Modena Pigeon

Breed: Modena pigeon
Temperament: docile, robust
Cost: $50 plus
Lifespan: 10 years
Recommended for: beginners, enthusiasts

The Modena is a pigeon which has more than its fair share of colour - especially in its past.

In the 1300s in the Italian city of Modena, intense rivalry between the city's pigeon fanciers had reached violent levels, as they enticed the opposition's pigeons and held them to ransom, or if that failed, destroyed the birds.

Explosives were attached to pigeons which were then released to rejoin their flock and kill as many of the opposition's birds as possible. Finally, in 1327 the council drafted regulations regarding pigeon flying in Modena.

Nowadays, most Modenas cannot fly much, but are bred for their beautiful colours and shape.

Appearance

Modenas are appealing birds with a generous breast, rounded head and an overall impression of being soft, round and 'cute'. There are two pattern types, the Schietti, a solid-coloured bird, and the Gazzi, which has a white body with coloured head, wing and tail. They are around 25cm tall (9.5"), 18cm long (7"), and 14cm wide (5.5").

Temperament

A docile bird which benefits from handling.

Health

Hygienic housing and a good maintenance routine, such as regular worming, should prevent most problems. They have a productive life of up to 10 years.

Feeding, space & housing

Many breeders use a good quality pigeon mix which usually includes wheat, pigeon or dunn peas, corn, safflower, milo, and barley. Greens such as spinach, as well as grit, should also be available.

Pigeons are gregarious birds and most live happily in a group, in an aviary or loft. It needs to be airy and clean, but out of drafts. Allow 2-4 cubic feet per bird. Pairs will need a nesting box.

Breeding

Modenas breed easily and can feed and raise their own babies. Most lay two eggs per round, usually producing male and female (ie: a pigeon pair!).

Ideal owner

Modenas attract beginners because they are pretty birds, can feed and raise their own babies, and do not have the physical extremes (ie: hoods, foot feathers) of other breeds and the associated extra work. They are not a racing breed.

For further information

NSW:

NSW Modena Club
Barry Shepherd
67 Wiondsor Rd
Merrylands. 2160
Phone: 02 9637 5612

QLD:

Modena Club of Qld
Colin Zemek
PO Box 1088
Maryborough. 4650
phone: 07 4123 5557

SA:

Modena Club of SA
Luke Hinchey
PO Box 60.
Ceduna. 5690
Phone: 08 8625 3013

WA:

Modena Club of WA
Will Harich
34 Clarke Rd
Morley. 6062
Phone: 08 9275 4490

Copyright CTC Productions 1999