The Carneau pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon. It was developed over many years of selective breeding in Northern France and Southern Belgium.
This breed and other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the wild or feral rock pigeon. It is named from the Carneau, France and was developed as a utility pigeon for eating as squab.
These birds were originally a very low maintenance bird that would fly freely in the fields. But over time, they were bred to be heavier and today they are the second largest domesticated pigeon breed after the King Pigeon
And the breed has traditionally been popular as a fancy, show breed. However, read some more information about the breed below.
Carneau Pigeon Characteristics
The Carneau pigeon is a large breed of domesticated pigeon with impressive appearance and often either white or red. Body of these birds is slender and proportional, with light feathers and pinkish white skin.
Their head is broad and round from the wattle to above the eye, and then gradually slope down to the nape of the neck.
They have a prominent frontal and a nicely developed back skull. Their beak is short, stout and of medium length. Their eyes are prominent, round and bright and colors vary depending on the bird’s color.
The cere is round and finely textured, and bright red in color. Their breast is broad and prominent and of good symmetrical proportion, and it also should be slightly behind the point of the beak.
Wings of the Carneau pigeon are strong and held closely to the body. The flight feathers should be about one inch shorter than the tail feathers and carried over the wings. The tail should be wedge shaped and extended one inch beyond flights.
Neck of the Carneau pigeon is of medium length and strong, thick and well-proportioned to the body and head. The back should be broad across the shoulders and wedge shaped from the shoulder to the tail.
Both legs and feet of these birds are of bright red color and featherless. Average body height of these birds is approximately 13 inches, and average body weight is around 967 grams.
Uses
Carneau pigeon is raised mainly as a utility bird, and also raised for exhibition purpose. It is raised as a utility pigeon for eating as squab.
Special Notes
The Carneau pigeon is of excellent temperament, and it is second only to the King Pigeon in terms of placidity. It is a curious bird and if kept as a house pet you do need to keep an eye on them as they have a tendency to get into everything.
It is actually a very social bird and will interact with other birds and with humans. These birds usually put few demands on their owners, as long as they are well cared for.
Although they are raised mainly for utility purpose, but they are also good for raising for show or exhibition purpose. Their average lifespan is between 7 and 10 years. However, review full breed profile of the Carneau pigeon in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Carneau |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Mainly utility, also exhibition and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, attractive large appearance, good for raising as pets, very good for general or utility purpose, excellent temperament, social birds, 7-10 years average lifespan |
| Breed Class | Large |
| Weight | Around 967 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Can vary |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Northern France and Southern Belgium |
