UkPigeonRacing

We all have different ideas and thoughts on what would be the best, but lets face facts when it comes to breeding. Yes we know you need to have quality birds, when you are starting to form a foundation for your loft.
So when it comes to sitting down, and looking at your breeding program for your future racing. Where do we start ? Cross-breeding or out-crossing, as it's sometimes known, is basically when we mate pigeons of a different strain, usually with no common ancestors in the previous 5 generations. We may be looking to introduce new genes into the pool or simply want to breed more dynamic birds with increased vitality. Well this might be what is needed, but then again at what cost? This is where all the work starts, you have internet and you can start researching. There are different ways of doing the work needed, but one way I like to use is in finding a top flyer of racing pigeons. One that as raced at top level for a good number of years, a loft you can visit and have a good chat. You never know what tips and good advice you can pick up on your visit.

I would say this is ideal when you do not have a big a large budget, also ideal for members that is just starting off in the sport.

The bottom line is of course, you can only work with what you've got.
We might dream of a shed full of the latest and best pigeons but many don't have them. That's why Geoff Cooper from Bath is worth a watch. He explains how he introduces the occasional pigeon which he hopes will improve the performance of his pigeons and tests the offspring. If that works he crosses them back into his family.
That way he is putting new genetics in the loft to stop them losing vigor at the same time as hopefully improving the loft.
Smart lad is Geoff.

Murray wrote: ↑Mon Jan 13, 2025 7:49 pm The bottom line is of course, you can only work with what you've got.
We might dream of a shed full of the latest and best pigeons but many don't have them. That's why Geoff Cooper from Bath is worth a watch. He explains how he introduces the occasional pigeon which he hopes will improve the performance of his pigeons and tests the offspring. If that works he crosses them back into his family.
That way he is putting new genetics in the loft to stop them losing vigor at the same time as hopefully improving the loft.
Smart lad is Geoff.

Yes he was very smart

As a "general" rule I think if you followed "best to best" you'll not go too far adrift

MIL wrote: ↑Wed Jan 15, 2025 1:45 pm As a "general" rule I think if you followed "best to best" you'll not go too far adrift

That's how you improve anything, isn't it. Select the best of each generation and breed the next generation.
But we all tend to keep things because their siblings are top class, or they are off champion bloodlines, or we paid a Lot of Moneey for them.

Murray wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:43 am

MIL wrote: ↑Wed Jan 15, 2025 1:45 pm As a "general" rule I think if you followed "best to best" you'll not go too far adrift

That's how you improve anything, isn't it. Select the best of each generation and breed the next generation.
But we all tend to keep things because their siblings are top class, or they are off champion bloodlines, or we paid a Lot of Moneey for them.

And that’s how you breed a family of pigeons. Just what I’ve been saying.

Yes you have. And you will breed your own family.

Murray wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:43 am
But we all tend to keep things because their siblings are top class, or they are off champion bloodlines, or we paid a Lot of Moneey for them.

I never. I was emotionless like that

I paid £500 each for YB out of the nest and threw them on the garden and raced em

Murray wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:53 am Yes you have. And you will breed your own family.

A family of pigeons is easy to do just leave them to get in with it like a lot of studs that buy to sell do

A family of homers that win the odd card very easy also it’s not hard to go from one card a year to 5 cards a year over 3 years

A family of outstanding racers that perform week in week out is very different
I struggle with that

NeilA wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2025 9:29 am

Murray wrote: ↑Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:53 am Yes you have. And you will breed your own family.

A family of pigeons is easy to do just leave them to get in with it like a lot of studs that buy to sell do

A family of homers that win the odd card very easy also it’s not hard to go from one card a year to 5 cards a year over 3 years

A family of outstanding racers that perform week in week out is very different
I struggle with that

Yes I agree Neil but still perfectly possible. Just need to find the foundation. What makes things harder is when things keep changing. Move home, changing from distance to sprint and changing directions of racing. Over the last 3/4 years I’ve gone from racing South road over the channel, to racing North road for one season and now East to West. If I stay with the combine the youngsters will be going West to East.