mghodowlaPigeon pairing: how to plan with the pedigree
In short: Racing pigeon pairing: how to pair birds using pedigrees and results, avoid close inbreeding and strengthen your lines.
Good pairing starts with the pedigree, not with how the bird looks.
Check relatedness
Compare the cock's and the hen's pedigrees. Shared ancestors in the second or third generation can be a deliberate breeding decision. Shared parents are usually a mistake.
Pair results, not just blood
Look at the ancestors' race results. A pair from two lines that fly similar distances gives more predictable youngsters.
Record every pairing
Write down pairs, dates and youngsters. The youngster's pedigree then builds itself from the parents' data.
Stop retyping pedigrees. Pigeclub imports them from a photo or a PDF. See Pigeclub.
Questions and answers
How do I avoid inbreeding when pairing pigeons?
Compare both birds' pedigrees and avoid pairs with shared parents. Pedigree software shows common ancestors at a glance.