Novice

That's the point Ryan. A youngster canbe flying to the perch and still be motivated. There may be things going on around it which we don't see but which are motivational factors. The territorial instinct is the strongest instinct a pigeon has it may simply race well because it is really happy with the territory which it has made its own. There are numerous pigeons which have flown well as youngsters and have then been transferred to a different section as yearlings and have flopped. Put them back into their old area for the important races and watch them go.

I feel they can still win if raced natural. You can't really compare as these 3 guys may also have had a superior motivational system. Motivated pigeons will always win but I often find myself asking why a particular pigeon came to the front on a given day. Many still baffle me.

Sorry I didn't mean to blow my trumpet . It depends on when they are bred to still maintain good feathering. Both were later bred. When I breed earlies in an effort to compete they seldom make the final. However those days are all behind me now.

Personally I dont do darkness but I have managed to top the fed at the young bird final the last 2 years. I don't bother with the shorter races to be truthful but I think this shows if they are bred later they can still compete. Down this year seems very abundant.

The information I had many years ago was that YBS was initiated by Adeno Virus. This information was supplied by Tom Pennicoat. More recently the cause has been attributed to Circo Virus which attacks the Bursa in young pigeons. No, the bursa is not an Islamic covering but an organ which young are dependant on for immunity in the first few months of life before they develop an adult immune system. Both causes are thought to allow secondary infections to rear up and threaten the youngster. The reason we see such variable symptoms from one loft to another is because some lofts/birds are better placed to fight the infection when it strikes. This can be either because they have a stronger constitution or they have fewer and less virulent secondaries lurking in the background. I believe that the affects can be reduced by the use of immunity building products from weaning. That's my view and until someone can convince me otherwise I will stick to my guns. Both ourselves and any form of livestock are faced with an ever increasing number of viral diseases. That's evolution I am afraid. We are fortunate that medical science is also evolving which will help to protect humans but, unfortunately it's slightly expensive for our birds. Incidentally when this Syndrome strikes we are advised to feed lightly. This light feed should not include barley as that grain contains a large percentage of fibre.

Was Shakespeare a vet ?

I'm more than certain that it was transmitted initially via the transporter. Now I would suggest that many of the birds we own now carry the virus and can transmit it to youngsters. Youngsters are very prone to pick up disease when their immune system is changing at about 5-6 months old. I feel that it will be less severe in lofts where the birds are carrying very few bacteria when the disease virus strikes.

That's appropriate is it not!

Does the colour of rings really merit this discussion. Just as long as mine have legible numbers on them I'll be happy with that.

Mike I feel that their needs are different at different times in the cycle. Johnstone pigeon tonic now you are talking a good old fashioned tonic. I think it is beneficial. I once asked a colleague to analyse it some years ago and although the composition may have changed a bit since then I think the biggest component was Glaubers Salts and an Iron salt. There were other trace minerals but these seem to have been the largest components by far. My intention had been to make my own but I was too lazy and continued to fill the pockets of my grain merchant. I do use black minerals during rearing but I restrict it. I believe the black carbon which is charcoal helps to remove some of the rubbish which builds in the crop. It works on the sme principle as brushing your teeth with soot from the chimney----those of us who are old enough to remember that.

Could I ask those who don't feed minerals if they use electrolytes in the water? In my opinion both have similar components. The salts found in minerals are also electrolytes. Whether or not they are the correct ones I don't know but I would suggest that if you use neither then you may be doing your birds an injustice. I never buy grit as there is more than enough in matrix which I feed but in a dilute form. Even if I didn't feed matrix I am sure they would find enough grit in the garden.

Thank goodness there was no fishing line or nets lying around!

Sorry I misread the date. Perhaps Lordcornwallis is rejoining the sport.

The thread is so old he does t have them any more.

It's on the SNRPC site is it not?

It always murder. He is a loose cannon anyway and has showed his failings when beaten on the track.

I believe this site features many ghost bidders!

Now we are getting to the root of the problem. What a pity we never listened to Enoch Powell. When ever the Americans elected Obama as president the "ba' wis burst". They are starting to see sense now and he is on his way out after doing untold damage. Our bombing in Syria will have little impact. It is only a token gesture and a means to bolster Cameron's ego. £800,000 on each missile which would be much better spent to improve our homeland.

Completely justofied Mike. Jim MC Ginley the ex SHU president put a great deal of time into writing a weekly article for the BHW. Eventually he gave up as there was often a delay of 4 weeks between submission and publication. Occasionally the articles were never published. It's unfortunate we don't have the numbers to publish our own weekly. Perhaps weekly federation reports during racing on a website such as this might serve to give fanciers and pigeons the recognition they deserve. I don't mean a list of results I mean background information.

It's all very well speaking about feeding but that is only a guide. Any system of feeding must be integrated into the management system. I agree that pigeons are dependant on fats for fuel. What we need to ensure is that we don't overdo it and these fats remain as available fats and don't turn to fat-fats which would be a handicap. For me one of the areas where this all falls down is when the birds awaiting liberation are fed a diet which can often be inappropriate. I believe this can undo a great deal of the preparatory work done by the fancier at home.

If memory serves me correctly Brian May pointed us in this direction previously.

R.I.P. John. The passing of a legend.

Not a rant Mick you are absolutely spot on. Even when I visited France years ago it was polluted with African Blacks which I believe was due to their colonies in Africa. These people have started their aim. Either convert to Islam or die. It's about time we taught them right from wrong. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

As a quick guide you will probably find that most judges will look for a small pupil, wide sign with serations, richly coloured iris with loads of little black dots or lines in it giving it a 3D effect. Colours should be unimportant but some judges have a preference. If you have birds with eyes like these then they won't disgrace you in the show pen.

Robert Reid 54, King's Road Beith KA152Bj 07415818016-----but I seldom hear it ringing.