Fantail

The Fantail is a popular breed of fancy pigeon. there are attractive with their small erect heads and a large fanned-out tails and are often tamed and kept as pets. It is characterised by a fan-shaped tail composed of 30 to 40 feathers. Fantail was developed originally in India and improved to its present state by breeders in the UK and the US. There are 2 common subvarieties, Indian Fantails and American Fantails. The Indian Fantail Pigeon is a large, eye-catching show pigeon with a small crest, feathers on its feet, and a dramatic, fanned-out funnel-shaped tail. They easy to tame and many of them becoming quite affectionate.  while the American form stands on tip-toes and leans way back, with head almost buried between the breast and tail.  

There are three types of fantail pigeon, the garden fantail, exhibition fantail and the Indian fantail. 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.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 369 gm 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. Garden Fantail pigeons  as they fly well , they need minimal care as they can roost and forage for themselves, although you must give food and water daily

Physical Appearance:
The beautiful fantail pigeon basically has an Indian origin and is popularly known as the broad tail shaker species. Having a slender neck, small head and a beautiful fan shaped tail, this small bodied pigeon looks absolutely stunning. It has a high uprightly carried chest. Commonly one see this pigeon in white color but other colors such as dun, black, silver, yellow, blue, red, saddle and checkers are also witnessed at times. When it comes to beautiful pigeon species, we can surely mention the name of fantail pigeon on top. Although a fancy pigeon, it is not very difficult to take care of this pigeon.

Feeding & Habits:

One needs to take that the fantail pigeon is supplied with fresh chemical free water at least twice a day. The water tends to get mucky easily. A healthy diet for this pigeon includes quality pigeon mix from a reputed store. Grains when mixed with the pigeon mix work wonders in their diet. Only thing that shall be ensured when mixing grains in the pigeon mix is that the bugs should not have infested the thing. Ideal grains for mixing include millet, Milo, safflower, barley, wheat, corn, green and white peas, vetch, buckwheat, etc. Indian Fantails pigeon's breeding behavior is similar to common pigeons.They mate for life, and the female lays two eggs at a time one the first day and another the next day, that hatch after 18 days. The male and female pigeon will feed the babies. The male will guard the female while in the nest. After about 6 weeks the babies are on their own in the world.

Husbandry:

Provide the birds with a bath frequently, at least once a week. Ivomec added to the bath water will help control lice and mites. Keep an eye on the birds for health – eating and drinking