Poppy Loft

Nice looking birds. What breed are they?

Tried to get to work, turned back after half a mile!

I started last season with thirty odd. My best advise to you would be train them in two seperate teams incase of a bad toss. Also have a few late breds as it gives you something to do in the long winter months!

Thanks Jas, I can understand what you are saying with regard to building a family. I read the reply from Owen as meaning rearing ybs from the racing team would be detrimental to their performance. I have spoken to a few people and opinions on widowhood or natural are divided to say the least! I have gone for natural as I can remember my dad and granddad using it and also I can race hens as well. The problem with stock birds would be space, if you would be so kind as to pop around and explain to my good lady wife why I need another loft in addition to the two which take up most of the garden! To be honest I have a couple of pairs for stock at the moment and I did broach the subject of a stock loft, but I'm afraid it would be me sleeping in it! It was a very steep learning curve with last seasons ybs and I certainly made my share of stupid mistakes and threw some good birds away. I cant wait for it all to start mate, as you say its in the blood! Good luck in the new season, Mark.

Why cant I rear from racers? Where are this seasons ybs supposed to come from?

They accepted your bet and should pay out. I would think the regional manager will sort it out for you, good luck!

Thanks for replies and a great pm Lindsay.

This will be my first old bird season. I have 34 yearlings and am going to race natural. What would be the best time to pair up and take a round from them? If I paired now will they be dropping too many flights by April? How many flights dropped would you consider a bird to be good to race? Does letting them rear two rounds bring on the moult? I have one or two that I want to try out to 450 miles, is it better to pair these later than the others? Also what is the best condition to send cocks/hens sitting, with young, pairing and which do you think is better for sprint/distance. Any thoughts much appreciated, thanks in advance.

Got mine yesterday, four in the nest will need doing in a day or two.

Happy new year all

Pen 5 for me please

:emoticon-0156-rain:

Enjoyed that thanks

Off to the in laws for lunch. Will split a bottle of wine or two with farther in law and try our luck on the televised racing. Shocking weather here so its a good plan

Done a four hour shift at work. Cleaned birds out. Off until weds now so just cracked me a can of lager

Nice one Dougie! :santa-dance: :santa-dance: :santa-dance:

Well that's the santa duties sorted. Me and the mrs wide awake with a brew now. Should be drifting back off to sleep nicely when the 4 or 5am mayhem starts! Wouldn't change it for the world, Merry Christmas to you all

I had never heard of pigeons being called doos until I joined this site and have been wondering what the origin of it is?

I want to be sat next to fergie as he gets 10 mins more than anyone else

Cup game starts this weekend! Been drawn against a decent side but hope to progress. Who have you got and do you fancy your chances?!

Nice one Doug, our tree is up and just having a can or two myself.

I want one!

You can adjust it in your account settings mate

Drag out the same battered old bugger each year, kids love it,(or more to the point,I love the memories!) wouldnt be christmas without it. Don't like the fact they are getting too old! 13, 15, 17. Not shopping for toys anymore, its all ipod this and ipad that with a few everyone else has one thrown in!