flying fifer

IMO it's been shambolic from day 1. If the facts had been known to myself and probably others, from day one then Idon't think that many would have participated. A superb chance missed to have a great OLR, instead fanciers are going to be on the back foot whenever OLR is mentioned.The races (if they ever take place) now have little or no interest to me, my main concern is for the very well bred pigeon I have now lost to this shambles.

Can only speak for my own club(FORFAR), no birds allowed to be marked for racing if not wingstamped. One lads birds were stamped as they were marked, as per SHU rule. Not only members blame but officials of club should be more diligent. Just my opinion, if they are not wingstamped then is all else ok before racing????????

Don't think wing stamp or address rings stop you losing them but it helps when you stick to the rules

Rule 26 of race rules in Constitution

Could be wrong but I thought they had to be stamped before racing

Thank you, I have the book with Ring No. in but why are they not WINGSTAMPED.

Theo Droog Forfar Tel No 07957844081 his fathers No Ken Droog

3 YB' S IN TONIGHT 13 NE 7344, 13 AB 2773 & 13R 1046 all SU, NONE OF THEM WINGSTAMPED?????????

Hear hear Delboy, the birds have a hard enough job fighting the elements and BOP's, a change can only be for the better

Returns are horrendous, me personally have 1/9 and will be well up the result timing at 08:30 on 2nd morning. Trying to dissect the race and reasons behind such returns, without stating the obvious HEAT. Pigeons to fly competitively at 500+ miles are not in great abundance and I'm sure that some birds were sent not "fit" for the task in hand. Birds that have previously scored and performed, many will have sensibly took cover and will in the course of time work home provided that they survive the BOP's. In the cold light of day from my 9 sent, possibly 5 were up to the task the other 4 were sent "to earn a box for next year". So on my figures alone can it be said that possibly as many as 40% of the birds sent to the race were sent on a wing and a prayer. This might sound a bit radical but IMHO many times birds are put in the basket and are not up to the task. I know and appreciate the work and dedication that is put in by all top fanciers and that is why in most National races the same names can be pencilled in year in year out, in all sections. The weather conditions have been a major contributary factor in this race and many very good birds that have done the course are missing but in the future I will be much more selective when going to races of 500+ miles. Food for thought eh!!!!!!

Well done Dave, got to agree, it's great to get an early one but where do the rest go? Now for the Y.B.s LOL

Nae maybe's in it big man....... watch this space.

This is not a solution to our ongoing problem of BOP's. In the close season i.e. October to February no racing pigeons free flying, the raptors have to eat , so hopefully they change their diet to something other than doos. When racing is on they have to get trained etc. but not in winter. I like others lose birds every year but you can't fight this war on your own, we need to make a collective effort, what are your thoughts..........!!!!!!!!?????

Good luck to all especially all North of the Tay, it's gonna be a hard one. AW THE BEST

Not only do the youngsters need basket trained but old birds need "refesher training". I basket my old birds at least 3 times for 2-3 days at a time in the close season, they soon learn how to feed and drink in a basket. As we are ultra cautious we tend to get fewer holdovers, which isn't a bad thing so birds that are "basket "trained as babies need to be reminded of the routine. IMO

Are the birds actually sick or just unable to fly? I had occasion to lock up my widow-hood cocks for 7 days in hen boxes, on their return to the loft they were physically unable to fly for 3 days. Don't know whether it was wing cramps or what but definitely had an adverse affect on them. If you think about what you done, going from flying for 2 hrs per day to total inactivity it must have an effect on them. Are droppings ok?, if so then give them a few days in their end and all should be fine.

Was giving them the once over tonight and have earmarked 10, a check on the forecast nearer to the race will make my final decision on numbers

WELL DONE Davey, on the Saturday afternoon of the race Myself, Davey and David Liddle were discussing the Ypres race and collectively concluded that there would be a good "un" in Forfar that night. So a bit of positive thinking does work eh!!!!!!!

Just got my last one from Ypres, been BOPPED. 4 from 4 with 1st one at 17:16. A big well done to D Glen who won't be far away at 17:09

Angus/ Dundee pigeons will be liberated at Consett at 07:30 AW THE BEST BIRDS WERE LIBERATED AT 07:20 NOT 07:30

Cloudless sky a wee bit of a haze, which will burn off, leaving a hopefully perfect racing day

Sent 4 2 yearlings, 1 2yr old and 1 3yr old including my Section winner from Maidstone. All the best to all competing.

A BIG well done to John Duthie, no more than he deserves. AW THE BEST

Once you have them at the 20ml stage and they are coming well give them a few mini libs, i.e. in 3's 4's or 5's. Never been an advocate of single up's but mini libs get them thinking. AW THE BEST