How to Breed Racing Pigeons
Racing pigeons are really racing doves. These birds are one of man's oldest friends--older than the dog. The racing pigeon was special to royals of all kinds. Kings used the racing pigeon to retrieve information from the front lines in times of war. This particular bird was so special that for centuries the common man was breaking the law if he owned a racing pigeon.
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Instructions
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1
Select a pedigree. It is important that the information you receive about a pigeon is honest and accurate.
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Read about the wins and breeding performance of the pedigree you selected.
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3
Determine which breeding system you will use. There are three breeding systems: cross-breed, line-breed and in-breed.
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Interview other racing pigeon owners. Decide if you can meet the challenges of cross-breeding. The largest challenge is the financial cost associated with a bird that has had no relationship with your bird for five generations.
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Learn about line-breeding before make a decision. You will need to avoid in-breeding so you must have the appropriate knowledge of birds. Line-breeding is less risky and expensive than cross-breeding.
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Consolidate the desirable genes of a pigeon family--allow next generation breeding between the pigeons. This is in-breeding.
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Make sure that culling is something you can do with your flock before you begin. Not everyone can kill an animal.
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Tips & Warnings
Cross-breeding is the most common form of breeding by fanciers.
In line-breeding you must follow strict guidelines. You will mate grandfather to granddaughter or grandmother to grandson or cousin to cousin.
In-breeding is not for you if culling is something you cannot do.
