Novice

I believe John Harwood has already discussed the starving buzzards in his column in the BHW. He believed this was due to the decreased population in rabbits and hare---this is because the buzzard has hunted these virtually to extinction. I agree with his theory as there are very few around here now.

Probably depends on the severity of the race and when you want the birds to peak but what you propose seems good to me. But don't take chances training in high winds. Rather leave them at home than risk hitting wires.

Particularly interesting is the Trichomosis in Sparrowhawks. I believe Bilco proposed years ago that we should never kill pigeons infected by canker. We should simply cut the ring off them and release then near a know Peregrine nest. Had we done this at the time we would not be suffering the losses we have today.

Several years ago Ayrshire members raced from Penrith every season for the "British Heart Foundation " Trophy, As far as I am aware the trophy was presented to the fed and we were charged 1pence per bird to compete----compulsory. The cash was donated to this charity. I am not sure whether we still compete for this trophy or not but I could check. I suppose past Federation records would show how much was donated if they are still available.

Ayrshire are not due to start racing till next week---I hope.

Wow----that looks really great. With pigeons the main concern will always be ventilation and as constant a temperature as possible. I feel I would keep both in entirely different buildings as chickens can be more prone to disease and parasititic infestation than pigeons. The birds don't need to be in direct contact to pass on viral diseases.

I also had my first stray last week and it was not lost traning. It was lost while flying round the loft about 25 miles from me. The birds were attacked by a hawk and scattered in all directions. It's taken several days for the bird to start behaving normally. Having phoned the owner I will toss it close to home today.

Sorry to hear this. We raced from there and had some terrible races. Perhaps the area should be avoided.

weather dependant surely?

Yet again you have completely missed the point of the original post by Jock3. I don't feel this is because of your lack of understanding but more because of your inane desire to twist all written word to suit your own ideals. For what it's worth I have joint membership of both unions and find that-even at the increased rate-RPRA offers better value for money including free measurements. As far as the SHU ability to run their own racing I have doubts and fail to see any SHU representation to DEFRA. This is a service which my RPRA fees subsidise and will gladly continue to do so to ensure all organisations have the right to race in 2009. Although I have heard the saying relating green to cabbage I have always been unsure of it's proper meaning. Perhaps you could enlighten me. I wish you every success in 2009 supporting neither National but willing to stir it at every opportunity.

I read the sale list in the Bhw. Looks like some real quality bloodlines on offer.

Obviously my education is lacking as I can see no relationship between 3 Feds Amalgamating and the SNFC or the SNRPC. Amalgamation of has to be a good idea provided it is workable. So what would be the way forward for these federations?

Hi Terry, I m actually taken aback at the content of this thread. It actually goes a long way to explaining the results of some people. Robert Reid

I agree with the cat trap method---try Trapman web site to buy one. Cats find chicken very appetising

Yes you are correct actually----we are interested in developing the good birds. I wonder if these boosts will work on birds which are away from the loft for several days before liberation.

Maybe that's what I have been doing wrong all these years

I was on the wind up.

Rushes out to buy some of yet another magic potion

I believe it's the live Paramixo virus drops used on the continent in the drinking water.

Didn't know they did

Ok thanks---I didn't really mean the *expletive removed* bit but you knew that

Hello Dick Head---remind me again when if the Glasgow squeaker sale >

It's well publicised in this weeks BHW that only 200 size is available. I don't disagree with your thoughts though

Welcome back Vincent---never noticed you were away

I could be wrong but I think he was a chequer pied. I also think these were an excellent cross for Wildermeersch.