Pigmy Pouter
A miniature cropper rather than a general toy pigeon, the Pigmy Pouter or Pygmy Pouter is a fancy breed of domestic pigeon bred to show the classic pouter outline in small scale. It descends from Columba livia like other domestic pigeons, but selection emphasizes an upright stance, slim waist, lively carriage, and an inflated crop or globe displayed during courtship and judging. The best birds look balanced rather than merely tiny, with leg length, body size, and crop shape fitting together. Colors vary by registry and breeder preference.
Care should support display without encouraging weakness. Pigmy Pouters need clean, dry housing with room to strut, court, and fly short distances, plus perches and nest sites sized for their smaller bodies. The crop should be watched for injury, souring, or overfilling, especially in very showy birds. Breeders usually pair for balance, fertility, and good parenting as well as show posture; overemphasis on an exaggerated globe can make a bird less practical. Their small size also means they should not be mixed casually with pushy larger pigeons.
Colors: Almond, Ash Red, Bar, Barless, Black, Blue, Brown, Checker, Dilute, Dun, Grizzle, Indigo, Mottle, Opal, Pied, Recessive Red, Red, Silver, Splash, Spread, White, Yellow
