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.
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 Characteristics
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.
Housing/Shelter
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
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.
Breeding
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.
Caring
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.
Uses
The Indian Fantail pigeon breed is used for exhibition and ornamental purposes. 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.
Special Notes
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 |
| Other Name | None |
| 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 |
| Breed Class | Medium |
| Weight | Around 370 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Poor |
| As Pets | Very good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | India |
