The chances of breeding a winner are increased when it is bred from a winner.
We all realise, that even from the best breeding stock in the world, only a very small percentage of the pigeons produced become champions.
To increase the chances of breeding champions we must first and foremost use quality stock. Quality stock are inbred, line-bred or mixed families that have bred winners or have been bred from several generations of winners.
The quality of the breeding bird can only be tested by the race results of its offspring and more than one test pairing may be necessary to achieve the combination of genes that works. The art of the master breeder is the selection of the correct pairs to ensure an aerodynamically efficient body type plus the character and brains of the champion racing pigeon.
How do we assess the quality of the untested racing or breeding pigeon?
The racing potential of the pigeon depends upon the quality of its parents. However, there is no single gene determining the racing performance of the pigeon and we must look to the physical, physiological and psychological features which make a champion pigeon.
Some fanciers are able to assess both the racing and breeding potential of a pigeon in the hand.
The best fanciers agree that although there are certain physical characteristics common to the best racing birds, the race basket still remains the truest measure of the racing qualities of the pigeon. The physical qualities (bone structure, feather quality and wing) that we assess, when handling a racing pigeon, determine its aerodynamic efficiency. Although the aerodynamic soundness of the pigeon is paramount to its ability to race successfully and without it the pigeon will never be a champion, it alone does not make a champion pigeon. Many pigeons are aerodynamically perfect, but it is the physiological qualities (fitness metabolism, homing ability and racing attitude) that make the bird with the perfect physique a champion and the physiological potential can only be determined in the race basket and not “in the hand”.
The only way to test the abilities of the breeding birds is to race test their progeny, but the selection of breeding birds is not always based on race performance. In many cases stock birds are selected on bloodlines and/or known family characteristics. The physical qualities required for successful breeding birds are the same as those for the race bird, namely the physical requirements for efficient flight. The physiological qualities of the stock bird can be predicted to a certain degree by its bloodlines, but in the end the breeding performance of the stock birds can only be measured by the race performance of their children or grandchildren.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.
