BREEDING QUESTIONS

[oldguy]

anyone want to answer a few questions for me ?

 

considering a report i read stating that feral pigeons can produce 9 sets of youngsters per year, what is the average for well cared for captive birds

 

what months are considered the breeding season for non race birds

 

which months are the mouting season and how long does it last

 

whats the best ratio of cocks to hens for breeding selection, when space is paramount in the loft

 

thanks

Kev

[Merlin]

My answers with particular attention to the word my in this instance is .

Rear three rounds only/re health and well being of parents and youngsters

 

Race Birds are mated 14th Feb ( romantic at heart)

 

All year round,with Big Moult starting x amount of weeks after first youngster left nest.

 

One of each or use Bull system,with feeders

[oldguy]

whats  a BULL SYSTEM ?

[Merlin]

one cock to several hens.

[oldguy]

thanks

[swilcox]

4 rounds from my breeders max a year, 3 if the hens a bit older.

 

Stuart

[swilcox]

Just to add between rounds 2 and 3 split them for 2 or 3 weeks and let them back together, they will be keener, i also treat for canker for 5 days during this time.

 

Stuart

[oldguy]

great info guys,

 

any more comments?

[homer]

In my opinion -

 

I like to take 3 rounds of youngsters from a pair.

 

The natural breeding season for pigeons is springtime. I like to pair the birds in Feb. and be finished by august.

 

As soon as my birds are parted the moult really gets going the main period being august till October.

 

I always work in even numbers for e.g. 6 pairs = 6 cocks and 6 hens.

 

 

There are however always exceptions and it is never as cut and dry as that in my loft.

Last year I veered from most of the above in 1 way or another.

 

For e.g. Last year One of my pairs was split after only 2 rounds and Because of holidays I did not finish breeding till September.

Also this year I have some spare hens that I do not want to part with but I will not be pairing them up with anything.

[Ronnie]

I will take one round of my racers this year(due to not having stock).

I try and breed less than i need so i dont have to cull when its not needed.I have paired early this year and they should all be weened in 3 week's.This is due to my inexperience though and next years breeding will be done the middle of febuary.Saying that i am experimenting with my old birds and if all turns out well i will breed the same time next year.Barring accidents my youngbird team will be 22 youngsters.