SECRETS OF A CHAMPION LOFT AND FANCIER

By Bob Prisco

In previous articles, I have mentioned and used the term "champion loft or fancier".  All countries have recognized certain lofts / fanciers as the best of the best in their particular area and within their style of racing.  However, each country has a different type of racing.  The races vary in distance, ages of the birds that compete, and either land or water courses over which the birds fly.

These CHAMPIONS are selected and admired by many around the world for their success.  Many times, the fame and financial rewards are great.  Why are a few selected to achieve such rewards year after year while others try so hard with little or no success?

There must be some things that all these world champions have in common to bring respected success year after year in their own country and style of racing.  What are these common "secrets" that all possess, secrets whose absence would mean no "world fame, riches or master title"?

I have listed 10 secrets that I feel are the most important for a champion loft / fancier.  Remember, no one secret is more important than any other.  All are necessary for repeated success year after year.

SECRET #1: To be a champion it takes a 365 day a year program based on a system of healthy birds and sound management practices.  It is no longer a hobby, but a serious business, and must be run like one.

SECRET #2: No one can do it alone.  You must surround yourself with quality, knowledgeable individuals.  Most have partners, mentors, spouses and children that help on a daily bases.  Each person must know his own job and take the responsibility to complete it to the best of his abilities each day.  A good example is the famous partnership of Jef Van Riel and Frans Huyskens (1946-1956).  They were the best in the world.  They were both good flyers before the became partners, but when they joined together, they were great champions.  It is hard to believe it has been 45 years since the famous Antwerp partnership of Huyskens and Van Riel was sold in total in 1957.  Their bloodlines are still famous today and have been the reason for many other fanciers' success, including my own.  Without the great HVR BIRDS in our loft from Paul V. Veegaete of Fraser, Michigan, USA, our success would not be as great.

SECRET #3: A fancier needs a source of quality, proven birds that possess the ability to handle the style of racing in his area.  Once a fancier accepts the fact that all pigeons are not alike, that they all have different qualities of flying ability, and that he understands what types of birds he needs to fly in his area, then he must be able to eliminate those birds or pairs that are not suited for the style of racing in his country.  This is very hard for some fanciers to understand and accept, but until they apply this to their breeding programs, they will never be successful.

SECRET #4: A fancier requires a training system that concentrates on mental and physical conditioning. Keeping a regular schedule and routine is important to the birds.  Plenty of single tosses lets the bird think for himself.  Try to keep your training schedule as close to the times and locations of the race series. Rest and motivation is just as important as physical training.

SECRET #5: Use a health and hygiene program 365 days a year.  Avoid overcrowding with plenty of fresh air and natural sunlight in the loft.  The birds' drinking and feed containers should be clean enough for human consumption.      

SECRET #6: Use a trapping system that is simple and easy for both the birds and the fancier.  Spend time educating your young birds to the system.  Keep the same routine each day.  Patience is a must.  The birds must trust you, understand the system and you must be gentle.  If not, it will cost you time and money on race day.