Novice

I wonder if those who experienced a disaster yesterday have any strays with their birds. This might be be a first step to identify what went wrong.

I agree that clashing is the most likely cause of these losses. This would best be investigated by someone sitting down with pen and paper and plotting where all the feds were in the area and times of liberation. They may need to make a few enquiries but it may be a worthwhile exercise. It will never bring the birds back but may serve as a lesson for the future. It might be a worthwhile exercise that all feds who use the BHW service to provide historical feedback on when they liberated to allow investigations if required. Now---I believe there is some type of communication monitoring station to the north of Harrogate. I have photographs of this cannot remember the exact location. It is a collection of huge spherical recievers or transmitters---could there have been abnormal operations here today? I sympathise with all who have been dealt a hammer blow today.

46 from 46 into Ayrshire flying into the wind today from Dunbar so well pleased. A decent race despite the fact that I thought we had delayed liberation too long at 09:30. We have the benefit of having avoided the congertion so far with a revised and shorter race prog.

Ayrshire Federation liberated at 09:30 at Dunbar

Ayrshire overcast but hopefully some dry spells coming our way. Wind unknown as I am just about to go outdoors.

Should possibly have been spelt Dunbar

Ayrshire Federation are only at Dumbar which is only just over 80 miles but probably into the wind. The weather has meant no opportunity to train this week which is not good. Selection will be made on Friday when a more accurate weather forecast is available but I would like to send all which have good feather condition.

Looks to me that you have a really big problem. Like White Logan says best phone the council----even in this area they will help. If all else fails a guy in Beith club works with East Ayrshire Pest Control and may also offer advice.

Ballochmyle have certainly had a difficult young bird season---sorry to hear of another poor race.

Completely grey and chucking it down in Ayrshire

Ayrshire have race marked tonight for a Sunday race from Cockenzie. Anticipated birdage is low several mambers of my own club did not send.

Ayrshire been raining constantly from lunchtime yesterday. No let up at all. Completely overcast and grey.

I think I remember someone asking for him on here before. Abbeypap might know him. She is normally online on Saturdays. I think he is relatively new to the Sport/hobby.

Definately don't know him. Is he in Irvine club?

I have been told by an imminent Vertrinary Authority that pigeons which have had PMV can occasionally contract paratyphoid as a side effect. The above seems like good advice.

Ayrshire race marking postponed and a decision to be made Saturday regarding a Sunday race.

We rearranged out programme after our first disaster. We have had 4 races now and are only at 60 odd miles but we have mainly full lofts. I won't count my chickens or pigeons because we could all have a bad race any time. I think I saw on here that Fife had poor returns. Just wondering if you clashed with then or some others. Give your dad my best wishes and tell him it's time he retired.

Tough season for Ballochmyle this year. At least 2 difficult races that I am aware of. Do you have any idea what went wrong today? Was there anyone in the area you could have clased with. Some federations have enjoyed good racing while others have had a poor race today---can't be the weather.

Ayrshire Fed at Arniston 61 miles to me. Lib at 09:00 and timed at 10:24. 95 % returns in about 20 minutes with the remainder filtering in slightly later. I have 50 from 52 at the last count.

Ayrshire doing over 40 mph for 60 miles. Returns look good so far but there appears to be rain coming in from the west coast now.

Anyone know why Ayrshire have not liberated at Arniston to beat the others?

Firstly I doubt if Lanarkshire is any better or worse than any other organisation wrt the use of performance enhancing substances. Therefore it is unfortuante that the original wording named this organisation. Perhaps this is an informed post and, being an outsider I fail to realise the significance of it. I am unclear what we refer to as drugs. For example I would not consider that an antibiotic prescribed by a vet was cheating---indeed if my birds were ill and I failed to take action then I would be failing them. Many vendors of pigeon medication actually recommend routine use of their products which are drugs. Is this acceptable? I would think that most of us use these on occasions. The type of substances which I feel should be banned are those which give an instant boost. I believe Cortizone was used to stop the moult but I asked a medical practitioner about this and was told that it can actually speed up the heart rate. I also read on here that the use of La Sota live vaccine can boost performance. That came as a shock to me. So what I am saying is where is the line drawn. Secondly we need the governing body to define illegal substances as analytical tests are specific for the substance they are attempting to trace. These tests are expensive and would represent significant expenditure to an organisation.

I am afraid it's the same old story--they really don't care. Some actually send old birds racing when youngsters are ill. These birds then pass on whatever is effecting the remainder of the loft. All contributes to the poor state the sport is in.

That is the recipie I used and the birds were happy eating it especially when rearing young. As the off season approaches there is scope to experiment and visit supermarkets and Holland and Barrets looing for additives to the basic formula. Yes I stopped using it when it went mouldy.

That helps put things into perspective. I hope more birds arrive home soon. Not good at all.