Novice

It was strongly west this season at the National races was it not---up to 20 mph some races

Good discussion

It's good to see a meaningful discussion from you lads. Well done Welcome VMS

I don't wish to disrupt this thread but Tammy's post hits the nail on the head. There are 2 completely different selection criteria used 1 is looks only for show birds while a true racing fancier selects on performance. I think Delboy's post inferred this. Yes they are stunning hens.

Alan---life is like this. It is very difficult in these circumstances. All you can do is be strong and be there if required. Good luck to your friend I hope he beats it.

This depends on many factors- age of birds time of year atc. If you are having difficulty let both birds out to fly together. They will be more likely to pair that way than if shut in together.

I could well imagine it

Saw his picture in this week's BHW. A lovely pigeon

Every dog has it's day and you are certainly enjoying your Harry.

Raced by Alan Atkinson---or a name very similar and purchased by Louella. It was a big winner on the road.

A very interesting thread. There is no doubt the Busschaert family have produced more winners for more fanciers in every part of the country than any other family. I think the Brittish fanciers took this family and actually improved it.

I had this black lump on a pigeon several years ago. Gordon Chalmers told me it is actually caused by a virus. There are no lasting effects.

I thought Swainsons were advertising between £7 and £8 a bag delivered on quantities of 40 bags.

There is no easy answer to this. Firstly we need to eliminate the reasons for people leaving---mainly this would be by improving returns. This is complex but we need to control raptors and avoid clashing. Secondly we need to encourage new fanciers--this has already been done in some areas by introducing youngsters to the hobby. I use the word hobby deliberately.

I could not agree more with King Billy's sentiments.

The battery also has a limited life. Only a few hours so no use for longer distances.

That is also a proposal at the Ayrshire Fed AGM. That the fed vet new members before acceptance. I think both proposals have the same roots.

I would personally be in favour of such a combine and would support it. I am afraid there would be opposition in Ayrshire.

If you can get a live bird to Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive near Ayr and speak to Tom Pennicoat he will arrange for the PM to be done at the place King Billy speaking about earlier. You will get an accurate diagnosis and Tom will give you good advice when he looks at the results of the PM but you may be better just eliminating the sick birds.

If you mean about not completing the program then yes it was Graham who posted it. He is in Ballochmyle.

The Ayrshire fed you are speaking of is Ballochmyle Federation. They flew a traditional east coast route program. They did not go straight accross. Ayrshire had good returns except when they raced from Lockerbie.

Ayrshire federation changed their program and raced from the East of Scotland last year. The benefit was that, following a disaster from Lockerbie (our first race), most members hardly lost a youngster at the following 6 races. The logic is that we are racing through populated industrial areas with fewer attacks by falcons. Further there is no clashing with North Roaders in the final races. I have no idea how these youngsters will perform as yearlings. Only time will tell.

Good source of protein if you need it. I don't give it to the birds but drink it myself. Shop about for the best buy. Holland and Barrett occasionally do it for £12 for 980 grams. Not sure whether the birds will prefer strawberry, vanilla or chocolate flavours.

You must take the details from it's ring and post them on here then someone will tell you who it should be reported to

I am sure there are and I believe the optimum is 60-65 % I read that somewhere.