Jack Barkel

I agree Dublin Flyer, it is a bit of fun, a game that many will enjoy, however the dignity of some people were attacked instead of leaving it as a game. I will not comment anymore for at 73 years of age I have learned that my wisdom on the subject will be attacked and rejected by many. Sorry I intruded after my name was mentiond and after I was PMd to give an opinion. Jack Barkel

Sorry to say none of them would be good enough for my stock loft, the only one that comes close is No 1. Jack

Yes I have won a National, I have also bred the best racing bird in a season for the whole of South Africa. Although I have not raced for several years I am still constantly breeding racer breeders for others. Sorry my records never rteached Ireland. Regards Jack

Hello Mikey, If they have top eye sign I would put them straight to stock, if the eye sign was not so good I would race them out. Even if such a bird excelled in the races I would not contemplate putting it in the stock loft. Many winners put in the stock loft only breed mediocre birds, this also can be acertained by eye sign instead of wasting years beeding off mediocre breeders. I hope this answers your question Mikey. Regards Jack

The Eyes Do Have It. By Jack Barkel. To begin this subject, let me say I have studied the eyes of wild and domesticated creatures as well has those of human beings for many years. I am also an avid bird watcher and have many illustrations of wild birds in South Africa, plus the shapes of their wings and the different eyes to aid them in what they are put on this earth to do. Many fanciers say that eyes never change, however I have found this to be so untrue, for circumstances and habitat do cause drastic changes to the eye. This is all part of the introduction to a paper I will never publish, but which I will leave to be disposed of as my family deems appropriate after I pass on. I have studied eyes of creatures that have been genetically engineered by humans to create stamina and speed for racing purposes, namely horses, greyhounds and as we need to deal with here; Racing Pigeons. Unfortunately the racing pigeon has been experimented with by do it yourself artists, that constantly change the gene pool every time they put two pigeons together. Many of them are learned people, but are completely ignorant of what they are creating in their punitive efforts to breed the pigeon of their choice. They will constantly spout forth that a pigeon will inherit 50% genes from both its parents! of course it will, no body is disputing this genetically known fact. However they fail to say that they have little or no idea which genes the new progeny is inheriting from either of its parents. They say that they are aware that the sex genes are not inherited equally, but, they also say that they are of such a small percentage that they are of little matter and that they relate mainly to the colour genes. Again such statements to the pigeon fancy are unforgivable, for the sex linked colour gene is the only visible proof to them that they exist, and that is all they have to base their statements on. Yet, the colour gene is the least important of the sex genes when we come to breed pigeons of better quality than the seven percent that is being achieved worldwide at the moment. Not one geneticist will endeavour to say what percentage of the sex genes go into making a better than normal racing and breeding pigeon, and I am also unwilling to make a guess also. I will however state categorically that these are the genes we are trying to harness in the endeavour to breed better pigeons. The eyes of wild birds stay the same year in and year out, the eye of any species is unchanging unless its habitat or circumstances in life change. When we come to Racing Pigeons, they have been so genetically altered and meddled or should I say muddled with by often so called experts, that they are as variable as the fingerprints of a human being. The eyes of humans have suffered the same confusing effect by the mixing of races and clans over the years. The eyes of the offspring of future generations are continuously changing, for the gene pools of all parents’ whether pigeon or mankind have been continuously muddied by the mentality or lack thereof in many who would call themselves master breeders or an authority on such subjects. With humans we have little or no chance of control over this genetic drift, for humans will marry or procreate with those of their personal choice, whereas with the racing pigeon we can play a large part in what we bring into this world. Humans are also changing with the rapid pace they are evolving in the scientific field. I have been berated, criticised and insulted over the years, for trying to put across how to improve our breeding stock. There are many that not only disbelieve what I am doing, but will loudly condemn me without ever achieving anything themselves other than making a lot of noise. It is a pity that such people and situations exist, for without it we could have pooled our resources and progressed much further than we have in the last one hundred and fifty years or so. The conformation of the body and wing is an easy thing to control, it can be visibly seen and understood and physically felt by even a blind person. When one comes to the eye it is a different complicated story altogether. There are many who call themselves Eye Sign Experts, which have gained only the slightest of knowledge on the subject and use it to deceive others that they are capable of doing many things with this little knowledge they have gained. Some are very convincing while others are just plain downright nutters for the want of a more fitting expression. Although I have many avid followers of those that believe in my methods, it is disappointing that there are many who will not give what I say a little consideration. I have explained my reasons for things being the way they are, but still there are those that stick doggedly to an opinion of their own, with no explanations whatsoever. Let me explain some factors that we can ascertain by believing in the sex genes playing a big part in what quality of racing pigeon we produce. 1. If on pairing two birds together we find that they breed successful birds of both sexes, we can presume that both the sire and the dam are good breeding birds and compatible with each other. 2. If we find that the hens are good and the cocks not so good, we can assume that the sire is good and the dam not so good, the explanation being that the Sire and Dam have both contributed equally to the male offspring, but that the hen did not contribute to the female offspring. Please remember we are referring to purely sex genes here. 3. If we find that such a pairing produces good cocks, and hens that are not so good, we can say that the sex genes of the Sire are not of the same high standard as those of the Dam. For all the sex genes of the sire have gone into the making of his daughters. I ceased competing in 1997, eleven years ago, and yet my birds are still producing winners at a better rate than when I ceased racing the birds. To me this goes to show that a loft can continue to reproduce the quality bird for years and years if a system is devised that controls the sex genes of our progeny. In conclusion, let me state that I believe that every fancier should try and understand the genetic drift of the racing pigeon, by the signs in the eye. It is easily understandable by most people who have come into contact with eye specialists like myself, who are willing to divulge what they have gathered over a lifetime of study and practice on the subject. The subject will always remain controversial, until the world evolves a little more. Biologists and Scientists are progressing immensely on the subject with humans, whereas most pigeon geneticists and breeders of pigeons in general, are not aware of how the world is changing around us. As I have stated, this is just a forward to a paper I am writing, which will be dated, and will not be made public while I am still alive. The reason being I am not prepared to go through the insults and fighting to defend what I have written. The contents will be either used to advantage or thrown in the trash can as people will no longer be able to have a piece of Jack Barkel. May I say, that my health has improved so much recently that I feel I can live till I am ninety. So I am not contemplating leaving any time soon.

You are wrong my friend, a racing pigeon was designed by humans, and the variations in many of the genes manifest themselves in the eye. They evolved or degenerated through pigeon fanciers. You know nothing about the eye either in humans, dogs, pigeons or horses, which are the designs of humans. Go back to the school that proves me wrong by your statements and see what they have learned about the subject since then. You are entittled to your opinions, but in my opinion they do not hold water. Jack Barkel

Hello Folks, I have no intention of getting involved in this senseless argument about eye sign or iridology for that matter, but let me clarify one thing for all time. Eye sign was never meant to pick out the winners, wind velocity and direction, loft position and many other imponderables go to making a winner, although a double triple fed winner at velocities of 1150 and under are easily distinguishable. Eye sign is used to tell the genetic drift in all youngsters bred by people who pair their pigeons by guess work. If one understands the genetic drift in the eye one can select their stock birds , leaving very little to guess work. There is also the compatibility of two birds to be paired together, which can be controlled by what is diagnosed in the eye. Of course all pigeons these days have winners in their gene pool, that is through the guessers who throw birds together without any knowledge of the facts I have given you all on previous occasions. However the percentage good pigeons they will produce is down to 7% by the world statistics. 50% and more can be produced with the correct understanding of eye sign, of which most eye sign guys really have very little knowledge. I say, let the basket prove the winners and the better pigeon flyers, and let those who know how to select pigeons and pair them for stock go about their business without being subjected to ridiculous accusations by some people who have no idea what the advantages of eye sign are. Trying to pick ordinary winners by eye sign is a futile exercise, and to the none believers, carry on disbelieving or put your money where your mouth is and I will take every cent you have and the best pigeons out of your loft. My record is known internationally and I do not need to prove it on here, but please let this set the record straight about picking the odd bird that has won a race by eye sign. I remain loyal and friendly to all pigeon fanciers throughout the world, but never ask me to join in your games for that is all they are Guessing Games. Jack Barkel jackbarkel@mweb.co.za http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jackbarkel

When a bird goes onto the nest it opens the feathers naturally and when it leaves the nest it gives a little shake and the feathers go back into their natural weave. When a birds breast feathers are interfered with by an enquiring fancier the pattern is broken and the bird has to start its covering/weaving process all over again. Make no mistake to do such an act is interfering with nature and such a bird subjected to this silly practice will certainly not beat mine, even if it is a better bird. I am only trying to show that we do many things that are temporarly detrimental to racing conditions, because many pigeon fanciers do not understand what nature has created in our feathered friends. It is of no matter to me if anyone who has been warned about this silly practice decides to still look and lessen their chances of a win because of this practice. There are only a few cases where one can cheat nature. Regards Jack

It is very bad practice to open up the breast feathers on a racing pigeon. This is the main defect on a pigeon, as they have no body feathers in this region. Nature left it void of feathers in this area to get the eggs next to the skin and up to body temperature for incubation. When humans developed the racing pigeon to fly considerable distances, they did it without this in mind, and still today we interfere with this condition that the bird needs and tries to look after so meticulously. The racing pigeon spends a lot of time weaving these breast feathers together so that they will not open up in long forced flights. If you feel inclined to open these feathers to see if the flesh is pink, then you are left with a bird that can take up to thirty six hours ( depending on disturbances ) to weave these feathers back into place. The condition of the skin wether on the breast or in the mouth can be varied with feeding and garlic in the water etc. Therefore I say it is better to stop this silly habit or practice of opening up the feathers covering the keel bone , as it is a futile and debilitating practice. It is usually caused from wrong diets, and is a simple eating/blood disorder, which a strong dose of garlic in the water will soon put right. jackbarkel@mweb.co.za http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jackbarkel

If we lower thje protein level by feeding mainly Barley etc, the skin will be pink. If we increase the protein level Beans peas etc the skin will be darker and scaly. It all depends on the distance of the race what one feeds. It is also not good to part the feathers to look at the breast two days befor basketing. If anyone does not know this fact I can explain the reason. Jack

Hello All, I have been requested to add my input to this discussion. I must say that I believe the only way to know for sure who is the sire is by DNA testing, as stipulated by Old Yellow. I have studied eyes for 60 or more years and believe there is no way to see in the eye who is the father, although the eye can tell you sometimes who is not the father. I am willing to be put to the test on what I believe, and I say, if a person insists their method is a big secret, have the courage of conviction and prove they know what they are writing about, by explaining their deductions, otherwise be expected to be regarded as under a misapprehension. Regards to All, Jack jackbarkel@mweb.co.za http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jackbarkel

I agree with your comments 100% John, certainly the race basket will only select your winners and losers, it has no other place in deciding which are the best breeders. To select your best breeders in this manner is a long and laborious method. It will never be financially viable for people with Breeding Stations who wish to keep their reputation and standard high. One needs a breeding success rate of at least 50%, I do not mind which method one uses to achieve this, but it will never come from guessing which to pair, or from pairing winners, then testing their progeny with the basket. One will have the odd lucky strike, but as they say, " one swallow does not make a summer". I decided to enter this thread in case some new starters got the idea that this was the way the top breeders did it. They certainly do not, unless they are willing to risk their reputation to make a living by selling birds off pigeons with a race performance pedigree. It takes all sorts to make a world, and that is why many have good to say about certain breeding stations and some nothing good to say about the same stations. Whether one is a breeder or just a racer, it is too expensive these days to go by trial and error. I also agree their are more ways than eye sign for selection that bring results, although I use the genetic drift in eye sign all the time, but certainly the basket for selection is the way of the primitives, for it will never produce a large enough success rate. Regards Jack

Sorry Mark, Some people never learn that there are better ways to select your stock birds than guessing and testing their progeny. Such ways are expensive, and very seldom work. It will take such a person a lifetime and will never be recognised as a master breeder, with records to prove it. I do not agree that the basket is the way to select stock birds, that is why the average statistics throughout the world in breeding good pigeons is seven percent. I myself could not have survived all these years with such a percentage failure of ninety three percent. As you say, to each is own. Some get smart too late. Jack

A good Reliable Pedigree, is one that is line bred to an original sire wirth proven daughter breeders down the line. Anything else is pure guess work which may breed you one in ten good racer breeders. You need stock pairs that will breed you 50% successful pigeons. This is how you read a correct pedigree or a fake or useless one. Regards Jack

The basket has NEVER and will never, tell you the best breeding stock. Only a truthfull pedigree on breeding prowess will tell you that. Sorry my friends you can never build a good stock loft with a performance pedigree either. I learned that many years ago to my sorrow. Good Luck for 2009. Best Regards Jack

Hello Slugmonkey, Although the cluster overides other discrepancies in the eye when I am selecting, I do like to peferably see a Star Cluster with a good balance of the five circles. I have not seen a Star Cluster in an eye I would normally reject. Regards Jack

Hello Merlin, I first look to see if the pupil contracts, if not I look no further. If it does not have a fifth circle then although it will race, it has no place in the stock loft. Regards Jack

Hello Merlin, Although it is a beautiful Cluster, which I would, like to own myself, it has a fault, that the adaption is twice as broad as the fifth circle. Therefore I would rate it a Yellow Clear, The Very Best. However paired to a pearl eye My Choice 100% Super Imposed rating, I would expect up to 80% success rate from such a pairing in the stock loft. Regards Jack

Hello Ted, I believe that no matter the size of the star cluster, it proves that the bird has an exceptional foundation circle, which is the Correlation. They are all equally highly prized to me. Although it is rare to find a one of the preportions photographed this last weekend. Regards Jack

Hello All, I have been away since Friday to the North Transvaal evaluating pigeons. During my visit I came across a Star Cluster eye, the owner is Willem van Rensburg of Groblersdal. It was such a beautiful example of such an eye, that although I did not have all my photographic equipment with me, I did manage to get a reasonable photograph of this eye. I put it on here for everyone's perusal. Regards jackbarkel@mweb.co.za http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jackbarkel/

Hello Ted, I thank you and Merlin for the kind replies, I can put them on seperately, but if you click on the collage it will bring them up a larger size, which has a little block to click on at the bottom. Click on that block and you will bring it up to full page size. Regards Jack

The My Choice Eyes. The eyes illustrated below, are the ultimate in what we are trying to achieve, it takes years of selection and breeding to produce these eyes with any regularity. From a pairing of these opposite eyes together, I would expect to produce a minimum of eighty percent top pigeons. This is no mean feat, considering that the average statistics throughout the world is as low as seven percent, for producing high rated pigeons. I put this down to the fact, that the majority of fanciers throughout the world have not had access to writings and illustrations such as this, or are hard to convince that a system like this truly pays dividends. I have letters and testimonials from various parts of the world as to the success rate of this method of selection and breeding. I have improved on several popular strains that attracted my interest, and have founded my own strain based on these principals discussed here. In fact mine is the only strain developed in the last 100 years or more to have its own genetic reference. Because of these facts, this system must have lots of credibility, and I feel should be checked out as to its credibility by putting a portion of your stock loft on this system. I have been concentrating on perfecting this method of selection and pairing to give maximum results for years, and feel, that it is time to make my findings available to the fanciers that will find these methods intriguing. I am sure that in the future when the words eye sign becomes old fashioned and frowned upon, and fanciers realise that some of us have practiced Iridology for years, that the whole concept towards this art will change and even progress to greater heights. Unfortunately by then I do not think I will be around to see these changes, however I would like to think that I will be remembered as one of the pioneers of this day and age that made an all out effort to make a difference. If interested parties print out these articles, they will have a booklet that will assist them on the subject for many years to come. This is the conclusion of the system as I know it to be, and I thank all interested parties for their interest and encouragement. jackbarkel@mweb.co.za http://mysite.mweb.co.za/residents/jackbarkel

Hello Slugmonkey, In your own country some of the best eyes were at:- Steve & Linda Joneli, Red Rose lofts, Portland -Oregon. The late John Garzoli- California. Sions. The late Dale Flemmer-Arlington-Washington. Grondelaars. The best eye I ever saw, I bought on a sale by using a person who lived 500 miles away to bid for it for me. I would have never have got the pigeon and its father if people knew I was after them. They both founded my South African Slimme family. Regards Jack

The Very Best. Well,! you may ask do they get any better, and I will say yes, but only about one step further up the ladder. When one lookes into this eye and starts to look for faults, even to the trained observer it is hard to know where to begin. This bird will breed stock pigeons and winners like they are going out of fashion. We can found a stock loft around this pigeon that will hold its own against all comers. This is not the every day pigeon you will find in any loft. I am looking for these myself and would never hesitate to introduce a bird of this quality. All the characteristics we have discussed up until now are there, not so clearly defined between Nine o clock and Six o clock, but never the less still there in all its glory. Learn from this eye for I cannot fault it other than the small quarter of definition on the iris, which I have just mentioned.

Dear Fanciers, I would like to say thank you to those who have expressed their interest and have given me encouragement on this thread. My material on this subject is soon coming to a close, but I have over 60 years experience in many fields of pigeon keeping. When these articles come to an end, I will still be here to answer questions and to discuss anything to do with racing pigeons. May I thank you once again for helping to make this thread a success. Kindest Regards To All, Jack Barkel