SIZE OF THE TEAM
by Jim Emerton
One real quality racer can make the season. As many as possible is the way forward to compete in multiple national and international races. Bird numbers in the loft tend to decline with the severity of the races and distance. On my open loft system I could muster between 20 to 30 old birds at the start of the season and 60 plus young birds to have a go at. The big lofts do not always prevail, yet big teams of quality birds are competitive, when prepared properly. The little man with the good small team e.g. under 20 often commands respect. Many fanciers like to overwinter relatively large teams e.g. 40 plus birds. The acid test in race reality is the speed/endurance and navigational abilities of each individual bird.
Most fanciers produce a paucity of champions in their racing career - you will know them when and if they appear. The ones you recall become old favourites and it is nice to reflect on the few with due sentiment and nostalgia. In practice the team size tends to match your ambitions/space and affordability.
---
Elimar - September 2014
