Sideburns Pigeon Origin Description Size Colors Comment Caring and Pictures Gallery

Origin: Gilbert, Iowa, in September, 1952. The original bird was a cock of mixed King and Racing Homer stock bred by W. F. Hollander. This is one of the few cases on record of a dominant mutation's origin. Both of the bird's parents were old (seven and nine years) and the sire was in bad health.

Description: Typically the feathers on the lower beak (mandible) are reversed, pointing forward instead of back in a streamline. The extent varies, sometimes including the ear feathers and even forming an upright beak crest on the frontal, but in other birds hardly noticeable.

Size:  Although originally from large stock, the characteristic has been readily introduced into Tumblers by crossing.

Colors: No relationship with any particular coloration or pattern has been found.

Comment: Sideburns may be considered a new type of ornament which like crest or neck frill can be bred into any breed desired. Study of the genetics of this mutation is still incomplete. The pure (homozygous) condition has not been produced and possible relationships with crest or neck frill have not been tested.

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.

    A dry house with the inside protected from rain or snow.

    Separate houses for mated pairs and odd birds.

    A flypen, if the breed requires one that dries out easily.

    A suitable feed ration protected from contamination.

    A suitable mineral ration protected from contamination.

    Water suitable for human consumption protected from contamination.

    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.

Sideburns Pigeon Pictures Gallery