Bohemian Ice Cropper
The Bohemian ice cropper is a Czech cropper pigeon that combines the inflated crop and upright display of the pouter family with the pale ice-blue coloration prized in Central European fancy pigeons. Developed in the Bohemian tradition, it is part of the domestic pigeon species Columba livia, but its value lies in exhibition type rather than speed, homing, or squab production. The color should read as clean and icy rather than dark blue, with bars, checks, or other accepted markings depending on the standard. Judges look for a balanced crop, upright stance, sound legs, smooth feather, and even color.
Management is similar to other croppers, with extra attention to space and condition. Birds need room to inflate and court without scraping the crop on wire or rough fixtures, and they do best when kept lean enough to move freely. Breeding pairs should be evaluated for crop soundness, color clarity, fertility, and their ability to feed young. The pale plumage shows dirt quickly, so dry flooring and careful bathing routines matter before shows. Perches and nest fronts should be arranged so a displaying bird is not constantly rubbing the crop.
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
