Porcupine Pigeon with Origin Description Size Ornaments Color Comment and Pictures

Origin: The porcupine was named by Dr. Leon J. Cole, geneticist at the University of Wisconsin. He received his first porcupine, a Fantail in 1913. Three porcupine Homers were presented to the University in 1927 and a colony of them was produced. At the Palmetto Pigeon Plant a pair of Racing Homers (Logans) produced one, which was sent to the University of Wisconsin. Subsequently a White Carneau porcupine was produced.

This mutation has most likely appeared from time to time in many different breeds of pigeons in many parts of the world, but presumably was culled because of its helplessness. This probably accounts for the scarcity of reports upon its occurrence.

Description: Porcupine, like silky, may appear in any breed. It is an inheritable genetic character which causes the feather to remain in its sheath and not open. The bird is unable to fly, and the best it can do is hop. A pair mated together has difficulty in brooding its eggs, and the cock bird has difficulty in copulation.

Size: The same as the breed it may happen to occur in.

Ornaments: The quill feather is its principal feature. Otherwise the bird has• the same ornaments as the breed in which the character occurs.

Colors: Varied, and the same as the usual colors of the breed in which it occurs.

Comment: The porcupine makes an excellent pet for its inability to fly almost automatically makes it very tame and dependent on the breeder.

Seven steps must follows for Pigeon growing:

The requirements for pigeon breeding are simple, but they must be followed to be successful. There should be no relaxing or neglect at any time, for it is much easier to prevent trouble than to eliminate disease, parasites or vermin once these have occurred.

1. A dry house with the inside protected from rain or snow.
2. Separate houses for mated pairs and odd birds.
3. A flypen, if the breed requires one that dries out easily.
4. A suitable feed ration protected from contamination.
5. A suitable mineral ration protected from contamination.
6. Water suitable for human consumption protected from contamination.
7. Suitable nesting materials.

If any one of the seven is neglected, trouble of some sort will eventually occur.

References: Encyclopedia of Pigeon breeds by Wendell Mitchell Levi, accepted everywhere as Mr. Pigeon

Porcupine Pigeon Pictures Gallery