Diamond dave

I have just been asked to deal with a dead pigeon from a neighbours garden ( not one of mine) There are no apparent signs as to why this bird has died at all. The people who found it have asked me to find out why it has died and if it is connected to AI. and where the bird has come from. I was at pains to try to explain that our birds cant catch AI - but they were not taking in what I was saying - they even stepped back from me when I picked the bird up. There is nothing outwardly visible why this bird should have died and frankly I am also a bit concerned!!! Can anyone advise me of what I should do from here???

Mike - correct me if I am wrong but the "lunacy" statement that you posted was purely down to the financial consequences of turning North and nothing to do with the ability of the fancier or his pigeons. None of the national/classic clubs can afford not to have the full support of its members by way of birdage otherwise they might not be in existance the following year. Whats the alternative in an exceptional situation like this one - Perhaps they should cancel all nationals/classics this year, freeze the assetts of the clubs and return to normal the following year - I THINK NOT. I for one am happy to make the most of what weve got because it means SURVIVAL through finacial security.

Have one drinker with rusty nails and my birds are HARD!!!!!

Sean You might have heard about the crazy event in Peter Bryants "view from the Reddings" There is nothing as yet to stop you training - just be careful where you liberate.

Pigeonman/pigeonjock You seem to be forgetting that these are exceptional circumstances - I for one am just glad that we are still talking about racing. We are all pissed about the situation but I agree with Slatey - make the most of what we got for this year.

I agree good pigeons will turn - but you cant expect them to be on the results sheet against birds that are already on the North - then if you try to turn them back the following year, you cant expect them to be on the results sheet then either.

250km first young bird race sounds a bit harsh BC - good luck and may the force be with your birds!!

Totally agree with you Mike - if the MNFC went North I reckon they would lose a great deal of their birdage and finish up having a really bad year due to financial losses. I turned mine south for the first time last year and I for one wouldnt be looking to put them back on the north at any cost. I'd rather miss a years racing - The birds wouldnt know what was happening. In my experience North roaders dont go South and South roaders dont go North.

Welcome to the dark side BC. I think your aka should have been Darth Vader I suspect the wind direction and strength will play a big part in the path your birds will take. - May the force be with you!!!!!!

I,m reading doom and gloom regarding racing - someone even posted a four year ban!!! Am I the only one thinking that this could all be resolved in a short space of time with a vaccination proramme? - Not for the pigeons - For all other poultry that are high risk. France are vaccinating all their poultry anyway so why should they be bothered about our pigeons contaminating them?

Hi Nancyview - Whats it sposed to do?

Hi Mark - Nice gesture mate.

Welcome taylorsloft and BRL

Pecked hen. One thing to watch out for when weaning youngsters away is to watch for there eyes closing (like they are sleepy) This will tell you that they have not found the drinker yet - that would tell you when to dip there heads in the drinker. Some will tell you that if they cant find the water themselves then they wont be any good - I disagree - I'm sure it wont do them any harm. Also, be on your guard with loose droppings but dont get a bottle out every time you see one. Young birds often pass watery type droppings when they are stressed and weaning is a very stressful time for a baby. The prognosis, for me, of this particular case is that the droppings are not only watery but green as well. This would suggest a health problem and I would have to agree with shadow on outcome. In any case - these are problems we all suffer - not just you - and you deserve a pat on the back for being vigilant. Good luck

I have had two birds with the "protein lumps" caused through too much protein when feeding only peas and beans - I dont think they do any harm other than restrict the birds movement. These are attached like a wart would be They are very obviously a blood blister about the size two peas. I got rid of them by tying fishing line very tightly to the base of the blister and they eventually fell off. I cant say that what you are describing is one and the same thing and dont understand why there should be a "pocket of water" unless its been caused by an injury ?????

Ditto Hyacinth - good to know there back on there feet after such a short time. As the saying goes:- Nil Carborundum Bastardum - or something like that.

Log in regularly to Pigeon Basics - plenty of sound advice on here - will save you years of trying things out for yourself. Just take a look at all these experienced people giving you the benefit of that experience - freely!!!!!

Tiger Like I said mate - youre entitled to your opinion - I just happen to think yours is "blinkered". The reason we've all carried on as normal is because we havent got got bird flu yet!!! I for one am pleased with the stance that the RPRA has taken and in particular Peter Bryants handling of the problem. I do think the PR to joe public could be better but lets face it, up until the reports in France, this was another joke which was never going to touch us (I'm sure you remember SARS). Now its too close for comfort and rest assured mate - wed have got the blame what ever happens!!!!

Hiya Cinth I'm just wonderin, - we have a lot of members on this site that are only racing younguns so they wont be able to take part in this challenge. Would your programme allow them to "adopt" some one elses birds that arent already in someones team of 3 and therefore give them some interest. - its just a thought !! - I dont want to make it any harder for you and I dont know if it will be of any benefit - I'd be interested to hear your and anyone elses thoughts. Diamond.

Tigerpomfret Mate we all have opinions but I think your out of order with your statement about Peter Bryant - my opinion is that he is doing a sterling job on behalf of all fanciers. I think yours is a narrow minded opinion if you think he doesnt represent the whole of the fancy

Rockonrockinrick - good to have ya on board!!!

Hiya cinth If there is anything I can do to help with any of the organising or admin, please let me know - Though I must say my puter skills are very basic. Diamond

Hiya cinth Is there a limit of how many birds we can enter?

Jimmy Never heard of it, is it soluble or solid?

Snowy, I wouldnt take away the grit and minerals mate - she is obviously deficient in something. Thats why shes always eating it. I'd be inclined to add more diverse minerals if you can get hold of them. Clay pots/pickstones, etc. but get some multivits in the water asap to get them round quickly. I have two drinkers in my breeding shed, one with water that is changed daily and one with water that has half a dozen rusty old nails in it. Its easy to see when the birds have preferred this water cos of the colour of their wattles but it is there choice and I have to refill this one every 3-4 days. Just my opinion mate - hope you get them round ok!!