Novice

Ayrshire Federation are at Wakefield--about 185 miles to me. Soon the racing will be starting.

Kenny--as I read this thread I begin to understand more fully. This is because of the single loft race. I am very sorry to hear this. Perhaps being honest and open has worked against you. I have a friend who runs a one loft race in Canada. He is called Andy Skrobot. He told me that accepting pigeons from all over was a big problem. He told me (and it's something I would never do with my own birds) that he added bleach to the drinking water and this cut down on the chance of spreading infection. I believe this was on the advice of Dr. Marx from USA.

I hope you are fairly treated.

Hi Tippler note Red Chequer Hen's advice----Isolation---very few of us even have the facilities to do this properly.

I don't know any more facts than those published above. What is wrong with the pigeons? I know I developed Para in my unvaccinated (at that time) youngsters due to allowing a stray into my loft. Even though my old birds were fully vaccinated I stopped racing as they would obviously be disease carriers. It is common sense to stop racing if the birds are not right. Perhaps the actions of the federation are unjust. Who am I to comment without further facts. I feel you should raise a formal objection and that should at least postpone the ban till the case can be aired fully. Good luck.

According to SHU booklet It's from Kilmarnock Invitation H.S. Sec is J. Wilson 01563525451

That sounds like good news. I hope they prosper and spread.

I assume the cock is a yearling. Personally I would look at his breeding and above all his condition. If he looks as though he is in form I would send him to the National. We all need to compete at National level with our best. He should manage the jump. For me there is little thrill in taking club positions I say go for the bigger challenge provided he is in form.

15 from 17 from 168 miles Ripon. 2 of the birds which have returned are injured.

13 from 17 racing from Ripon. 8 minutes behind winner. The birds are well split and the winner didn't have another homefor an hour after the first.

I found the information on this link highly interesting. Elimination of as many variables as possible must help. It's strange that others are not aware of the existence of such a tool

Ayrshire fed liberated at Ripon at 07:45 in a light easterly wind.

I totally agree we are being conned big time. Additionally fanciers are often feeding more than one supplement. They can all be doing the same job. We are like football clubs. In an effort to be top they pay higher transfer fees and wages. Eventually the supporter pays. Really healthy pigeons need little more than the essentials.

Ayrshire---clear blue skies. Slightly cold at the moment but the sun is shining brightly

IB many years ago the use of DDT was blamed for the decline in the numbers of birds of prey. Now there's a thought.

Not at all most of my birds are at home. That decision was made yesterday.

Ayrshire Fed. held over at Ripon. About 160 miles to me. The smart move would have been to basket Saturday for a Sunday race.

Ayrshire full cloud cover and light rain. Little wind.

I think this product was marketed as Harkanker (spelt with a k I think) years ago. Small red capsules in a very small red container. This was withdrawn either because it was ineffective or legislation restricted it's use. I am interested why it is required surely there are more effective substitutes available.

Ayrshire Federation are at Ripon

IB thanks for that. Where I was coming from was if this condition really caused losses and it was predictable then it would be wise to avoid racing in such conditions. You could be correct that the birds see the moon constantly.

That is also my feeling Vince. Are you suggesting I am past it to have this opinion?

This week I noticed both sun and moon visible in the sky during day hours. Some time ago I read that this condition can give rise to poor returns when racing. Has anyone else heard this and do they have any further information or views on the subject?

I don't fly widowhood but I do seperate the birds for the first few races to delay the moult. I have found when I do this they don't perform at all till they are remated. What I am actually saying is that you may be like me. The birds are celibate, they are in great condition but they have no motivation.

Weather at the home end has changed and it's raining heavily in Ayrshire. The cloud is very low and the air feels thundery. Pigeons due home in about 1.5 hours.