A GOOD HANDLING PIGEON
by Jim Emerton
It is easy to fall for good looks in a bird: the sparkle in its eye, the balance, the symmetry, the feathering and overall physicality or phenotype. We can be seduced by the oil painting cliche i.e. good looks appeal. We theorise, wax lyrical and predict winner after winner, do we not? On occasions we may actually select a good one out of our decisions, expert or not expert. I love attractive birds that breed or race to my satisfaction, and these are rare.
To enjoy the sport we need to make a compromise with perfectionism. In your own family of birds the appeal may be spread across birds of your own evolution. The sobering truth is if the bird in your hand does not contain performance gene potential it will never achieve greatness in racing and/or breeding. This is a reflection of science fused with my personal belief. Be wary of glossy pictures that please the eye and seduce you to part with money! If you can trust a pedigree or the supplier study the performances with great interest. Get a feel for the bird and fancier. My personal favourites are dark chequer and velvet birds with yellow or silky feather, and for years all my strain were of this ilk.
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Elimar - March 2014