The Lahore pigeon (also known as Shahi Kabootar in Pakistan) is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon which is known for it’s impressive size and gentle nature. It was originated from Lahore, Pakistan and was bred for very long time in that area.
This breed and other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants of the rock pigeon.
The breed was imported into Germany around 1880 and became very popular among the pigeon enthusiasts at the beginning of the 1960s. The Lahore pigeon breed is usually found in the area of Iran (Shiraz). It is one of the most colorful pigeon breeds.
It is mainly an ornamental breed and actually from ancient Persia. It was once bred for it’s meat, but today it is raised mainly for it’s beautiful plumage and colorful patterns.
Lahore Pigeon Full Breed Information
Read some more information about this breed below.
Lahore Pigeon Origin
The Lahore pigeon originated in the city of Lahore, which is located in present-day Pakistan. The Lahore pigeon has a long and proud heritage that has helped make it one of the most popular pigeon breeds in the world.
The history of the Lahore pigeon is somewhat shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the breed originated in the city of Lahore, which was then part of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Empire was known for its love of exotic birds, and it is thought that the Lahore pigeon was bred as a result of this fascination.
Lahore Pigeon Characteristics
These majestic birds are known for their distinctive appearance and regal demeanor. Here are some of the key characteristics of Lahore pigeons:
Appearance
Lahore pigeons are easily recognized by their striking appearance. They have a large, rounded head and a short, broad beak. Their eyes are bright and alert, and they have a smooth, plump body with a graceful curve to their neck.
Lahore pigeons come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including white, black, blue, red, and silver. They often have iridescent feathers that shine in the sunlight, giving them a dazzling appearance.
Size
Lahore pigeons are a medium-sized breed of pigeon, with an average length of 11-13 inches (28-33 cm) and a wingspan of 24-26 inches (61-66 cm). They weigh between 14-18 ounces (400-500 grams), making them slightly heavier than other domestic pigeon breeds.
Behavior
Lahore pigeons are known for their calm and gentle demeanor. They are social birds that enjoy being around other pigeons, as well as humans. They are not aggressive or territorial, and are often kept in flocks for breeding and exhibition purposes.
Lahore Pigeon Housing
Making a good, comfortable and secure housing system for your birds is very important. So, try to build a good house for them and ensure all required facilities are available inside the house.
Location
When choosing a location for your Lahore pigeon loft, it is important to consider the climate and weather patterns in your area.
Lahore pigeons thrive in moderate temperatures, so you will want to avoid placing the loft in areas that are too hot or too cold. You will also want to make sure that the loft is located in an area that is well-ventilated and free from drafts.
Size
The size of your Lahore pigeon loft will depend on the number of birds you plan to keep. As a general rule, each bird should have at least 2 square feet of living space.
This means that a loft that is 10 feet by 10 feet can comfortably house 25 birds. The loft should also be at least 6 feet high to allow the birds to fly and move around freely.
Design
The design of your pigeon loft should take into account the needs of the birds. The loft should be well-ventilated and provide plenty of natural light.
You should also provide perches and nesting boxes for the birds, as well as a place for them to bathe. You may also want to consider installing wire mesh around the loft to keep predators out.
Cleanliness
Keeping your pigeon loft clean is essential for the health and well-being of your birds. You should clean the loft on a regular basis, removing any droppings and replacing soiled bedding.
You may also want to consider using disinfectants and other cleaning products to keep the loft free from disease and parasites.
Lahore Pigeon Feeding
Like many other domestic birds, feeding the pigeons with good quality and nutritious food is very important. Good and nutritious food helps to keep the birds healthy.
You can feed your kings with wheat, maize, paddy, rice, enamel, legume, mustard, gram etc. Along with good quality food, always try to provide them enough clean and fresh drinking water.
Basic Diet
Lahore pigeons are omnivorous and require a balanced diet of grains, seeds, and vegetables. A good basic diet for Lahore pigeons consists of pigeon feed, which is available at most pet stores, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also provide them with grit and crushed oyster shells to aid in digestion.
Supplements
In addition to their basic diet, these pigeons may benefit from supplements such as vitamins and minerals. You can find these supplements at most pet stores, and they can help ensure that your birds are getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Water
Water is an essential part of your pigeon’s diet, and you should make sure that they have access to clean, fresh water at all times. You can provide water in a bowl or use a water dispenser to make sure that the water stays clean and fresh.
Feeding Schedule
It is important to establish a feeding schedule for your Lahore pigeons, as overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems.
You should feed your birds twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. You should also make sure that you are not overfeeding your birds by monitoring their weight and adjusting their diet accordingly.
Treats
Lahore pigeons can be given treats such as bread, corn, and peas, but these should be given in moderation as they are high in calories. You can also provide them with cuttlebone or other mineral blocks to help keep their beaks trimmed and healthy.
Lahore Pigeon Breeding
Like many other domestic pigeon breeds, these pigeons are naturally good breeders. They will breed easily and produce baby if you keep them in pair.
After successful mating, a female will lay two eggs and will start hatching. And like other pigeon breeds, it also take roughly 17 days for the eggs to hatch.
Breeding Pair
The first step in breeding Lahore pigeons is to choose a breeding pair. You should choose birds that are healthy, free from disease, and genetically diverse. A breeding pair should also be at least one year old and have a history of successful breeding.
Breeding Season
Lahore pigeons breed in the spring and summer months, from March to August. During this time, you should provide your birds with a nesting box and nesting materials such as straw, twigs, and leaves. You should also provide your birds with a well-balanced diet that is rich in protein and other nutrients.
Courtship
Lahore pigeons engage in courtship behavior before breeding. This behavior includes preening, cooing, and circling around each other.
You should monitor your birds for signs of courtship and make sure that they are comfortable with each other before allowing them to mate.
Mating
Lahore pigeons mate by the male bird mounting the female and flapping his wings. The male will then feed the female, and the two will stay close to each other for several days. You should provide your breeding pair with a quiet and undisturbed space during this time.
Incubation
After mating, the female will lay one or two eggs in the nesting box. The eggs will hatch after approximately 18 days, and the parents will take turns incubating the eggs. You should provide your breeding pair with plenty of food and water during this time and avoid disturbing the nesting box.
Chicks
After the eggs hatch, the chicks will be completely dependent on their parents for food and care. You should provide the parents with plenty of food and water, and avoid disturbing the nesting box. After approximately four weeks, the chicks will be ready to leave the nesting box and explore their surroundings.
Lahore Pigeon Caring
These pigeons are very strong and hardy. They will live happily if you provide them with basic needs such as good house, nutritious food etc. Although, taking good care of the birds will help them to grow well and live happily. So, try to take good care of them and always keep contact with a vet in your area.
Feeding
Lahore pigeons require a balanced diet of grains, seeds, and vegetables. A good basic diet for Lahore pigeons consists of pigeon feed, which is available at most pet stores, along with fresh fruits and vegetables.
You can also provide them with grit and crushed oyster shells to aid in digestion. It is important to establish a feeding schedule for your Lahore pigeons and monitor their weight to prevent overfeeding.
Housing
Lahore pigeons require a safe and secure place to live. You should provide them with a spacious and well-ventilated coop or aviary with plenty of perches and nesting boxes. The coop or aviary should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of droppings and disease.
Health Care
Lahore pigeons require regular health care to prevent disease and maintain their overall well-being. You should schedule regular checkups with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about pigeon health.
You should also monitor your birds for signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory problems. It is important to provide your birds with clean water and a clean living environment to prevent the spread of disease.
Exercise
Lahore pigeons require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. You should provide them with plenty of space to fly and exercise, either in a large aviary or by letting them out to fly in a safe and secure outdoor space. Regular exercise can help prevent obesity and other health problems.
Socialization
Lahore pigeons are social animals and require interaction with other birds and humans to thrive. You should provide them with plenty of socialization opportunities, such as flying and exercising together, as well as spending time with them and handling them regularly.
Lahore Pigeon Uses
Lahore pigeons are raised mainly for exhibition or show purpose. They are good for utility purpose and also very good for raising as pets.
Show Pigeon
One of the primary uses of the Lahore pigeon is as a show pigeon. Its distinctive appearance, with a large and round head, full chest, and long neck, makes it a popular choice for pigeon shows.
Lahore pigeons are often bred for specific color and feather patterns, with various competitions being held around the world to judge their beauty and elegance.
Racing Pigeon
Another popular use of the Lahore pigeon is as a racing pigeon. These birds are bred for speed and endurance, with the ability to fly long distances at high speeds.
Lahore pigeons have been used in pigeon racing competitions for centuries, with some birds being able to travel over 600 miles in a single race.
Messenger Pigeon
Lahore pigeons have also been used as messenger pigeons throughout history. These birds were used to carry messages across long distances, often in wartime or other dangerous situations where other forms of communication were unavailable.
Their ability to navigate using the Earth’s magnetic fields made them a reliable method of communication.
Symbolic Use
The Lahore pigeon is also used symbolically in various cultures around the world. In India, the bird is considered a symbol of love and peace, and is often released during weddings and other auspicious occasions. In Pakistan, the bird is considered a symbol of nobility and is often associated with royalty and the elite.
Pet
Finally, Lahore pigeons are often kept as pets due to their gentle and affectionate nature. They make great companions and are easy to care for, making them a popular choice for bird lovers around the world.
Lahore Pigeon Popularity
The Lahore pigeon’s popularity grew rapidly in the 19th century, when pigeon shows became popular in Europe and North America. Lahore pigeons were exported to these countries and quickly became a favorite among exhibitors. In fact, the Lahore pigeon is one of the few breeds of pigeon that has remained popular for more than 150 years.
Special Notes
The Lahore pigeon is usually a very gentle and shy bird. It is of very good behavior and has relatively docile temperament. These birds are of good natured and can be tamed easily and quickly.
They are fairly broad in breast and body. And they are sometimes used to produce squabs for the table.
The breed is excellent for show and also very good for raising as pets. However, review full breed profile of the Lahore pigeon in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Lahore |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Exhibition, ornamental and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful, very gentle, shy bird, very good behavior, relatively docile in temperament, good natured, can be tamed easily and quickly, good for utility purpose, good for exhibition purpose, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Large |
| Climate Tolerance | Do well in native climates |
| Flying Ability | Average |
| As Pets | Very good |
| Color | White body with different color markings |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Pakistan |
Interesting Facts About Lahore Pigeon
Here are some interesting facts about the Lahore pigeon:
Origin
The Lahore pigeon originated in the city of Lahore, located in present-day Pakistan. It is believed to have been developed in the 16th century by breeding several breeds of domestic pigeons.
Appearance
This pigeon is known for its distinctive appearance, with a large and round head, full chest, and long neck. It has a variety of feather patterns and colors, including blue, black, white, and red.
Size
The Lahore pigeon is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of 13 to 15 inches and a wingspan of 28 to 30 inches.
Personality
This beautiful pigeons are known for their gentle and affectionate personality. They are social birds and enjoy interacting with other birds and humans.
Longevity
With proper care, Lahore pigeons can live up to 15 years in captivity.
Cultural Significance
In Pakistan, this pigeon is considered a symbol of nobility and is often associated with royalty and the elite. In India, the bird is considered a symbol of love and peace and is often released during weddings and other auspicious occasions.
Competitive
They are popular in pigeon shows and are bred for their beauty and elegance. They are judged on their feather pattern, color, and overall appearance.
Fast Flyer
Lahore pigeons are also used in pigeon racing competitions and are known for their speed and endurance. Some birds can fly over 600 miles in a single race.
Parenting
These pigeons are devoted parents and take turns incubating their eggs and feeding their young.
Endangered
Despite its popularity, the Lahore pigeon is considered a rare and endangered breed. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve this beloved bird.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many people ask questions about Lahore pigeons. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this pigeon breed, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What is the Lahore pigeon known for?
These pigeons are known and used mainly for exhibition and ornamental purpose. They are also good for keeping as pets.
What are Lahore pigeon color varieties?
Many. Actually, they have a white body with different color markings.
Where are Lahore pigeons from?
They were originated from Lahore, Pakistan.
How long do Lahore pigeons live?
Average lifespan of a Lahore pigeon is around or up to 6 years.
What do you feed a Lahore pigeon?
They eat a diet that consists of grains, like many other breeds of pigeon. Their diet should include millet, corn, barley, rice, wheat etc.
What about Lahore pigeon breeding?
Breeding these pigeons is easy. They will breed easily and produce baby pigeons if you keep them in pairs.
Any Lahore pigeons for sale near me?
Not sure! Please search any of your local classified websites.
How big is a Lahore pigeon?
The Lahore is large for a pigeon, approximately 10 inches tall and 11 inches long. From shoulder to shoulder, it measures 5.5 inches.
What is average Lahore pigeon price?
Average price of these pigeons is around 5,000 Rupee.
What are main Lahore pigeon characteristics?
Lahore pigeon is a large breed of domestic pigeon, but it is not too long and usually smaller than the King pigeon. It has a free stance with an almost horizontal body posture.
Base color of the body of these birds is white, with a secondary color beginning at the juncture of beak and wattle and spreading in an arc over the eyes and across the back and wings.
Neck of the Lahore pigeon is heavily feathered and should lead to a full, broad chest. Their cheeks should be plump, and the beak should be ‘broad and stout and rather blunt at the tip’. Their legs and feet are feathered so that the bird appears to be wearing thick stockings.
Currently the breed is bred in many different colors including blue, brown, black, blue-bar, checkered and red. Lahore pigeon is approximately 10.5 inches tall and about 11.5 inches long. And it measures about 5.5 inches from shoulder to shoulder.
What is so special about Lahore pigeons?
Beautiful, very gentle, shy bird, very good behavior, relatively docile in temperament, good natured, can be tamed easily and quickly, good for utility purpose, good for exhibition purpose, good for raising as pets.
