Fantail Pigeon info

(often called fantail doves / garden doves)

for advice on homing doves /pigeons to a dovecote click here HOMING YOUR DOVES

I only breed a few pet garden fantail pigeons and white garden pigeons, I do not show birds, but regularly get asked about them as I breed doves, so I have put this basic info page up to help you, I am always willing to learn and improve this page with more experienced breeders help. 

there are links at the bottom of this page to excellent national fantail clubs and breeders that will help you in more depth if you want to show or seriously breed them.

I occasionally sell fantails and white garden pigeons on behalf of local breeders in the bird club, these are pet birds and I make no statement that they are of show quality

This most unusual breed of pigeon has been in existence for hundreds of years. Over the years the form has been changed and the tail has become larger.
These pigeons are kept as an ornamental feature (garden fantail) or for exhibiting; they become very tame and breed quite readily.

there are three types of fantail pigeon, the garden fantail commonly seen on  dovecotes, the exhibition fantail and the Indian fantail. 

but of course you often find a cross between all 3 types of fantails and garden pigeons (doves) , which is fine if you just want a nice pet bird for a dovecote or garden.

 Young exhibition fantail

The exhibition fantail is a cobby little bird with a permanently spread fanlike tail. This is created by the presence of an extra twenty tail feathers. The birds are interesting to look at, they are bred for their looks and do not fly much. in my opinion not suitable for dove cotes

Indian fantail

Indian Fantail pigeons are most commonly white with light tan spots, although breeders have introduced more new colours. They have a fan-shaped tail and their feet are covered in feathers. Their average weight is 13 ounces (369 g) and their average length is 11 inches (28 cm). It is interesting to note that the birds walk on their toes. The chest is carried upright so that it is higher than the bird's head, which rests back on the cushion formed by the tail feathers. in my opinion not suitable for dove cotes

Billy Gardener in Ireland breeds quality INDIAN FANTAIL, he sells surplus stock from his web site

http://www.IndianFantailsIreland.com

Garden Fantail pigeons

 suitable for dove cotes, as they fly well  and can evade cats, fox's and dogs , they need minimal care as they can roost and forage for themselves, although you must give food and water daily and clean the dovecote regularly. 

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White Garden pigeons (doves).

They have been bred to be pleasing to the eye in the garden originally from white racing pigeons, often crossed with a white garden fantail to give some tail feature whilst retaining the homing instinct of the racing bird,  Very placid , sociable , easy to maintain, pleasant cooing, bright and alert and nicely white, once trained to your dovecote ,they should stay with you for life. they are suitable for dovecotes

white garden pigeons doves)

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check my FOR SALE page to see availability of my fantail pigeons / garden pigeons

if you are seeking a quality dovecote in the UK, then try Regency poultry supplies , who make and supply different types of dovecote and subject to availability can supply fantail pigeons (doves) for your dovecote.    http://www.regencypoultry.com

• Telephone: 01246 854647
• Mobile: 07980 411174
• Email: info@regencypoultry.com or click here

Hexagonal Dovecote This dovecote offers housing for six pairs of doves all with separate divisions. Pole length to you own measurements. Available in black and white and without divisions. Can be used purely for decoration.

Hollytrees Animal Rescue Trust ,Packhorse Lane, Hollywood,Nr Birmingham, B47 5DH.

HAS A LARGE COLLECTION OF EXHIBITION FANTAILS AND MODENAS , STOCK IS OCCASIONALLY FOR SALE ,tel-Ray Dedicote, 01564 823244 , e mail ray@hollytrees.org

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FANTAIL CLUB UK THE WEBSITE of the fantail club, full of good information for those in the U.K

MAGIC LOFTS  Kevin & Christine Keeler's website UK keep Kings,  Indian Fantails and Maltese.

Shropshire dovecotes a company that build dovecotes and sells accessories to accompany

golden cockerel books      Pigeons doves and dovecotes ,a good U.K. book on using dovecotes

Billy Gardeners indian fantail in Ireland     quality Irish Indian Fantails

http://www.freewebs.com/rlcollins/dovecare.htm   R.L.Collins has an excellent web site on fantails