Different strokes.

What makes a good, superior pigeon? Genetics? Eyesign? Motivation? Medication? Health? Or a few other things people swear on?
Overlooked or never discussed, to my knowledge anyway is intelligence. One cannot see it. Comes in various ways. Thinking pigeon. How it reacts to various situations. Loft or racing. Will observe closely this year. But hard to evaluate. Will try for those birds only. Cannot be too many anyway. But major cut down this year for next years racing will have to give it a shot. One old bird can part the bob wires and get out. Racer put to stock. His son young bird first time out flew for 2 hours. Dropped quite a distance from the loft. Called him. He flew towards me. Opened the loft door and he flew right in. I do not keep them short on feed. He wanted safety as hawks are around. Will see what happens with this new direction.

Interesting.
Iv had a couple that could part/flick the bobs
Pain in the FA

If you view intelligence then humans are a good example of the complexity it involves.

I think one of the most intelligent people was wheelchair bound.


Many others were incapable of any kind of athletic involvement.


Come in all shapes, sizes and colour.


In pigeons you need a combination, all in one bundle of feathers, intelligence , ability, and a fanciers ability to utilize both to the best advantage.


Simple as climbing Everest in an afternoons stroll.



Regards.

A good pigeon can teach a poor fancier.
It did me when i raced natural as a kid.
Had a cock whose best nest possition was between eggs upto sitting 3 days.
He got himself right.
Weight down, ate the smaller grains and no obvious food in his crop.
I used to be a heavy feeder.

With open loft, observation is the key to success.

Watched my pigeons for many hours, all have their own particular preferences which a good fancier takes advantage of.


Not Rocket Science, just common sense, sadly lacking in our sport.



Regards.

Agree Misty... except 'Observation' is paramount on any system. That is very lacking with many fanciers I believe.
Remember well some pointers regards observation inside and out side the loft by a good mentor in Barry Andrews. He said always write down every time you basket the order they we  will return from a race and if you can from even a training toss.

This was after learning or being told what to look for and why!
It happened one day when he was at my loft and a late comer came in. He asked after I'd told him 'That flipping is always nigh last ... ought to shot of it!
Now I don't know what he saw, honest!
But asked for it. So I caught and took it out to him saying 'Never be any good... always a homer I guess'.

His smiled changed when saying, skaking his head in disbelief ' Tou what. Rest him this week full stop. He'll be your first bird back this coming week from Perth'! He's eyes twinkled and gave me his knowing look.
So... Well I did that. Not out at all. Not only first home, but 3rd in a very strong club.

Later, fom him, I learned how and when they spoke to me  - I doubt as good him - when going in the loft. The ones saying 'Send Me'. The twinkle in an alert eye. The eye Liner / make up. Their' stance and even the dance that they performed. Of course with Observation during the week, pointers so to speak added up and bear merit, both good and bad..

Now I often hear, and some time with truth, fanciers when behind saying 'Oh I knew that, never expected any difference... I sent then as trainers.
Now that in its self asks a lot of questions... Ones the fancier should take on board!

observation is indeed a major factor on any system

Often hear a smirk when I say I love watching the pigeons on the roof tops. they swoop down. Clap upwards necks out stretched and fly with gusto. I loved the sound of a rushing wind when passing over head.

Also I note the ones not so. The laziness. the hunched up ones etc.

First off it may well be 'Toxins' in the blood. A feed of Linseed only. Light seeds, Canary etc. The REST is the most important … Idiots say 'Lazy git, it needs a toss or two' … and make things worse.
Only fit birds get trained to be fitter!