Race Team Selection
- Choose birds that have completed the training programme without problems
- Eliminate birds with incomplete plumage or below-standard weight
- Birds with a good race history have priority
- Note the final team in the register before the first basketing
Training in April
- Training at 150–250 km in the direction of the races
- Minimum 2–3 training sessions per week in the month before the season
- Monitor return times — slow birds are dropped from the team
- Do not train in extreme weather — storms, heavy rain
In brief: A bird that consistently returns within 30 minutes after release at 150 km is a team candidate. One that delays 2+ hours is not ready.
Race Preparation (Basketing Day)
- Last training 4–5 days before the race
- Birds stay home the last 2–3 days — recovery
- Feed slightly reduced by 15–20% on basketing day — greater motivation on return
- Individual health check before basketing
In-Season Health Management
- Do not treat with antibiotics on a race weekend — they reduce performance
- Preventive tricho after every 2–3 races
- Electrolytes and vitamins after every race
- Recovery 3–5 days after a demanding race (long distance or tough conditions)
Tip: Keep a race diary: date, distance, weather, placing, observations. At the end of the season you will know exactly which birds deserve to stay.
Breeding in April
- Third round — if you are not using those birds for racing
- Race birds: stop breeding or give them one round and that is it
- Separate breeders from race birds — different regimes
Common Mistakes
- Sending racing birds to a race while they are incubating — they abandon the nest or get lost
- Training too close to the race — fatigue reduces performance
- Neglecting recovery after a race — accumulated stress = losses in the next race
Concrete Action Steps
- Week 1: finalise race team selection
- Week 2: training 200+ km
- Week 3–4: first races + managed recovery