Preparing for Pairing Two

Planning and preparation are two important tools used frequently by all successfull racing pigeon fanciers. To plan properly you should have goals if not on paper at least in the back of your mind. Goals can be as simple as " I want to win X number of old bird races this year". As soon as we establish goals we determine which path we should follow to attain our goals. Perhaps switching racing systems from flying to the nest to flying widowhood, or for young birds researching and using the darkening system. Without goals planning will be unfocused.

One of my main goals is to attain more consistent and predictable breeding results. My path in attempting to reach this goal is the use of inbreeding and linebreeding. The emphasis is definitely on linebreeding for the first three rounds of youngsters out of the breeding loft. These youngsters will race on the young bird team this year and the pigeons that come up to snuff will be promoted to the old bird racing team the following year.

All the pairings for the breeding loft have been finalized this week, birds were paired according to body type and pedigree. Past breeding and or racing results were the overriding factor when the birds were selected for the breeding loft last fall. This only left body types and pedigree as determining factors.

The pairings for the race team are more flexible. Some will be test crosses and others will be bred within the family, some will be used to float breeder eggs. When you set goals or standards for your birds your pairing (planning) is simplified. You know what you want.

The temperatures this week have been bone chillingly cold, it's much colder then last week. For our part of the world these temperatures are not unexpected. The pigeons seem to thrive during these cold spells. The wattles are snow white, down feathers keep falling like snow and their feathering is sleek and tight. Bacteria can't grow at these temperatures, the stress levels are very low, no racing, no pairing, no feeding youngster, as a result the pigeons immune systems are not over taxed.The birds exude health.

Monday Jan. 26 is the planned pairing date. This date is flexible. It depends on the weather forecast, if the long range forecast ( 14 days ) is for warmer weather the lights will go on the hens this coming Monday ( 7 days before pairing) for 14 hours and the lights on the cocks will be increased from 12 to 14 hours.

I will add moulting mix to the hens feed ration. That is they will get 50% light winter mix and 50% moulting mix. Everything else will remain the same. The moulting mix will up the protein slightly and add some more variety to their diet. Watch them! With the extra light and slightly richer diet they will pair. If they do get them in with the cocks pronto!