Last Races of the Season
- Long distance races (500–700+ km) are in June
- Strict final selection — only send birds with the best season record
- Special preparation for long distances: increased carbohydrates 3–4 days before
- Post-long-distance recovery: 7–10 days of complete rest
Season Review
- Calculate average velocity for each bird across all races
- Identify birds with consistency — not just one good race
- Compare results with the previous season — are you on a positive trend?
- Note what worked and what did not in your season management
In brief: A bird in the top 10% across 5 races is worth more than a single-race winner. Consistency beats isolated performance.
Post-Season Decisions
- Birds with poor results: sale or retirement to breeding
- Birds with good results: summer breeding programme or rest
- Spring youngsters: evaluate for the next season
Summer Breeding
- If you want summer youngsters (weaker than spring youngsters) — now is the time
- High temperatures in the nest can cause incubation problems
- Provide additional ventilation in the loft
Post-Season Health
- Complete post-season treatment: tricho + cocci + worms
- Individual check of all birds — the season can hide problems
- Birds with low weight after the season — support treatment + improved feed
Tip: Photograph each bird with good results now — summer plumage is the best for documentation and sale. The good light of June makes excellent photos.
Common Mistakes
- Neglecting post-season treatments — "they are not flying anyway"
- Selling birds quickly without fully evaluating them
- Forcing a third round on racing birds that have worked all season
Concrete Action Steps
- Complete the performance table for each bird
- Full post-season treatment for the whole team
- Decide the sales list and the breeders list for next winter
- Total rest for the race team: minimum 3 weeks without training