The Oriental frill pigeon is originally a Turkish pigeon breed named for its distinctive feathered throat, which resembles a ruff or a frill. It is mainly found in Turkey and the Balkans. The frill pigeon has two distinct colors, black and white. White is the rarer color of the two and is often prized more by breeders as it can be difficult to find buyers for white pigeons from some countries due to superstitions such as crossing paths with a white dove brings bad luck.
Pigeons of this breed are often kept for meat. Although the frill pigeon’s meat is not as highly valued as squab or pigeon breast, it is still considered good table fare. Many breeders have reported that when their birds are slaughtered early, at around 6 to 10 months old, they tend to be on the dry side; However, once they reach 12 to 18 months of age, their meat becomes darker and juicier.
Contents
How to identify oriental frill pigeons?
Different types of pigeon breeds have different ways to identify them. Oriental frill pigeon is mainly found in Turkey and the Balkans. To identify it, we can compare its features with the characteristics of other similar breeds. The frill pigeon has two distinct colors, black and white. White is the rarer color of the two and is often prized more by breeders as it can be difficult to find buyers for white pigeons from some countries due to superstitions such as crossing paths with a white dove brings bad luck.

Pigeons of this breed are often kept for meat. Although the frill pigeon’s meat is not as highly valued as squab or pigeon breast, it is still considered good table fare. Many breeders have reported that when their birds are slaughtered early, at around 6 to 10 months old, they tend to be on the dry side; However, once they reach 12 to 18 months of age, their meat becomes darker and juicier.
Behavioral characteristics
Oriental frill pigeons are intelligent and curious birds. They should be handled with care to avoid injury to their wings. They can be noisy but can be easily trained to speak. They are generally very gentle and kind around people. Oriental frill pigeons can be kept in aviaries, lofts, or flight cages;
However, it is recommended that you allow them some room to fly outside the cages. Oriental frill pigeons are social birds and need the companionship of their kind to feel comfortable.
Uses
Oriental frill pigeons are usually kept for meat production, racing, and fancy. They are also used in the production of eggs due to their large size and good laying abilities. They are also used in waterfowl decoy work, as they can be trained to fly behind a boat and other vehicles. They are also used for target practice by hunters.
Oriental frill pigeons are intelligent and curious birds. They should be handled with care to avoid injury to their wings. They can be noisy but can be easily trained to speak. They are generally very gentle and kind around people.
Health issues
Oriental frill pigeons have been known to have several health issues including torpid liver, aspergillosis, and pigeon pox.
Special Considerations
A pigeon is a domesticated bird, originally from the rock pigeon (Columba livia) but with many different varieties. Pigeons are bred for their meat and meat production, for their use as a food source by man, and for other purposes such as sport in various types of pigeon racing.
In many cultures, pigeons have symbolic meanings that are closely associated with humans. However, review the full breed profile of the oriental frill pigeon in the following table.
Best 10+ information
Breed Name | Frill pigeon. |
Other Name | None. |
Country of Origin | Turkey. |
Breed Purpose | Meat and pet. |
Color | Black. |
Diet | Fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and nuts, including some greens such as alfalfa. |
Flying Ability | Average. |
Climate Tolerance | Adapts well to a wide variety of climates. |
Temperament | Good, but they can be noisy. |
Rarity | Uncommon. |
As Pets | Yes. |
Life Span | 5–10 years. |