Starting from scratch - what bloodlines?

Breeding & Genetics Bloodlines & Strains
1

I’m building my first racing team from scratch in Australia. Have an empty loft and money to spend.

What bloodlines should I look for? I see lots of imported European birds but also strong local Australian families.

Do European birds do well in Australian conditions or should I focus on locally proven stock?

2

Great question. Both can work, but here’s my advice:

Start with LOCAL birds that are already proven in your area. They’re:

  • Acclimatized to Australian conditions
  • Proven over Australian distances
  • Cheaper and easier to acquire
  • Often already contain European blood that’s been selected locally

Add European imports later once you understand what works. Bringing in expensive imports as a first step is risky.

Visit successful local lofts, see what they fly, buy from them.

3

Similar situation in South Africa. European birds can struggle with heat and different conditions.

What worked for me:

  1. Base stock from successful local racers
  2. Selective European imports from lines known to handle heat
  3. Heavy selection - keep what performs, cull what doesn’t

It takes a few generations to develop a family suited to your conditions. Don’t expect instant success with imports.

4

The bloodline matters less than the individual bird and your management.

I’ve seen every bloodline succeed and fail depending on how it’s handled.

Buy from fanciers who WIN in your area. Whatever they’re flying works under your conditions. Learn from them.

Once you have experience, then experiment with imports and crosses.