big do Fantail Pigeons get?

A.On average, they measure about 28cm in length and weigh around 369g, making them a small, compact bird (based on measurements of the Indian Fantail).

Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping a Fantail Pigeon?

A.The Fantail Pigeon is not subject to CITES.

Useful tools for Fantail Pigeon care

Learn more about Fantail Pigeon in the encyclopedia

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