stu888

Thank you everyone for your advice, I can't thank you enough, its the equivalent of going to a virtual library I have some more questions; Do I have to treat for worms, canker and cocci before breeding? I notice on another thread that Walter Boswell suggested treating for the aforemetioned 4 weeks or more before mating...I could have that period wrong if I do have to treat for the above before mating, shall I just go to the vet or purchase off the shelf meds 'Andy' at the start of the thread suggested that boy=meets girls=bang...the 2 birds I have are preening each other but what I don't know have they mated? On another thread someone had suggested that a small loft is basically a large nest box so why not let them mate anywhere? I use Easibed, will they just use that or do I need to purchase a nest bowl to lay on top of the Easibed? How do or would I know that the hen is already pregnant? Do I need to use a special mix of feeds for birds that are mated or about to mate? So confusing when I dont know if they have! Apologies for all the questions, thank you everyone 'Vosteve' I feel your pain I was in the same situation. Hang on in there, if I can actually breed anything you can have some of mine

Thanks VoSteve. I will get a pot tomorrow Yes these are the only two pigeons I have. My principal reason for that being so is to try and look after 2 rather than a lot initially. I will try and introduce them into one compartment thanks for your support

Pat, Andy, Bhirst Another question, embarrassed to ask it, but how do I feed grit? Do I put in food trough or put it in another trough

Thanks Pat, excellent

Andy what amount should I be feeding them is 1oz per bird per day or what thanks for your help

Many thanks Bhirst and Andy, I appreciate all your advice Another question if I may on Stock Birds feeding Do stock birds meant for breeding have different feed than perhaps birds which are racing? Currently the 2 stock birds I have are timid and hide at the back off the loft when I enter, do I need to address that or is it ok that this continues before I pair them up Sorry for all the questions, this is a great forum

great idea bhirst, how long would I need to keep the hen on the pot ones for, hope that's not a daft question, im a complete novice

thanks Andy that's excellent advice

Andy im assuming if they were not separated they would just pair up by themselves is this correct?

thanks Andy

Hi All Complete novice here. I have built a stock loft. I am in the process of buying 2 stock birds (hen and cock) can I just put them together in the stock loft without them pairing up by themselves. Or is it ok if they pair up straight away? I dont want to start breeding until Dec\Jan 16 approx but I dont want them breeding at this stage. thanks for any help