Origin

The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon was developed in Turkey, specifically bred for the Ottoman Sultans. It is believed that upon the sultan’s request, a special breed of pigeon was bred in the Manisa Palace, an old Ottoman city in western Turkey. In its homeland, it is known as ″Hünkari,″ which means the bird of the Sultans.

Breed Characteristics

The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon is a medium-sized bird, with males generally being larger than females. It has a cobby body shape and a jaunty disposition. Here are some key characteristics of the breed:

– Head: The head is roundish to slightly oval in shape, with an arched forehead that flows in a smooth, continuous curve from the tip of the beak to the tip of the peak. The eyes are large, bright, and prominent, and the beak is medium-short, substantial, and thick.

– Crest: The bird has a needlepoint peak crest, which is upright, central, and rises at least as high as the highest part of the head. It is supported by a well-developed mane, without any sign of a mane break.

– Frill: The frill of the Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon extends from the middle of the gullet and continues into the breast. It is well-developed and profuse, with feathers growing outward to both sides uniformly. Feathers that grow only to one side or disproportionately to one side are penalized.

– Wings and Tail: The wings are strong, lying close to the body and covering the back. The flights are short and rest flat on the tail, which is no more than two feathers in width and just clears the floor when in the show position.

– Color and Markings: The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, silver, and white. It may also have different markings such as bars, checkers, or grizzles. The lacing or bars should be clear and distinct, with white color inside. The breed’s unique coloring is created by specific factors, such as Toy Stencil and Frill Stencil.

Temperament

The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon is known for its jaunty disposition. It is generally calm and docile, making it an enjoyable pet or exhibition bird. They can be easily trained and are quite friendly towards humans.

Preferred Living Conditions

Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeons thrive in a clean and spacious environment. They require a well-ventilated loft with ample space for flying and perching. Providing them with nesting boxes and proper feeding and water arrangements is essential for their well-being. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the loft are necessary to keep them healthy.

Usage

The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon is primarily bred for exhibition purposes. Due to its unique appearance and features, it is often showcased at major American and Canadian pigeon shows. Its striking colors and distinct frill make it a popular breed among pigeon enthusiasts and fanciers.

Interesting Facts

– The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon is the precursor breed from which the modern Oriental Frill was created.
– It is known as ″Hünkari,″ or the bird of the Sultans, in its homeland of Turkey.
– The breed was specially bred for the Ottoman Sultans in the Manisa Palace.
– The Old Fashioned Oriental Frill pigeon has been preserved as a beautiful ancient breed and can be seen on exhibit at major shows around the world.
– It is one of the Owl pigeons, noted for its short beaks and rounded heads.