French Mondain Pigeon: Multipurpose Bird
When we think about the French Mondain pigeon, we inevitably think of style. This domesticated breed of fancy pigeons comes from the rock pigeon and it first appeared in France as a utility pigeon.
To create this bird, fanciers used selective breeding techniques.
The most noticeable feature of the French Mondain is the large body and puffy feathers.
These two characteristics have made this pigeon the winner of contests worldwide, as many countries admire its beauty and raise it for exhibition.
In this article, we will explore everything about this bird, including how to identify them and how to breed and raise them successfully.
French Mondain Pigeon Profile
| Name | French Mondain Pigeon |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Columba Livia Domestica |
| Common Names | French Mondain |
| Origin | France |
| Size | 40 CM |
| Weight | Females up to 2.8 pounds Males up to 3.3 pounds. |
| Lifespan | 7 to 10 years |
| Physical Features | Rounded head, large eyes, short beak, small neck, well-rounded body, long wings, strong tail, red legs |
| Temperament | Calm |
| Behavior | Docile |
| Special Features | Large body |
| Breeding and Maintenance | Easy |
| Common or Popular Varieties | Different colors and patterns |
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Overview of French Mondain Pigeons
The French Mondain, a fancy pigeon from France, boasts an impressive stature and plumage. Originally bred for meat, it comes in two styles: American and European, each with distinct traits.
Known for its intelligence and amiable demeanor, it’s a favored show bird and pet. Its name, “Mondain,” means “earthy” nods to its grounded nature.
Developed through selective breeding, it sports a broad, rounded head, a short beak and a sturdy build. Weighing between 850 and 1130 grams, males can reach 1.5 kg, while females average 1.3 kg.
The French Mondain is a pigeon suitable for life indoors because this bird cannot fly.
As a fancy pigeon, the main reason to breed this pigeon is for exhibition, utility, or to keep it as a pet. Currently, French Mondain pigeons can have different colors and patterns.
History And Origins of French Mondain Pigeons
The French Mondain pigeon originated in France, where fanciers used selective breeding techniques to develop it, and they have been breeding this bird for years.
Breeders crossed Runts with field pigeons and Pouters to create the French Mondain. They succeeded in producing a large and heavy pigeon suitable for meat production.
Besides the United States and France, this bird is popular in South Africa. In this region, the name for this pigeon is “Gros Mondain.”
This pigeon breed has evolved over the years and since its first conception. The most noticeable variations are the following:
- Large Mondain. These used to be similar to chickens in size and weight, making it a very large and heavy pigeon. However, this variation often trampled the eggs and affected incubation rates.
- Middle-Sized Mondain. In this case, the pigeons resembled 3-month-old chickens and were more attentive to the eggs.
- Berlin Mondain. Imported to France from Russia, the Berlin Mondain played a significant role in developing the current French Mondain breed.
Reports of the Berlin Mondain date all the way to 1808.
During the 1900s, fanciers intended to use this breed to develop a fancier and more elegant pigeon. This new breed shall have a broader chest and shorter legs with or without feathers.
As such, breeders crossed the Berlin Mondain with the Giant Runt and Montauban to achieve a prominent chest.
Physical Characteristics And Features
French Mondain pigeons are powerful birds, often bred because of their impressive good looks. Explore the physical characteristics of this bird as we learn more about it!
| French Mondain Pigeon | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Head | Broad, round-shaped head. |
| Eyes | Large, bright, compact eyes. |
| Beak | Small but thick and broad beak. It can be black or reddish, as the color varies. |
| Neck | Short neck, with a strong and thick complexion. |
| Chest | Puffy and prominent. |
| Body | Robust body, well-rounded and puffy. |
| Wings | Fully-feathered, long and wide wings. |
| Tail | Firm tail, remaining inclined at an angle. |
| Legs | Red-colored legs. |
Size and Weight
The French Mondain pigeon can grow to become a large and heavy bird. On average, the pigeon can measure approximately 40cm. As for weight, females can weigh up to 2.8 pounds and males up to 3.3 pounds.
Because of this size and weight, the French Mondain pigeon can be a productive utility bird used for squab production.
Unique Features
One particular feature of this pigeon breed is the chest, which is larger and puffier than most other pigeon breeds.
The development of this feature was intentional, as the original fanciers wanted to create an impressive broad-chested pigeon.
Some Common Variations
The French Mondain pigeon can be of different colors and patterns. They can be monocolored in white, red, yellow, or black.
Alternatively, the most common patterns include barred and grizzled. These patterns combine with multiple colors, like blue, silver, white, buff, grey, or brown.
In any case, the quality of the feathers is perhaps the most crucial part of the color of this pigeon. Ideally, the feathers must be glossy, narrow and kept close to the body.
The Two Types of Mondain Pigeons
There are two types of Mondain pigeons: the European French Mondain pigeon and the American French Mondain pigeon. We will be focusing on the European variation for this article.
Distribution And Habitat
French Mondain pigeons have gained notoriety all over the world. In 2010, the International Pigeon Award took place in Belgium and the French Mondain came on top as the winning breed.
Geographic Distribution
The French Mondain pigeon is a bird usually found in many countries worldwide and on different continents. While it originated in Europe, this bird is now popularly kept as a pet and for exhibition in America.
Interestingly, the top breeder of this breed globally is a fancier from Southern Africa.
Habitat Preferences
French Mondain pigeons are highly tolerant pigeons and they will adapt to most environments with ease. Therefore, there are no specific habitat settings this pigeon breed usually prefers.
Care for them properly and the birds should be fine in rural or urban environments.
Threats and Conservation Status
Since this pigeon breed qualifies as a domesticated species, there are no threats or conservation dangers related to the French Mondain pigeon.
The pigeon is widely available in many countries around the world and you can easily find it for purchase on farms.
Behavior And Traits of French Mondain Pigeons
French Mondain pigeons are smart birds and they feel comfortable living indoors.
As a result, they’re docile around humans and have an easy-going temperament. Likewise, you can show these pigeons new tricks and they will most likely learn fast.
Differences Between Wild and Domesticated Pigeons
The French Mondain is a heavy pigeon and cannot fly. As a result, this pigeon breed cannot survive in the wilderness. Since these are birds bred for exhibition, the most suitable environment for them is indoors.
Diet
Pigeon feed provides everything the French Mondain needs. Weight and size are essential factors when it comes to this bird, meaning they need a balanced diet filled with nutritional content.
The feed should contain grains and seeds. Additionally, you can provide fresh vegetables, bananas and popcorn occasionally. Lastly, provide fresh water and grit to help with digestion.
Flight
The French Mondain pigeon cannot fly because its body size does not allow it. For this reason, pigeons from this breed usually prefer foraging on ground level instead of taking height.
Homing Instinct
French Mondain pigeons don’t have a strong homing instinct because of their domesticated nature and inability to fly.
Courtship, Breeding and Nesting
During the breeding season, the male French Mondain will court the female by showing body displays of interest. If the female feels interested, she will accept the courtship and mate.
Afterwards, the hen will lay a couple of eggs and incubate them for several weeks.
Fortunately, these pigeons are good parents and can take care of the eggs. Nonetheless, we will share a few tips to increase the odds of successful breeding.
Nesting
You can use traditional items like a nesting box to keep the French Mondain pigeons comfortable.
Place it in a secluded area with proper ventilation to ensure the birds feel comfortable and secure during the breeding period.
Also, insert nesting materials like straw to let the pigeons accommodate as they prefer.
Breeding And Maintenance
Caring for French Mondain pigeons is relatively easy. Keep them well fed, make sure they have water and clean the floor of the aviary regularly to prevent waste buildup.
Other than these minor tasks, you really don’t have to do much to raise these birds safely.
Some Tips and considerations for successful breeding
- Make sure to select the mating pair of the right color and patterns to breed the desired offspring. Also, choose birds that are friendly and have a proven record of laying healthy eggs.
- These pigeons do not fly, so you have to create comfortable conditions to ensure the mating pair feel cozy and not stressed out.
- Secure lighting to improve breeding performance. In this case, you can provide artificial light from 14 to 16 hours daily. This measure will motivate the pigeons and increase their likelihood of breeding.
Housing Requirements and Feeding
The French Mondain is a bird that requires plenty of space, sometimes more than other pigeons.
So, you could set up an aviary or coop with 10 square feet of space per pigeon. Additionally, you can include perches, nesting materials and toys for entertainment.
Feeding
Properly feeding the French Mondain pigeon is super important to achieve the desired standard weight. Therefore, consider providing a balanced diet throughout the day following regular intervals.
Final Word
The French Mondain pigeon is one of the most complete multipurpose birds in the world.
These pigeons have many characteristics that make them unique, especially if you’re a new pigeon fancier.
They’re easy to raise, can produce meat, or work as a show bird, or you can simply keep it as a beautiful pet for companionship.
Everyone loves the beauty of the French Mondain pigeon, us included! So, what are you waiting for? Give this beautiful bird a try and see for yourself!
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