The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon from Germany. It has been developed over many years of selective breeding.
It was originated from Germany, especially from Thuringia and the Saxon Erz mountains. The breed along with other domesticated pigeon breeds, all are descendants from the rock pigeon.
Although, exact origins of the Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon are unknown, but the breed was also called as Mane Pigeon. Read some more information about this fancy pigeon breed below.
History And Origins Of Schmalkalden Moorhead Pigeons
The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon originated from Schmalkalden, Germany. It is a special kind of pigeon, and people began raising these pigeons many years ago (mainly because of it’s unique look).
These pigeons are mainly breed for their beauty (they have a distinctive pattern with a white head and darker body) and they have been popular with pigeon fanciers for a long time. They are also known for being gentle and is often shown in pigeon competitions.
Characteristics
Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon is a small sized breed with arched head which somewhat high in the forehead. The eyes are dark and the beak is long and black on blacks and blues, flesh colored on reds and yellows.
These birds have proportionally long neck. The feather structure starts it’s beginning from a more or less stamped out separation at the lower half of the sides of the neck.
The feather from this separation extends forward, then above, which forms the supporting feathers, which then enclose the neck, to the sides of the even lying chain as well as over the back of the neck to the mane.
The mane extends unbroken into the hood, which lies behind the top of the head. The whole structure should be as long feathered, rigid, and thick as possible.
Their wings are long and closed, and the tail is also long and carried closed. Their breast is low and well rounded. They are heavily muffed and their legs are as low standing as possible.
Head, bib, rump, tail and wedge under tail are colored, and the remaining feathers are of white color. Main colors of the Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon are Black, red and yellow.
As a small sized breed, average mature body weight of this bird is between 340 and 370 grams.
Housing Requirements
Like many other pigeon breeds, these pigeons also require a secure, well-ventilated, spacious and comfortable housing system to stay healthy and active. Provide enough nesting boxes inside their housing system and try to include ample perching areas. Doing this is very important to accommodate their natural behaviors.
Always try to construct the housing system for your pigeons with sturdy materials for providing protection from extreme weather conditions, and also for protecting the birds from pest and parasites.
Install adequate ventilation system to ensure better airflow inside the house for preventing respiratory issues. Try to arrange an attached aviary or flight area for your birds to allow them to exercise well. And always try to clean their house on a regular basis.
Dietary Requirements
Good quality and nutritious feeding is the most important part of raising these birds. Like many other domestic pigeon breeds, the Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons also require very good quality and nutritious food for staying healthy, happy and active.
So, these birds also require a balanced diet consisting of high quality seeds and grains such as rice, corn, peas, wheat, millets etc. Also try to provide your birds with supplemental diet consisting of fruits and vegetables. Doing this will help the birds to get essential mineral and vitamins.
Always provide your birds with grit for aiding digestion. Add oyster shell to their diet for fulfilling their calcium requirements. And always provide your birds with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Reproduction/Breeding
The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons are naturally very good breeders. They will breed easily if you provide them with all the required facilities. For better breeding result, just select good quality healthy birds and provide them with the required facilities and they will do the rest.
Provide them with a clean and spacious nesting area for ensuring successful reproduction. Always try to provide them with balanced and nutritious diet to support egg production, maintain good health and also chick development.
Supply them enough nesting materials (such as straw or soft bedding) for creating a comfortable nest. Like many other pigeon breeds, the female Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons generally lay two eggs at a time. And both male and female pigeons take the responsibility to hatch the eggs.
It generally take between 17 and 19 days for hatching the eggs. Both male and female pigeons continue to care for and feed the chicks after hatching. They used to feed their babies until they are ready to fledge at round 4-6 weeks of age.
Behavior/Temperament
The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons are know for their calm and friendly behavior. They are very gentle birds and usually get along well with other pigeons. They are generally not aggressive. That’s why they are easy to handle and care.
Caring
Taking good care of the birds is another most important part of raising Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons. These pigeons are relatively strong and hardy birds. Good caring tasks of these birds involves providing them a clean, safe and spacious environment, good and nutritious food and performing regular health checkups.
Always try to provide your birds with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand. Ensure a good, comfortable and secure housing system. Vaccinate your birds timely and try to perform regular health checkups.
Uses
This pigeon breed is used for exhibition and ornamental purposes.
Popularity And Price
The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons are pretty popular among the pigeon enthusiasts in it’s native area. Today, the breed is also found in many other countries around the world and they are pretty popular.
Although, it’s not possible to tell the exact price of these birds. Because, their exact price depends on numerous factors and their price can vary from place to place. And their price depends on numerous factors such as bird’s age, lineage, coloration etc. Depending upon your location, you can expect the price of a bird from just $50 to several hundred dollars.
Lifespan
Like many other domestic pigeons, average lifespan of the Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons is between 10 and 15 years. Although, they can even live longer if you take good care of them.
Pros And Cons
Just like many other domestic pigeon breeds, these pigeons also have some advantages and disadvantages. Here we are trying to list the most common and notable pros and cons of Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons.
Pros:
- Beautiful and unique appearance
- Calm and gentle temperament
- Good for show purpose
- Require minimum caring
Cons:
- Availability of these birds is limited
- Sometimes require special care
- Sometimes they are more expensive in some areas
Special Notes
The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon is a very beautiful breed. The combination of feathers and coloration makes this breed distinctive.
It can be highly common in it’s native area, but still rare in the United States and some other countries.
The breed is used for show or ornamental purpose. It is also good for raising as pets. Review full breed profile of this breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Schmalkalden Moorhead |
| Other Name | Mane |
| Breed Purpose | Ornamental, show, pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, distinctive look, good for show, good or ornamental purpose, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Small to medium |
| Weight | 340-370 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Flying Ability | Average |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Popularity of pigeon farming business is increasing gradually in many countries throughout the world. That’s why many people are trying to learn more about this business. Especially, the beginners ask us many questions about starting and operating a successful pigeon farming business. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions about the Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
How long do Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons live?
Average lifespan of the Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons is between 10 and 15 years. Sometimes can even live long in proper care and management.
What are Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeons used for?
The Schmalkalden Moorhead pigeon is an excellent flying breed. It is raised mainly for flying purpose.
