Old German Owl

Family: Columbidae
Family: Columbidae

Distribution:
The "old" German Owl was definitely known of in the nineteenth century, but around 1870 Oriental Frills and Anatolian Owls were imported into Germany. Crosses with these breeds and other varieties altered the head properties of the German Owl and there became a short-beaked breed. In about 1894 fanciers developed a standard for this new variety and the number of the original "old" German Owls was greatly diminished. It was not until 1956 that there was an active re-establishing of the original breed. Today it is again popular and is shown throughout Germany.
The German Owl has been known in the United States for many years and its standard is listed in the National Pigeon Association's Encyclopedia of Pigeon Standards. This has led many American breeders to believe that the German Owl is the older breed and that the Old German Owl is a new breed, when, in fact, the Old German Owl really is older.

Description:

Care and feeding:

The Old German Owl will do best housed in a roomy aviary, and will also be a perfect choice for a free flight bird housed with a dovecote.
It's main diet can be a commercial dove and pigeon mix generally consisting of seed, cereal, and legumes. This must be supplemented with greens rich in minerals, vitamins, and calcium. Grit and gravel are also essential.
See About Doves & Pigeons: Housing and About Doves & Pigeons: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
Old German Owls have a very friendly demeanor and are fairly tame. They are fun to keep and are peaceable. They form permanent pairs and should be kept together.
See About Doves & Pigeons: Social Behaviors for more information on social behaviors of doves and pigeons..

Activities:
You will enjoy them for their acrobatic antics as well as their attractive markings both in the aviary and when they are in free flight. These birds do best in an aviary or dovecote because they need room to fly.

Breeding/Reproduction:
This is a very easy pigeon to breed and their beaks are long enough to feed their own young perfectly well. They are very good parents.
See About Doves & Pigeons: Breeding/Reproduction for more information on breeding.