Modena

The Modena pigeon has become one of the most popular breeds of all time and it can be found in significant numbers at all major shows around the world. Modena is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding (artificial selection). Italy ( the city of Modena) is credited as the birthplace of the Modena. derives its name from the city of Modena.  it was developed and used as a sporting pigeon, this comes in many different colors in two main varieties, Gazzi and Schietti. Gazzi is a pied marking with the head and portion of the throat, the wings and the tail colored and the rest of the bird being white. Schietti's are non-pied.

Description:

The Modena of today is a very different bird from the streamlined sporting birds of Italy. The ideal Modena is a compact cobby package measuring 9 1/2" tall, 7" in length, and 5" in width. The head is gracefully roun ded, sweeping down to the back, which starts wide at the shoulders and extends in a short well-rounded, and prominent chest. Today's "Birds with Curves" presents not only a bird of graceful curves both top and bottom, but a compact powerhouse on display as well. Currently the larger, well-balanced birds are winning at shows as the Modena continues to evolve.

Appearance:

Modenas attract beginners because they are pretty birds, can feed and raise their own babies, and do not have the physical extremes, Modenas are appealing birds with a generous breast, rounded head and an over all impression of being soft, round and 'cute'. There are two pattern types, the Schietti, a solid-coloured bird, and the Gazzi, which has a white body with coloured head, wing and tail. They are around 25cm tall, 18cm long, and 14cm wide.

Head:    Round, evenly arched, smooth forehead not low down.
Eyes:     Iris is orange-red. The edge or cere is small and dark in dark birds and light in light colored birds.
Neck:    Harmonious, rising evenly towards the head. The throat should look a little cut out.
Breast:   Full and wide, nicely rounded.
Belly:     Full and nicely rounded
Feathers: Base, fluffy. The rest of the feathers should be smooth and lying flat.
Tail:     Carried slightly high, as short as possible, not wide and well closed.
Legs:   Showing much thigh and strong: not feathered on the feet.
backside: full of fluff, The breast and belly should form an unbroken round

Wings:   Short, carried slightly loose at the breast, primaries fairly closed without crossing. Carried on the tail and not reaching the tail end.

Beak:    Medium in length, comparatively strong. It should be black in dark colored birds and light in light colored birds. The beak is not important in Magnani’s. The wattle should be short and flat.Back: Short, not

sloping down, wide in the shoulders.

Health:

Hygienic housing and a good maintenance routine, such as regular worming, should prevent most problems. They have a productive life of up to 10 years.

Space & Housing:

Pigeons are gregarious birds and most live happily in a group, in an aviary or loft. It needs to be airy and clean, but out of drafts. Allow 2-4 cubic feet per bird. Pairs will need a nesting box.

Feeding:

Many breeders use a good quality pigeon mix which usually includes wheat, pigeon or dunn peas, corn, safflower, milo, and barley. Greens such as spinach, as well as grit, should also be available.

Breeding:

Modenas breed easily and can feed and raise their own babies. Most lay two eggs per round, usually simil arly to other pigeon breeds, if provided well maintained and proper living and breeding spaces, the Modena should be able to produce without many problems

Egg Facts:

Eggs per season : 2

Incubation : 16-17 days just like any other pigeon

Temperament:

A docile bird which benefits from handling.

Colors and Markings:

When you visit a pigeon show, you may find a vast array of colors and markings, in any of the two varieties: the Gazzi marked birds have a white body with colored head, wings, and tail; the Schietti Modenas are of one color (selfs). Today we find over forty Accepted colors adn patterns in both varieties. These color choices are broadened even more with the inttroduction of Argent (toy Stencil), four patterns of grizzle (including mottle), Magnani (almond factor), wihte, opal, and reduced. Classes are also provided for non-classified colors, allowing the breeder to carefully develop new and exciting colors. there are four basic  color patterns in the Modena breed. These include the barred, the checked or tri-marked, the T pattern and the bar less (allele), which is seldom seen.

General:

The Modena's popularity is due to it's style, power, and color choices. The Modena offers a challenge to the novice and experienced breeders alike. you will find them at almost any pigeon show. Price ranges depending on the quality of the bird.