Novice

1968 was his last race. Best position 3rd club Lancaster----about 115 miles. He did have a pigeon which homed from 1000 miles but it certainly didn't race. Jim Biss bought it and bred some from it---Jim Biss was a good fancier who could get the best from the birds he had in his care. In my opinion and, I am working from a rapidly failing memory, a Guy called Alan Raeside in the same club also had a better 1000 mile pigeon called Conqueror. However he was not interested in selling pigeons or writing his own publicity so the significance of his performance has faded with time.

It may not beat them in terms of velocity but I think it has had a much harder route to fly particularly given the wind. When I say that I am not trying to belittle the performance of any day birds. They have all done particularly well in these conditions.

Aye but you glow in the dark

Probably about 415 miles.

He actually is only in Dalry club----His lofts are located about 10 miles further west in Porten Cross---Close to Hunterston power station---might be some benefits to radiation after all.

That is also what I heard. It's a really brave pigeon on the west coast at that time.

I think there are several reported but they may be struggling in the wind. It's like a winter's night outside.

Hi Skull---did I read you had a wrom problem last week? Does this mean that you have treated and seen an improvement?

Sound logic there.

I believe a product called Benzyl Benzoate does the trick. Additionally Jim George wrote in last week's BHW that applying a paste made from Sulphur and Margarine to the affected area does the trick. Benzly Benzoate is available from chemists and sulphur from Garden Centres.

I am of the opinion that couriers may now hold pigeons overnight in holding pens. This communal facility and a protracted journey can only accelerate the spread of disease.

Ballochmyle and Midland I think both built in the same yard.

Gareth----thank you for the clarification.

Do you know if DEFRA tested for circovirus. If this is present before the youngsters are vaccinated for PMV then I believe this stops them building an immunity to PMV

I have about 8 2 year olds and above some may go to this race but I am hnhappy about the North Westerly wind forecast so I have yet to decide.

I had 9 birds in this convoy which showed a complete dip in form from previous weeks. I lost 6 including 2 individual winners and a fed topper. I have spent the days since this race looking at my management to try to rectify any mistakes I may have made in my preparation. I only reason I can find is the prolonged stay in the transporter but I do know that very strong cross winds were experienced by the empty transporters in the Manchester area. It would be beneficial to me to know the facts and whether my birds were convoyed in this unconventional manner to move forward. But----it's not worth falling out about. Well said Bart

It's reference to throwing up a Tesco bag along with the birds and it would beat them home.

Excellent post

not sure about Dutch but belgians have been using maize only for years. It would be progress to change. There is an excellent article on the subject in one of the Natural Winning Ways magazines. Best value for money on the market bar none. People agreeing with me---that's a first.

I think the subject of losses is much more complex than blaming the Race Controller. Some weekends the weather is just inconsistent with pigeon racing but yet we send them. The heat generated in the transporter, poor access to water and feeding the wrong diet while awaiting release. Digestion of a protein rich diet generates thirst. The birds should be fed a light high energy feed. These and others are all factors.

Never one to use modern techniques I didn't think on power tools.

Rubbing down with sandpaper will do the job. As far as I remember this technique is used to keep the beaks of certain fancy breeds short.

That's what you call really on form. Was this after a break from racing?

Great gesture --thanks.

Timing in about 40 mph from Appleby to Ayrshire 120 miles if this helps anyone with an ETA. I could be a bit off the pace based on my last performance.