BIGPETE

Cheers mate, was a massive turn out. Had me shocked. The area it was in called Katowice apparently is a proper working class (old school) area and every street has a couple of fanciers in it. I spoke to one young lad there he said his club had just over 120 members! Amazing. If I could speak the lingo and move my job there I would in a heartbeat. I got some other pictures for when I pop down next mate. This year did clash mate, hopefully next year won't and we can get a gang over there. It was awesome mate. Have a think about coming next year and we can try get Wiley & Tony C on board too!

Went with some club mates and a few local mates. Was a great show apparently about 20k fanciers there and they were a very polite and friendly bunch. No messing around though, bottles of vodka flying about from 8am and they don't mix it so needless to say by the end of the day most of us were a bit worse for wear. Great show though would recommend it. First pigeon show I have ever attended and enjoyed it massively. Was a huge show, spent 7 odd hours there and never a dull moment. Many trade stalls and also some top birds on sale too. Cheap trip, £55 return flight ticket and accommodation for 2 nights was under £50 food inclusive. Me on right looking scruffy.

Is anybody going to this (it's this weekend coming)??

It'll be interesting to see what the United hierarchy decide to do. LVG has been awful (even worse the poor Moyes). If they put Giggys in charge, as great a bloke as he is his limited experience must worry them. Guardiola would no doubt be seen as there ideal replacement. But why would he go there when he could go to City or Chelsea. Pochettino for me would be the ideal man for the job. But would he leave Tottenham when things are doing so well with them currently.

Great result from a great bunch of lads. Well earned and nice to see some recognition.

Great to see their amazing run and long may it continue. I just hope the circling vultures don't nick their stars come January.

Hi, Where abouts in Essex are you?

Sorry mate not been on for a few days. Shipping not ideal as they are built. If you can arrange your own shipping you are welcome to. I could attempt to take them apart and flat pack for you but they are not new and I worry pulling the joints apart and brittle plastic may break. Willing to try though. Give me a call in the daytime on 07932 765 391 if you want to have a chat about it.

10 for me.

Two 2ft sputniks (Some minor repairs needed). These are free of charge but I would ask whoever takes them makes a token donation to the forum charity fund (or another charity of their choice).

Is this the first time you have entered? Maybe share a bit of info about the race and the setup/costs/dates for people wanting to join. Would be of interest to a few on here im sure (including myself). Keep us posted.

Hi Guys, Very grateful for all the points of view and info shared here. New to the sport and 1st aviary build so what some of you old heads would think of as basic stuff is new to me haha. Redrocket you gave me real food for thought with the cleaning and maintenance and a lot of you other lads have helped me know what sort of mesh I can get away with to keep those *expletive removed* vermin out. Have been wokring on it sat and sunday this weekend, weather has been crap sat was full on rain all day and sunday has been near on gail force winds, so not ideal haha. That said have got what we could done and at least the frame is up. Regarding the ceiling going to mesh it and then plastic (clear) sheets over the top for maximum sunlight. Wire mesh there incase the sheets ever come off and also as a further precaution to keep any roof top vermin out (Thanks Wiley for that idea). The floor, still in two minds. I was going to go all pallets, but the size of them made it awkward as cutting them is possible but it would weaken them and as said before i have to walk on them and i am 16 stone odd so needs to be sturdy. Thinking of having shuttering ply on the back quarter (nearest the loft) and the pallets infront of them on the outside edge. Under the floor be it mesh or pallets I am going to shutter ply the outside edges and then lay a thin concrete screed for ease of cleaning. So when the crap drops thru the pallets I can still lift them out with ease every month of so and keep it clean and no fear of vermin. Couple of progress shots: My main concern here (and i hope some of you tradesman and wise folk can put me straight here)... With shuttering ply on the floor. It will get some exposure to rain and a lot of exposure to dampness etc. Is there realistically anything I can coat it with to stop it from warping and losing shape? Will be working on finishing it off next weekend so any pointers or advice pre then much appreciated. Pete

Thanks for the info guys. The thick wire mesh (iron grids) seemed very expensive and also places charged the earth to deliver especially given how few I need. My garden backs onto field so mice and foxes are rife. So will go with the 1/2" as advised above. As for being able to walk on them and something sturdy (I am quite a fat *expletive removed* so need something solid as a rock) I have found these plastic pallets which are cheap to buy (£6-£8 a piece) and seem to be very easy to get hold of. Plan is to bolt a load together with coach bolts and then 1/2" mesh over the top of it. Got a rough idea in my head but will see how it pans out and keep you chaps posted. Thanks again for all the input. Much rather pick all your brains before i build it and then have to alter the *expletive removed* in the rain.

Aviary build ongoing at the minute. Soon to start meshing it up. What are you guys thoughts on mesh size? 1"x 1" ok or too large? What size do you suggest and why. Want something strong enough to keep anything from breaking in and for me to be able to walk on but also small enough to keep out any vermin etc. Any thoughts appreciated. Pete

Great looking bird Ry.

Good on Ya Geo still filling at your age lol. Better get Ya nest felt ready boyo haha

Jesus wept looks like something off of Crimewatch :o

Try Retfords mate. http://www.retfordpoultry.com/pigeon.html They are very good but I have found you have to chase them a bit for results (probably as they are so damn busy).

Oh sh** was it last night? *expletive removed* wanted to see it. Will have to hunt online for it now. He is really something special that lad.

Can't see G being beaten. Just hope it's not over too soon and we get to see a few rounds

Good offer from a top bloke. Joe has some fantastic pigeons and will do somebody a good turn no doubt.

Fantastic news and really pleased for his family and all concerned. Well done to all who played a part and especially the Moderators on here putting in such a good effort for this little fella.

Fantastic trophy and great gesture mate.

Shocking to see Arsenal 2-0 within 8 mins, especially given that United have had statistically one of the best defences in the league.

Do you use MNFC rings? If so how soon do you normally see them sent out? Cheers, Pete