Ed Bourque

I been racing three years now, and teach my young birds to come out the loft every morning when the sun comes up, to create a habit once this is done, they are on open loft all summer until the races start in September. I love it the birds are happier and stronger it works for me I had 5x1's this pass young bird season. I am very happy with my results,because I fly a small team of 30 birds.

sounds to me like you have a good HEN not the cock.

I would say you could get Meuleman and stickelbout, are good long distance blood.

Ok thanks, I may have to bye one and try it out.

do you just let them out and learn to come in on their own ?

How do you all train birds to go in through the sputnik? I see a lot of loft over have them.

If you think they loose their homing instance then breed from the old bird team, and keep flying them. that's what I been thinking of doing. breed from racers

I think the problem is people breed to much for speed, I think breeding from birds with speed and navigation skills will keep them coming home. The birds that came home for me this year also won races, their parents will stay in the breeding loft. Just my toughts

Here in Louisiana, all my breeders have been giving to me by club members so you all know I got second hand breeders. 2008 was my second year flying I started with a team of 31 birds. I keep them in a 8x12 loft with more perches then needed, they were on open loft from April to our first race in september. I trained them in groups of 3 & 4 mostly at a distance of 25 miles. I ended the season with 23 birds and 8 Diplomas, 2 first,2 second,3 thirds, and one forth place. so I agree with some of you here that its not the birds it could be the fancier, over crowding, training, health. oh bye the way I also let my birds pick their own mates.

Looking good, if you don't mind me asking how big is your new loft? I would love to build me one like that.

sounds like you have Paramyxovirus you be able to help this bird but you need to get some PMV vaccine. you can get it from these sites. http://www.siegelpigeons.com/catalog-pmv.html http://www.jedds.com/Products.asp?MainCategoryID=70&SubCategoryID=593 http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/catalog/501.html

I hate to hear of all the loses you gents are having, I am here in the usa I have not had this kind of loses you all talk about. I started with 39 youngs birds and still have 38 done been to 20 mile mark they come out the crate and head stright home. they are also on open loft.

This site may help. http://www.pigeonnavigation.com/

That is and awesom entry for the pigeons. Thanks

Fair play, do you have any pictures are some kind or drewing of this.

Thank you, Lennut Tar I seen this system somewhere on the internet, sounds like a good idea.

Thanks, Rose

I live here in southwest Louisiana, no hawks here in the early spring or summer they have already migrated North.

Thanks, my avairy is high up close to the roof, I would not think anything could get up that high, closest neighbors or maybe 100 yards or so. Thanks for the info.

Thanks, my avairy is high up close to the roof, I would not think anything could get up that high, closest neighbors or maybe 100 yards or so. Thanks for the info.

What do you all think about open loft?

Out of 29 I have 3 left one cock two hens.

Go to Maptech.com this will help.

I see you have nothing but Blue Bar, Like them BB

all you need is hardwear wire cut it wider then the hole and tack it to the 2x4 the wire is stef enough to just rest against the top. hope this helps