Thuringian Cropper
The Thuringian cropper is a German pouter pigeon from Thuringia, separate in type from the Thuringian colour pigeons. As a cropper, it displays an enlarged inflatable crop during courtship and excitement, giving the front of the bird a rounded, upright look. It is still a domestic pigeon descended from Columba livia, but selection has emphasized stance, globe shape, confidence, and feather colour rather than the compact field-pigeon outline of marked colour breeds.
Cropper management calls for room and observation. Birds need space to walk, display, and fly short distances without crowding, and perches should be arranged so heavy-chested birds do not strike the crop when landing. A steady pigeon ration, clean water, grit, and dry nesting areas are basic, while overfat birds or very exaggerated globes can have breeding and feeding problems. Good stock combines showy inflation with normal fertility, strong chick rearing, and a temperament that remains manageable in a busy loft.
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
