Merlin

Would tend to agree with Dublin Flyer as regards Billy keeping well away from birds,etc,but walking in his shoes,I would settle for a non active partnership,just to stay involved in pigeons,as possibily in this case the remedy would be more damning than the complaint,but whatever the outcome I am sure Dovescot and family as always will act in Billys best interests,now what about an Auction/Fundraiser re Billys expenses,lofts masks etc,if Billy does continue,and personally I hope he does, as long as his participation in whatever capacity,doesnt cause him any more illness, hardship or stress.

Its just our terms,birds are capable of winning at any distance,dependent on conditions,on system being used,and feeding system,a case in point 1st & 2nd yesterday at 140 mls 3hrs approx,same pair of Cocks !st & 2nd last season in a hard Channel race 10 hrs on wing,we ourselves tend to try and make a simple game/sport complicated, after one day races,you tend to g

Too true and seen as they are feeding four chicks,they are surely doing some killing to feed those little Sh;;es.

Zenit were much the better team on the night, in all sections,Rangers sadly were always chasing the game,enjoyable game in every sense,with skill and organization versus effort and heart, well paid professional players shouldnt be tired/jaded,on the night they werent good enough.

Like above have never seen this with pigeons,but have seen something similar when rearing small birds.finches/canaries,suggestions then were to feed it some animal fats,as this was supposedly lacking in their diet.

Cock bird doesnt seem to be around,and she seems very agaitated,spending a lot of time off chicks,appears to be on edge.

In an ideal situation it would be better if you flew those seperate,as they are at different stages of development,let them back together,when you are starting to train them.

Dont let the B;;;;;;S grind you down,if I ever wanted to leave racing pigeons,it would be on my terms,my reasons,not because low lifes chose it for me,and during the years,have also had lots of hassle.

Waterford S/E Ireland is misty also,given to clear,mid morning,hopefully.

Got ot agree with Gareth,look who we are dealing with,an organization whose vast income come directly/indirectly from the public,to care for all types of birds,and yet they openely and blatantly use these monies,to champion the cause of already overcrowded Birds of Prey exclusively,to the detriment of all other species,constantly alluding to the harassment and persecution these rare icons of the bird world has to contend with,ie Birds of Prey,yet their literature contains only friendly finches/robins etc,why not show a Perigrine ripping a racing pigeon asunder,available on Roller Discussion Board U.K Sect,under West Coast,this is an everyday occurence as regards B.O.P.and not an image thats made available to Joe Public,because to normal people its disgusting and revolting,and Joe Public should be made to realize this is where their moniies are spent,creating more of these images,no these people are masters of propaganda,with tunnel vision as regards Birds of Prey,and the laws will never be changed. Each of us have a responsibility to look after our own lofts and occupants.

This is the only real solution to the problem pigeon fanciers are facing regarding the overpopulation of birds of prey,there is no law against,owning,buying,keeping,flying,breeding,the Eagle Owls,and if found in the wild,which gladly is happening more, these are also protected by European Wildlife Laws,to realize what a threat they are to our resident Birds of Prey thats fostered and cared for by R.S.P.B.why not read up on the stance adopted by R.S.P.B to its re-introduction to these shores again, now ask yourself why.

There we go the fourth egg has hatched this evening,as if we didnt have enough of these sky pirates to contend with,anyone flying an Eagle Owl in the vicinity,by any chance. ?

Ooops Sorry only three hatched,got to be grateful for small mercies .

Derby pair have hatched all eggs four in total,now the real fun begins,as she has started to hunt,how many pigeons will she have to slaughter to rear these four,and in turn how many will they slaughter,it goes on and on.

Fair play Mixxey,what you just posted covers a multitude,dont think that there is any one factor as regards make up of a winning pigeon,there are a lot of variables there,and its when most come together,or brought together by fancier, you get winners,and probably the most important one is "heart" in abundance,which in turn produces the will to win,I have had pigeons with pectoral muscles like small ropes along their keel,often beaten to loft,by birds with no apparent keel muscle. The most important and essential functioning to any athlete,and this includes pigeons is its airways.lungs,etc,if these are not A 1 most of the rest is baggage.

We were in Mullingar Munster Fed, North Rd up at 11-15 clocked at 1-40 into a strong s/s/w returns were gappy enough,lots of birds coming late.

"Hey Spotty Face,Do you ever stop talking"

This statement says it all Bang on the Button,well done Mickb

Stall traps for me all the time,a word of caution,go easy on youngsters,when removing race rubber.

Nice to be privy to differences of opinion/discussions/based on factual matter,than one based on pettinness,churlishness,downright ignorance/and name calling/and threatening/intimidating P.Ms,this is how it should be aired, re differences of opinion. with some dignity. Sorry for going somewhat off thread.

Dont see a problem with any of the 5 points that Rory has outlined,its common sense,and if I am buying old birds for stock purposes,I ask these and many more,but as for the rest Its life,and again its down to buyer,nobody is forcing them to buy,just as nobody can make them not buy,if they want,I would have no problem in buying youngsters from any scource if it suited ME,and I do trust my intelligence to always be aware of the old adage of BUYER BEWARE,in all things not just pigeons, as I am sure the vast majority of fanciers are capable of doing.

No need to Dovescot,wait until last minute,they may turn up yet,again well done to you both.

The info given by David in this instance is very practical,and for a self confessed non pigeon person,very astute,well done

If I was in the market for youngsters,I certainly wouldnt go past those pair,wish you all the best jakjak,and whoever is fortunate enough to purchase them.