End of the Race Season
- Last autumn races — usually until 15–20 October
- Final evaluation of youngsters based on the whole season
- Decision: which birds stay for breeding, which are sold, which are culled
Autumn Treatments — Mandatory
- Tricho — 5–7 day treatment after the season
- Cocci — full treatment at the end of the season
- Worms (Ascaridia, Capillaria) — anthelmintic treatment
- Hexamita — if you had digestive problems during the season
- 5–7 day interval between different treatments
In brief: Autumn treatments are not optional. Birds entering winter with parasites deteriorate slowly and enter spring weakened. A well-managed October = an easy January.
Preparing the Loft for Winter
- Complete general clean — disinfection with whitewash or dedicated product
- Checking the roof, windows, doors — sealing
- Checking the ventilation system — functional without direct draughts
- Nestboxes disinfected and prepared for winter
Final Evaluation and Planning
- Calculate the final score for each bird across the complete season
- Plan breeding pairs for next winter — on paper, now
- Review which bloodline performed and which did not
- Set objectives for the next season
Tip: Hold a season analysis session with other fanciers from your club. External perspectives identify problems you no longer notice from habit.
Autumn Sales
- October–November = the best time to sell
- Buyers want birds for spring pairing
- Youngsters with good results sell well — they have season data
- Prepare the sales file now: photos, pedigree, results
Common Mistakes
- Neglecting autumn treatments — "too tired to do anything"
- Entering winter without a clear breeding plan for spring
- Selling good birds in a rush without complete documentation
- Neglecting loft preparation — autumn dirt frozen solid is hard to clean in winter
Concrete Action Steps
- Week 1: tricho + cocci treatment
- Week 2: worm treatment + general clean
- Week 3: final evaluation + written breeding plan
- Week 4: sell selected birds + prepare for winter