midnight_son

Ok thanks Stuart.

One thing I don't understand. What happens if your pigeon is 201st or further down the result thereby missing the cut off point of first 200 to be auctioned ? Do you get it back or does it disappear ? I've never sent to a one loft race but just wondered what procedure is in the above circumstance.

Shotton averaged £400-500 per pigeon. Several went well into 4 figures and only a couple under £100. Deep pockets required.

Which strain are you timing from Saintes ? How far is Saintes ?

Hi Stuart, I think the ideal is probably to have a combination of two, more to get the best out of both sexes. I'm certain that Widowhood is the best method to consistently fly well with cocks but I'm equally certain that hens are best on natural. We only fly natural and have 8 positions in the top 5 of the open result in national races from 500 miles - 612 miles but only one was achieved by a cock - evidence that natural suits hens better. I do feel that our cocks are slightly being wasted by this system but i couldnt stand to not fly the hens so we make our choice and get on with it. Perhaps with umlimited time and space I would try to work both methods concurrently. I would suggest the more important thing is to have good distance pigeons first and worry about the system second.

I bought one at auction last year, bred by Brian May of Rotherham, beautiful pigeon. I think he has a large family of them so maybe he could help you out.

Around 650 from Musselburgh

Thanks eveyone. I was trying to keep it quiet too !