A diminutive analysis of parental care of Columba livia reared at KDA Kohat

Abstract

A total of 32 pairs i.e. 64 domesticated Pigeons (Columba livia) were reared in a private aviary situated at KDA district Kohat. About four breeds of Columba livia were included in this study i.e. Indian Fantails, English Pouters, Strasser pigeons and Racing Homers. During breeding time, behaviour of all mentioned breeds was studied. All breeder pairs were closely examined time to time for analysis of parental care ethology. Pigeons are considered to be monogamous but their pair can be broken by either death of one partner or by separating them for few days. Male were found opportunistic to mate with the new female. Both of the partners within a pair were found responsible for making the nest and for incubation of the eggs as well. This study reveals that both of the partners within a pair were responsible for making the nest and for incubation of the eggs as well. Feeding the squabs was also found to be the major duty of both the partners in a pair. Feed that was provided to the pigeons was also found within the dissected crop of a squab which indicates that squabs are provided with the food upon which the parents feeds and pigeon milk as well is secreted by the body of both the partners in a pair. If squabs are exchanged in early life, parents can accept the new squabs if their body and feathers are not recognizable to the parents.