Encyclopedia
Pigeon glossary

Glossary

Pigeon glossary

The words Egyptian fanciers actually use — from kantara and abshad to ring and race — with their English equivalents and a plain definition.

All categories Anatomy & body Colours & markings Breeding Health Genetics Showing & judging Racing & flying Loft & equipment General

6 terms

B

Breeding (raising young)التفريخBreeding: The cycle of producing squabs: mating, two eggs, 17–18 days of incubation, then rearing until weaning at about 28–35 days. In Egypt the best season avoids peak summer hea…

C

Crop milkلبن الحوصلةBreeding: A protein- and fat-rich secretion from the crop lining of both parents fed to squabs in their first days; its absence in the first week is a leading cause of squab loss.

I

Incubation (brooding)الحضنBreeding: Both parents sit the eggs in turns (hen at night and most of the day, cock at midday) for about 17–18 days. Candling after 5–7 days shows which eggs are fertile.

P

PairالزوجBreeding: A mated cock and hen. Pigeons pair with one partner for a season or longer; planned breeding starts with choosing the right pair for pedigree, health and traits.

S

SquabالزغلولBreeding: A young pigeon from hatching until fully feathered and flying. It is fed crop milk by both parents at first and is ringed at about seven days old.

W

WeaningالفطامBreeding: Separating the young from the parents once it eats and drinks on its own (28–35 days). Weaning too early or too late affects growth and the parents' next cycle.