The Sverdlovsk blue-gray mottle-headed pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon. It is mainly a flying breed and can fly at a high attitude. The breed was actually originated from the solid blue-gray and blue-craw pigeons.
It is also known as the Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray and it originates from the Sverdlovsk region in Russia. It is well known for it’s unique blue-gray plumage and mottled head. Read more information about the breed below.
History And Origins Of Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed Pigeon
The Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeon breed originated from the Sverdlovsk region in Russia. It’s unique blue-gray plumage and mottled head developed as a result of selective breeding practices that date back to the early twentieth century.
The breed was initially developed by the Russian pigeon enthusiasts and breeders. It was primarily bred for it’s aesthetic appeal and it’s hardy nature. And it is well-suited to the harsh climatic conditions of it’s native region. Today, the breed is popular among the global pigeon fanciers.
Characteristics
Sverdlovsk blue-gray mottle-headed pigeon is a medium sized breed with solid body and with well-developed pectoral muscles.
These birds usually have middle-sized, oval head and the forehead is wide and slightly prominent. Their wings are strong and lie on the tail, and their back is wide and is inclined towards the tail.
Their neck is relatively short, but strong without flexure. Their eyes are of light colored, with redness in the iris. They have medium sized bill which is light-gray in color and tightly closed.
Chest of the Sverdlovsk blue-gray mottle-headed pigeon is wide, strong, well developed and slightly prominent. Legs and feet of these birds are usually medium in size, and are of crimson-color.
Their main color pattern is the head is white down to the middle of the neck and has color marks. Otherwise they are blue-gray. Their wing flaps have two dark stripes, and the tail is blue-gray in color with a dark stripe at the edge. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Housing Requirements
Like most other domestic pigeon breeds, the Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons also require a safe and comfortable housing system to stay healthy and active. A good, well ventilated and spacious housing system is very essential for preventing respiratory issues, and also for protecting them from predators and adverse weather conditions.
Ensure that the house is equipped with perches and nesting boxes. Because all these are necessary for providing the birds a very comfortable environment for roosting and breeding. Try to clean their house on a regular basis, because doing this is very necessary to prevent diseases.
Dietary Requirements
The Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons require a balanced diet for staying healthy and also for fulfilling it’s nutritional needs. Pigeons typically eat a mix of grains and seeds such as corn, rice, wheat, millet, barley etc. Also try to supplement their diet with legumes and green vegetables to ensure that they are getting essential vitamins and minerals.
Provide grit for your birds, because it helps in digestion. Also add oyster shell in their diet to ensure calcium intake. Adequate calcium intake is necessary to promote strong bone and eggshell development. And along with providing them with good quality and nutritious food, always try to provide them with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Reproduction/Breeding
Like many other domestic pigeon breeds, the Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons are naturally very good breeders. They generally form monogamous pairs and you should provide them a quiet and comfortable nesting area within the loft which is well equipped with nesting boxes.
Ensure that the birds are getting proper nutrition, including a balanced diet which is rich in protein and calcium. The female Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeon lay 2 eggs per clutch. Average incubation period is between 17 and 19 days.
Both male and female participate in incubating the eggs and feeding the squabs with crop milk initially. And they transform to a regular diet as they grow.
Behavior/Temperament
Like many other domestic pigeon breeds, the Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons are very calm and friendly. They are very social birds and suitable for both new and experienced pigeon keepers. They are also very good for raising as pets.
Caring
Taking good care of these birds is very important. Their caring tasks involves providing a well-maintained housing system, nutritious and balanced diet, and attentive health care. Ensure that their house is clean, well-ventilated and spacious enough. Also ensure that their housing system has secure nesting areas and the birds have regular access to an outdoor aviary for exercise.
Provide them with a high-quality diet, supplemented with fresh greens, seeds, and necessary minerals. Perform regular health checkups for detecting and preventing illness. Provide regular vaccinations for keeping the birds healthy.
Uses
This pigeon is an excellent flying breed. It is used mainly for flying purpose.
Popularity And Price
The Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons are highly regarded among the pigeon enthusiasts and breeders. They are popular mainly for their striking appearance and resilient nature.
It’s not possible to tell the exact price of these pigeons because their exact price depends on numerous factors such as age, pedigree, overall quality etc. So, try to search any of your nearest breeders to know it’s current price.
Lifespan
Like many other domestic pigeon breeds, average lifespan of the Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeon is between 10 and 15 years. But they can even live long if you provide them good care and other management.
Pros And Cons
Like all other pigeon breeds, these pigeons also have some advantages and disadvantages. Here we are trying to describe the most notable and important pros and cons of Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeon.
Pros:
- Beautiful and striking appearance
- Very strong and hardy
- Monogamous breeding
Cons:
- High initial cost
- Vulnerability to disease
Special Notes
The Sverdlovsk blue-gray mottle-headed pigeon is a very hardy and active breed. It is noted for it’s excellent flying ability.
The breed is capable of flying for 3-6 hours at a high attitude. The birds usually fly separately in the air, but may also fly in a flock. Their flight is usually smooth, and they open their tail when flying.
However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly flying |
| Special Notes | Beautiful, known for their flying ability and are excellent flyers, relatively calm in nature, make excellent pets, very hardy and active, usually fly separately in the air but may also fly in a flock, smooth flight |
| Breed Class | Medium |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Excellent |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Blue gray |
| Rarity | Common |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Popularity of pigeon farming business is increasing gradually in many countries throughout the world. That’s why many people are trying to learn more about this business. Especially, the beginners ask us many questions about starting and operating a successful pigeon farming business. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions about Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
How long do Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeons live?
Average lifespan of the Sverdlovsk Blue-Gray Mottle-Headed pigeon is between 10 and 15 years.
