Jim Emerton

ARTICLES

CHOOSING FROM THE LATEBREDS FOR STOCK.

Wise to take latebreds off the top breeders and racers of the year. We grow and mature these on rich feeding and supplementation in an aviary. When they stand out after the moult in November we reserve the ones that catch the eye on good looks/balance/appearance of health and behaviour. They are all of top breeding, thus the selection is personal and we may be giving the best breeder away. Your hunch of a good one, by sense impressions may be spot on and then may be not. An eye for a good bird is important and some folk have the gift. I would never retain a bird on sole judgement of the eye which is an instrument of sight. In 76 a young lad chose from the pens at Louella and hit the jackpot. To continue with the strain the latebreds pair together for breeding and so the process continues year in year out. The objective is another champion,yet every pigeon is well bred-the reality is that a small minority reach the required level of ability. Monitor the health of the birds with a fastidious and critical eye. A good stock bird can keep you going for many years.

Jim Emerton.