The Belgian Ringbeater pigeon (also known as the “Belgische Ringetjesduif” in Dutch) is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon from Belgium.
This breed and other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the wild or feral rock pigeon. It is also known as Ringslager Belge and Belgian Ringslager.
Currently the breed is raised for show or exhibition purpose in it’s native area.
But it is also very good for raising as pets and also good for ornamental purpose. Read more information about this pigeon breed below.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Full Info
The Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is a beautiful and unique breed of domestic pigeon known for its distinctively elegant flight and striking appearance. Here, we will discuss some of the key characteristics of the Belgian Ringbeater pigeon.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Origin
The exact origins of the Belgian Ringbeater pigeon are unclear, but it is believed to have been developed through selective breeding in the 19th century. The breed is a cross between several different breeds of domestic pigeons, including the Antwerp Carrier, the Smerle, and the Ghent Cropper.
These breeds were selectively bred for their size, coloration, and flight abilities to create the Belgian Ringbeater pigeon we know today.
The Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is characterized by its medium to large size, with a strong and muscular body. Its feathers are predominantly white, with patches of black, blue, or red.
The breed is also known for its distinctive “ringing” flight, where the pigeons fly in a circular motion, making a ringing sound as their wings flap against each other.
Today, the Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is primarily kept for its ornamental value and its graceful flight. The breed is popular in pigeon shows and competitions, where its unique appearance and flying abilities are highly valued.
In Belgium, there are even specific competitions held for Belgian Ringbeater pigeons, where they are judged based on their flight pattern, speed, and overall appearance.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Characteristics
Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is a small sized breed with very beautiful appearance. It is an attractive bird that often has a neat ruff or peak at the top of it’s neck. The breed appears in a many different color varieties.
Average height of the mature Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is around 9 inches. And average live body weight of the mature birds is around 360 grams. Photo and info from RightPet and Wikipedia.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Appearance
The Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is a medium to large sized bird, with a muscular and strong body. It has a broad chest and powerful wings that are held close to the body when at rest.
The breed’s most distinctive feature is its feather pattern, which is predominantly white with patches of black, blue, or red.
The wings are often tipped in the same color as the patches on the body, which creates a stunning contrast against the white feathers. The bird’s head is relatively small, and it has a sharp beak and bright, alert eyes.
Flight
The Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is known for its beautiful and graceful flight. The breed has a unique flying pattern, where it circles in the air, making a ringing sound as its wings beat against each other.
This “ringing” sound is where the breed gets its name. This circular flight pattern is not only beautiful to watch but also serves as a form of communication between birds. During mating season, males will often perform this flight to attract females.
Behavior
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons are social birds and are known to form strong bonds with their mates and flockmates. They are also highly trainable and can learn to perform tricks and maneuvers with ease.
They are intelligent birds and have a good memory, which makes them easy to train. However, they can be shy around strangers and may take some time to warm up to new people.
Health
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons are generally healthy birds and do not have any specific health concerns. However, as with all domestic pigeons, they are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites. It is essential to maintain good hygiene in their living environment and provide them with a nutritious diet to keep them healthy.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Housing
Here are some key considerations when it comes to housing your Belgian Ringbeater pigeons.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons can be kept indoors or outdoors, depending on your personal preference and living situation.
Indoor housing can provide better protection from predators and weather conditions, while outdoor housing can offer more space and a more natural environment for the birds.
If you choose to keep your pigeons indoors, be sure to provide them with ample space to fly and exercise.
Space Requirements
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require a significant amount of space to fly and exercise, especially if they are kept indoors. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 10 square feet of living space per pair of pigeons. This can be accomplished by building a large aviary or providing a loft with plenty of flying space.
Bedding and Nesting Boxes
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require clean and comfortable bedding to keep them healthy and happy. The bedding should be absorbent and easy to clean, such as wood shavings or straw.
Additionally, nesting boxes should be provided for the pigeons to lay their eggs and raise their young. These boxes should be placed in a quiet and sheltered area to provide the pigeons with a sense of security.
Lighting and Ventilation
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require adequate lighting and ventilation to maintain good health. The loft or aviary should be well-lit with natural or artificial light, and it should be well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of harmful fumes and bacteria. Windows and vents can be installed to provide fresh air and natural light.
Feeding and Watering
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require a nutritious and balanced diet to maintain good health. They should be fed a diet of high-quality pigeon feed, which can be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, clean and fresh water should be provided at all times, either in a water dish or a waterer.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Feeding
If you are interested in keeping Belgian Ringbeater pigeons, it is essential to provide them with a nutritious and balanced diet. Here are some key considerations when it comes to feeding your Belgian Ringbeater pigeons.
Pigeon Feed
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require a high-quality pigeon feed to maintain good health. The feed should contain a balanced mix of grains, seeds, and legumes, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
You can purchase pigeon feed from your local pet store or online, or you can make your own feed mix using ingredients such as corn, wheat, peas, and sunflower seeds.
Supplements
In addition to pigeon feed, Belgian Ringbeater pigeons may benefit from supplements such as grit and oyster shell. Grit is small, hard particles that the pigeons ingest to aid in digestion, while oyster shell provides calcium for strong bones and egg production. These supplements should be provided in separate dishes and should be changed regularly.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons may also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as a supplement to their diet. Some good options include apples, carrots, peas, and spinach. However, it is essential to introduce these foods gradually and in small quantities to prevent digestive upset.
Water
Clean and fresh water should be provided to your Belgian Ringbeater pigeons at all times. The water dish or waterer should be cleaned and refilled daily to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it is important to provide water in a shaded area during hot weather to prevent overheating.
Feeding Schedule
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The amount of feed will depend on the number of pigeons and their activity level. It is important not to overfeed your pigeons, as this can lead to obesity and health problems.
Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon Breeding
Here are some key considerations when it comes to breeding Belgian Ringbeater pigeons.
Breeding Age and Season
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons typically reach sexual maturity at around six months of age. Breeding season for these birds is typically from March to September, although breeding can occur year-round in warmer climates.
Pairing and Courtship
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons are monogamous and should be paired for breeding purposes. When selecting pairs, it is important to choose healthy birds that exhibit desirable traits such as good size and feather quality. Once paired, the birds will engage in courtship behavior such as cooing, bowing, and billing.
Nesting and Egg Laying
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons typically lay two eggs per clutch, which are incubated for approximately 17 days. The female will lay the eggs in a nesting box, which should be placed in a quiet and sheltered area of the aviary or loft. The eggs should be checked regularly for signs of fertility, such as veining or a developing embryo.
Chick Rearing
Once the eggs hatch, the parents will take turns caring for the chicks. The chicks are initially fed crop milk, a nutritious substance produced by the parents, and are later weaned onto solid food.
It is important to provide the parents with plenty of food and water during this time, as they will be expending a lot of energy caring for the chicks.
Health Considerations
Breeding Belgian Ringbeater pigeons requires careful attention to health and hygiene. The breeding area should be kept clean and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, it is important to provide the birds with a nutritious diet and clean water to keep them healthy during the breeding process.
Caring of Belgian Ringbeater Pigeon
Here are some key considerations when it comes to caring for your Belgian Ringbeater pigeons.
Housing
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons should be housed in a clean and spacious aviary or loft that provides ample space for flight and exercise.
The housing area should be protected from the elements and predators and should be well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of harmful gases. Additionally, the housing area should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Feeding
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of grains, seeds, and legumes. Pigeon feed should be provided in a clean and dry feeder, and fresh water should be provided at all times. Additionally, pigeons may enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables as a supplement to their diet.
Grooming
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require regular grooming to maintain good feather quality and overall health. Grooming includes bathing, which can be done using a shallow dish of water or a spray bottle, and feather trimming, which can be done to prevent flight and escape. Additionally, the birds’ beaks and nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and injury.
Health Care
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require regular health care to prevent and treat disease. This includes routine check-ups with a veterinarian, as well as vaccinations and parasite control measures. Additionally, sick birds should be isolated from the rest of the flock and treated promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Exercise
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons require regular exercise to maintain good health and well-being. This includes daily flight time outside of the aviary or loft, as well as regular access to perches and toys within the housing area.
Additionally, exercise can be provided through training and racing, which can help to stimulate the birds’ natural instincts and promote physical and mental well-being.
Uses
Belgian Ringbeater pigeons are mainly used for showing and racing.
Special Notes
The Belgian Ringbeater pigeon is a very interesting bird with a cute behavior. The flirtatious male flies around the female in circles beating his wings with a loud clapping sound to win her attention.
Along with raising for show or exhibition purpose, the breed is also very good for raising as pets. It is also pretty good for ornamental purpose. Average lifespan of these birds is around 7-10 years. However, review full breed profile of this breed in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Belgian Ringbeater |
| Other Name | Also known as Ringslager Belge and Belgian Ringslager |
| Breed Purpose | Exhibition, ornamental, pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, attractive appearance, good for raising as pets, very good for exhibition purpose, good for ornamental purpose, cute birds, good behavior |
| Breed Class | Small |
| Weight | Around 360 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Belgium |
