MsPigeon

I inherieted one of those birds with Heitzman pedigree. They are big strong type birds. I don't have the patience to wait and only do well in the long races though. It is a distance strain.

Very interesting, I had never heard of it before either. Does it kill lice on the birds as well? Cause spiders, wasps and such don't really bother the birds do they? Sounds like more of a thing people do to rid the insects that bother them. But if your leaving the birds in there it must do them some good. Is that right? Carol

What is Nystan Sajfos? I hadn't thought about possible fungal growth, but I live in a VERY wet climate! Thanks Carol

To be UNBEATABLE ;D

Do any of you belong to clubs that use the UPR point system?? What do you think of it? Pros and Cons? Does it seem to favor any? Thanks for the info Carol

What is the title on the post about carbohydrates? I can't find it. Thanks, Carol

I been getting it at Kajia's pet and garden store in Centrailia or at Tradewinds when I get up there. It is $2-3 per pound. The birds only get about 1/2 cup of the hemp/flax mixed for 30 birds once or twice a week or when they home from training or race. I just buy 5 lbs or so at a time. Carol

Roland, There is a pretty long list of threads on eyes to sort thru on that web address. Is there one in paticular that speaks on the violet eye? Carol

Speaking of training aids and maps has anyone ever used topographical maps to determine the lay of the land and the best route to train the birds? I know Ed has a great topo map program. Which reminds me, Ed can I have a copy of the Washington, Oregon portion of that program? Carol

I agree Roland, too much protein is hard on their organs. Carol

Racing mix w/safflour, sometimes extra dent corn, sometimes extra safflour and hemp&flax treat. Carol

I think that a violet eye is a white eye with the circle of adaptation and the breeding ring being some shade of blue which can vary but always a shade of blue. Carol

Jack, What are the titles? I have one of your books and used it extensivly for pairing the birds this year. I would very much enjoy another of your books. Thr one I have is "The Hidden Mysteries of Nature and Science". Carol

I'm sure ther are several places but here is one. http://home.earthlink.net/~lmbird/ Carol

I have eggs now and plan to band Jan 1, 2007. Carol

I just use the sand from the dirt and gravel company, like they use in cement I think. I always get it in the summer so it can dry out good. It is free if you go shovel it in yourself. The trucks have a spot in the gravel yard where they dump left overs and then it is free. I like it to be six inches deep in the loft and that is usually good for a couple year. I clean it with a kitty litter scoop and disinfect it with a propane weed burner a couple times a month. Carol

I use the Vydex probiotics in the water but I think you could use it either way. Carol

Yes Ed, I have used Calf Manna, they call it Manna Pro now. But I was seeing alot of blue breasts on my racers, but it is probably fine for the breeders and babies. I just been reading alot in different books and articles lately that between 14-16% is plenty of protien for pigeons. Anyhow, just given it a try. And thanks again Linda for the name of that pigeon pellet but I wanted to go with something I can get were we buy all our farm feed. I do really like the pigeon feeds from Tradewinds but I don't always get up to Tacoma, especially in the winter. Carol

Hi Chatrace, Interesting that you use turkey pellets as I was looking over the labels on all the poultry pellets this year. I didn't get my Purina pellets ordered in time. I finally decided on the layer pellets though, as they didn't contain animal byproducts or medication which the turkey did. Why did you chose turkey? Carol

Hi Redcheqhen, I recommend Vydex! They have excellent products which I order despite the shipping to the USA. They have all the info on their probiotics like content and a chart that compares them to others on the market. http://www.vydex.co.uk/Animal/pigeon.html Carol

Yes Carl, fingers crossed I am finally getting my familys going, I just put pairs together today. I'm excited for the year ahead and like you say, fingers crossed. Carol ;D

No need for rubber counter marks when you have ETS is there? At least not here. Carol

I pair up the weekend after Thanksgiving every year. They were all wormed and treated for Canker, Respriatory and Cocci last month. I have gradually increased the light to 14 hours per day with lights on timers. I like the older YB's and I don't mind training early. I also am able to put an OB back on the race team after a round or two with plenty of time for them to recoup before the races. I also like that the YB's quickly moult after going from lights to the YB loft with no lights. We have pretty mild weather here, it is never very cold for very long. I fly them natural and these older YB's tend to mate up before and durring the race season and sit wooden eggs. I find they are extra motivated and trap very well. Carol

Well that is a loaded question John. I think there is almost as many ways of doing that as there are strains of pigeons. I have always used race records as the most important factor and of course health. But this year I am trying Jack Barkels eye sign method. What do you think is most important? Carol

Did you move Slugmonkey?