Feather color and racing performance
January 16th, 2009 • Racing • 1,223 views
Are the whites, the reds, red bars or the white grizzles able to race at the same level as the usual blue bars and checkers?
It is said that the white feathers deteriorate much faster than the usual feathers with dark pigments. It is also said that the birds of pray tend to prefer the whites when they attack a flock but I don’t think this is always true. Let me tell you why. My flock consists of mainly blue bars and checkers, from 55 birds, only 1 is red and 2 are pieds. Let me tell you that from all the attacks I saw on the flock (and I see them often, both from hawks and peregrine falcons!), the hawk never chose the red female or the two pieds because they are speedy and fit. I think that the bird of pray will always choose the weakest bird, or a bird that isn’t fit (too fat, untrained, and so on). The birds of pray MUST lose a minimum of energy when they hunt so they will go for the weakest and not for the odd colored. I strongly believe this fact.
However, why don’t we see too many reds or whites in the exhibitions at the end of the seasons?
Can a white pigeon become a champion as easy as a blue bar can?
16-01-2009
Nick:
Another question arises here: do the black pigeons (spread) have a disadvantage during the hot races because black attracts heat?
26-04-2009
redskin15:
However, why don’t we see too many reds or whites in the exhibitions at the end of the seasons?
Can a white pigeon become a champion as easy as a blue bar can?
-My personal view on this question is that either white or reds is really capable of winning a race and i believe a lot of facier will agree and that only lead us to another question on how many fancier will get the chance to line up their whites or reds for a race at and what percentage? its a questions of quantity because of the low percentage of red and white entry, the chance of winning a race is slim…unlike with blue bars, chequer etc…these are regular colors and 80-90% of one’s loft are consist of this color.
6-10-2009
Jen:
In answer to the question concerning color. I believe it has to do with domamant genes. Breeders are breeding for domanant traits, speed , stamana ect. The fact that blue bars and blue checks are the domant colors in pigeons (like white with red eyes are in lab rats) leads me to believe the higher number of blues at the end of season is coincidental.
Every bird with the right handling has a chance to be a champion. The best bird with bad handling can lose to cheap but well conditioned bird.
26-05-2010
larry:
Possible cause mainly the trainer are hesitant to use their white bird on racing because of afraid to loose them or at some point they consider the said color are fragile. But on my opinion color is not an issue the best thing to consider the best entry on the racing game. First they done on complete training period by observing them if they are in full condition, alertness and activeness, when handling them shaky to loose, within flying weight , and best of all the condition of the feather complete and glossy and durable.
18-06-2010
leigh:
whites can win with a lot of hard work my grizzel won from 290 milles he then bred a ehite cock hes not as good but he stil peforms
18-06-2010
leigh:
but can jan theelans win
28-06-2010
Poor Man's grave:
It’s Not in the Color, It’s the ability of the Bird to fly home. It so happen that
the probability of the Birds Hatch are Blue and Checkered color.
17-07-2010
leigh:
well today has proved thet my wight cock can win hes just come from 294 miles and won the race in a west south west wind
so he has proved that wight pigeons can win
17-07-2010
leigh:
first time hes been there as well
17-07-2010
Andrei:
Cool! Can you send a picture of him?
18-07-2010
leigh:
yep have u got a facebook acount