How to Breed Saxon Monk Pigeons

The Saxon monk pigeon originated in Europe, and is one of hundreds of breeds of pigeons raised for exhibition in pigeon shows. Although descended from the same ancestor, the rock dove, fancy pigeons vary widely in appearance. Saxon monks' prominent features are their bald-head color pattern and large feathers, called muffs, covering their feet. Saxon monks occur in black, blue red, dun, and yellow, but their heads, lower backs, vent area and tails are always white. Their feet are also white, although their large muffs can become soiled.

Things You'll Need

  • Pair of Saxon monk pigeons
  • Coop or pigeon loft (minimum size: large enough for the birds to exercise their wings)
  • Water, grit and food containers
  • Perches
  • Pigeon food and grit, fresh water
  • Sevin powder insecticide
  • Next box
  • Nest bowl
  • Nesting material
  • Pigeon bands
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate your pigeon coop or cage in a safe place outdoors. Secure the cage or coop from predators such as cats and rodents. Select a place free of drafts and sheltered from direct sun. Prepare your Saxon monk pigeons' coop or cage by installing the nest box, placing the nest bowl in the nest box and providing perches. Provide your pigeons with good-quality pigeon feed, water, and grit. Place the feeding containers away from where the birds perch, or provide covered food and water containers.

    • 2

      Place the Saxon monk pigeons in their coop or cage. Provide the pigeons with fresh water, food and grit daily. Clean out their living quarters as needed. Provide Saxon monks with a bowl of water for bathing twice a week. Pigeons enjoy bathing, and it provides necessary moisture for egg shells. Do not release a new pair of Saxon monks from their loft or cage. They will attempt to return to their original loft. When you observe courtship behavior such as the male pigeon cooing and bowing before the female, introduce nesting material such as straw or long dried pine needles.

    • 3
      This bald-head roller pigeon's color pattern is similar to a Saxon monk's.

      Use ceramic flower pot saucers or plastic dog dishes for nest bowls. Saxon monk pigeons will construct a nest in the nest bowl placed in the nest box. The female pigeon will lay two white eggs and both pigeons will sit on the eggs in shifts after the second egg is laid. The male Saxon monk pigeon sits from approximately 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., and the female sits on the eggs otherwise. Pigeon eggs hatch in about 18 days from the date your Saxon monks begin sitting on their eggs. If you plan to show your Saxon monks, band the baby pigeons with official pigeon club bands within a few days of hatching.