Page 1 of 2
Breeding Tips
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2026 6:15 pm
by Tony-P-
Just need some advice on Breeding Tips.
As most of you know I got some late breds a few weeks back and most fanciers are looking towards the next few months sorting out their breeding pairs form what they have in their loft best birds or go out and bring some new blood in.
For me my birds have not raced so I don't know what they will be like until next years race season, so I just need some advice on my birds, pairing up ect.....
Would you let the birds pair them selves up or have ago of pairing them up through my inexperienced eyes
look forward to your feedback
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2026 7:29 pm
by Andy
In your position I would certainly just let them pair up the way they want. At this stage as you say you know nothing about their ability so you can just go with it. Next year you’ll be in a much better position to select yourself.
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2026 8:44 pm
by Tony-P-
Andy wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2026 7:29 pm
In your position I would certainly just let them pair up the way they want. At this stage as you say you know nothing about their ability so you can just go with it. Next year you’ll be in a much better position to select yourself.
That's true Andy I'll let them crack on, they are now starting to show themselves as cocks and Hen's I know its a tough call but it would be great if I had the same amount of each Cocks and Hens
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2026 10:16 pm
by Devo1956
Dont worry too much Tony, you will pick some tips up along the way.
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2026 1:14 am
by Murray
Andy wrote: Mon Sep 14, 2026 7:29 pm
In your position I would certainly just let them pair up the way they want. At this stage as you say you know nothing about their ability so you can just go with it. Next year you’ll be in a much better position to select yourself.
Absolutely, Andy.
And Tony, be aware that "love matches", where they pick their own mates often produce the best youngsters.
One of the best fanciers in the world, Ad Schaerlaeckens, is a great believer in letting them pick their own mates.
I do, in fact I encourage it. If I see two pigeons take a fancy to each other and I like the look of that as a pairing I give them a nest box quickly.
It's only if they are too closely related or don't seem well suited I'll intervene and find a different mate for them.
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2026 6:30 am
by Devo1956
Tony when we had a chat the other day, about that Cheq cock. You asked the guy where he got it from, and he told you. So know you have your loft book, find out if you can about the other birds, give the ring number to him or her. And if they have kept records they should tell you, Knowing what is in your loft, helps a long way when coming breeding. The art of selection.
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2026 7:19 am
by Murray
So true, Devo.
I don't use the word "art" much, it sort of smacks of "expert" a bit, another word I dislike, but the knack of pairing up pigeons is very useful.
There is an old saying that you "should pair the best to the best and hope for the best". It's a good place to start.
When you have a few generations of your own pigeons and can tell witch are the ones producing the best performers it starts to get easier.
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2026 9:03 am
by goose1
I would be careful breeding from unproven pigeons that you don't know much about personally. I'd be looking to buy some youngsters from a successful loft or see if anyone can help you out with some. What type of racing are you into? We don't have many inland pigeons now but anyone who knows me know we buy the best we can, I might be able to sort you out with a couple and I've a mate who flies a very good pigeon inland he would do the same I'm sure. You would need to pay carriage but I'm sure we could sort you out with half a dozen around start of April. Totally up to you no offence taken at all if not
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2026 9:37 am
by Murray
goose1 wrote: Tue Sep 15, 2026 9:03 am
I would be careful breeding from unproven pigeons that you don't know much about personally. I'd be looking to buy some youngsters from a successful loft or see if anyone can help you out with some. What type of racing are you into? We don't have many inland pigeons now but anyone who knows me know we buy the best we can, I might be able to sort you out with a couple and I've a mate who flies a very good pigeon inland he would do the same I'm sure. You would need to pay carriage but I'm sure we could sort you out with half a dozen around start of April. Totally up to you no offence taken at all if not
Very well put, goose1
If a new flyer can get late squeakers or even eggs to put under his own pairs from a top flyer who is prepared to do that it might take 5 years off their journey.
That is a very nice offer, to help a new flyer.
Re: Breeding Tips
Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2026 9:45 am
by Diamond Dave
Thats a great offer Goose.
