Novice

Although we joke about this subject, and I smiled at the original post, this is a very serious subject. If we fail to act on this matter the democracy which we have all contributed towards will be lost and we will be a Muslim State within the next 25 years. Is this the legacy we wish to leave for our children and grandchildren?

Because in many cases they are not a vets first choice for that particular illness. Parastop does not contain Baytril but it is a member of the same family of drugs as Baytril.

Sorry to hear this sad news Stuart. R.I.P.

Some migrate but I am not sure that they all do. Given the number of migratory birds which pass through here in winter they may have more food than enough without pigeon on the menu.

Be careful that you don't give yourself breathing problems.

3 opinions and all negative. I have a pair of latebreds showing this in the loft now. I will certainly split the parents but may race the youngsters for curiosity. No Ricky I did enjoy the night out and the company was second to none. I agree there are loads of moon men especially in the ranks of pigeon fanciers.

Eben I know what the opinion of the non ambitious fanciers is. I can't understand their logic. I have more birds left in the loft following a year on the west route than ever before.

I know that Vincent and we all have opinions and we all feel that we are correct. I would happily try to understand the logic which says a pigeon with a wall of hills between it and where it would like to be is participating in a fair race.

You cannot possibly get a fair race from an easterly racepoint unless the birds come up the west of the Pennines. Pigeons forced to fly in an L shape but, which are measured on the shortest route between 2 points cannot possibly compete with pigeons which fly on a straight course. I had 1 pigeon reported form the Ypres race this year and he was in Newcastle. I think that explains which route he took. Absolutely spot on logic there.

I had a decent race from Ypres but was closer to the winners from Buckingham---try harder next year would be the plan I think

Mike thanks for that!

jake you and I old to see down their throat. call in some tine you are passing and I have something to help you in your quest.

Title is the name given to pigeons whose tail points skywards when handled. Is this a sign of a weak back? Have any of you won with a pigeon which does this?

absolutely spot on but unfortunately very few Ayrshire men are nationally minded. when Ayrshire pigeons race on an easterly route we have absolutely no idea when they cross the Pennines. they probably don't take the all important left turn till they hit Scotland by which time the national race will be over.

I absolutely agree with this. I don't believe that it's too easy in the SOOTH as you are fighting the drag and the prevailing west wind.

There are good fanciers and birds in that area their history proves that. However I think their performances at this level dipped for a while and now they back with a vengeance. Personally my interpretation is that their birds are racing every week on the shortest route home and that is the factor which has contributed to their recent success. If my interpretation is correct their must be a lesson to be learned by other Federations. yes we most certainly did but I am interested in the opinions of others as well and if I can sow a few seeds at the same time so much the better.

This year the members of Solway Federation won 4 SNFC Nationals. Do members feel that this is due to the policy of racing on the best route for them and keeping the birds on that route for 3 years paying dividends?

one of mine did exactly the same to a neighbour's window on Thursday. unfortunately the impact killed the pigeon. at least my neighbour now knows that his windows are good quality as the pigeon probably hit it at about 30 mph.

I did it myself when I had the energy and enthusiasm. That was when doo keeping was as it should have stayed. We used our initiative and energy to try to give the birds that little something extra rather than bowing to the blatant commercialism which is rife today.

They would still perform a useful function even though less useful then a soluble supplement. You have a great memory!

2 weeks ago was too long for me to remember. I struggle to know what I had for my last meal.

I'll just plod along as I always have. It's all becoming too complicated for me.

I would imagine this contains caffeine.

Most grits are water insoluble and, as such, it is difficult for the birds to absorb much calcium from them. It is much better to give Calcium in a soluble form via the drinker and to obtain maximum benefit it should be accompanied by vitamin D which helps the body to absorb it. Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin and for some very obvious reasons every living thing on this island is lacking in it.