PATTY BHOY

what do the members think is the best racing system,widowhood or natural? :-/ :-/

martina

well said BWF

theres always 1??

ALEXANDER THE GREAT CONQUERS THE TOUGH GERMAN ROUTE GLYN COUSINS Glyn (Left) with Alexander's breeder, Wayne Smith, one half of the Crook & Smith partnership of Caerphilly. In July 2004 a small black chequer yearling cock was liberated, along with more than a thousand other Welsh pigeons, early on a Saturday morning in the German town of Kassel to race the 540+ miles back to his home loft in Newport. The journey was always going to be a difficult one as, apart from the distance to be flown, the weather conditions on the west coast of France and across the English channel were far from perfect with torrential rain and thunder storms forecast for late afternoon and evening. Nevertheless, it was anticipated that with an early morning liberation, some birds would make it through on the day. Thus it was that hundreds of Welsh eyes were looking skywards from late evening in anticipation of an arrival. All except two eyes were to be disappointed that Saturday evening as at 21.35 pm Newport fancier Glyn Cousins sighted a single bird racing fast from the east, dead on line for the loft. The bird swooped and entered the loft to be quickly clocked. After more than 50 years in the sport Glyn instinctively knew that he had a “good’un†but little did he think that his yearling cock was to be the only bird on the day in Wales from a convoy of more than 1,000 birds all flying over 540 miles. As a result this supreme effort Alexandra was subsequently awarded the Queen’s Cup for most Meritorious performance over 300 miles achieved by a Welsh pigeon in the 2004 season. Thus it was that I travelled to Newport to visit the home of Glyn Cousins and compile a loft report on this remarkable pigeon and his owner. Glyn has been winning races in the Newport area for longer than most fanciers have kept pigeons and this, despite various moves and a constant battle with ill health. Indeed, at the start of the 2004 season Glyn was diagnosed with yet another serious illness and actually thought of packing the birds in. Fortunately he relented and carried on with the above marvellous result. As mentioned earlier, Glyn has been winning for years but it was after a visit to the legendary Planet Bros lofts at Noak Hill in the early 1990s that the Cousins performances went onto another plain. Following the visit some of the very best Planet Bros Van Loons and Aliens were introduced and these started to win from the off at all stages to Thurso 480 miles north and Pau 580 miles south. They won as young birds, yearlings, two year olds and right across the board in all types of weather and at all velocities – truly versatile all round pigeons. Descendents of these birds are still in evidence in the loft today They came into the hand really well, being medium sized and apple bodied with wonderful silky feathering. However, as a result of continuous bouts of ill health, Glyn decided a couple of years ago to develop a team of birds specifically for long distance racing. This would reduce the day to day “hustle and bustle†entailed in sprint and middle distance racing. With the help of fellow Newport fancier Glyn Picton, the highly successful Caerphilly partnership of Crook and Smith were approached and a kit of six young birds were purchased from the partnership’s Hansenne x Westcott family of long distance racers. Four of these were sent over to friends in Ireland and two were kept by Glyn only for one to be lost off the loft. However, the one remaining baby proved to be “Alexandra The Greatâ€. As a youngster Alexandra was put through his paces and was raced weekly through to Lillers 240 miles. This year, as a yearling, he had every inland race followed by every channel race i.e. Lillers 240 mls; Brussels 330mls; Liege 380 mls; Bonn 440 mls in the build up to his final race from Kassel 540 mls. On basketting he was feeding a 26 day old hen youngster and sitting eggs 10 days. The channel races mentioned above were set at two week intervals and in the intervening period between races, the channel team was trained two to three times a week from Swindon some 50 miles. As you can see, the Queen’s Cup winner, although only a yearling , had amassed a wealth of race experience in a very short time. His numerous trips across the channel obviously left him with no fear of the water. Even when faced with storm conditions on reaching the French coast he unhesitatingly “went for it†and in all probability crossed alone before ploughing on into England in pursuit of the westering sun. If asked to describe him, I would say that he was typical of the great English family of long distance racers developed by Norman Southwell. Just a little above small in size with plenty of muscle and wonderful silky black velvet feathering – he was what we call here in Wales a “small big ‘un†- bijou but perfectly formed. Not surprisingly, Glyn has now built a team around this big hearted performer. Various bloodlines have been brought in to cross with the Hansenne based originals. Some of the most impressive of these are two hens, a mother and daughter ,from the successful long distance Hansenne based loft of David Evans of Gelligaer. Other introductions are Van Wanroys, Van de Wegens and Westcotts .All long distance based, as Glyn’s aim is to develop an ultra distance family that can compete in races out to Barcelona 740 miles. Perhaps now I should give more insight into the methods employed at the Cousins loft. The 24 old bird racers and 4/5 pairs of stock birds are mated in early December. Once all have layed the pairs are separated and then re-mated in mid January. This method ensures that all pairs lay quickly on re pairing as they are by now acquainted with each other and their boxes. The racers with few exceptions are allowed to rear the stock birds youngsters before being separated once more in March. They are then repaired in early April and allowed to go about their business on the Cousins “natural†system. I did notice that Glyn only had 7 race cocks and “approximately†14 race hens. I will leave the reader to make of this what he will ! When racing, the old birds are allowed to do as they like during their exercise periods as Glyn does not believe in forcing them to fly. They are kept in trim by weekly racing and plenty of mid week tosses at 40 – 50 miles. All feed is mixed by hand to Glyn’s own specifications. The morning feed is basically a top class super diet mix to which Glyn adds cracked maize, Hormoform and other small grains as he feels fit. This mix is usually laced with cod liver oil and is fed lightly at a rate of approximately ½ oz per bird. The evening feed is usually a good mixture of beans, wheat, barley, chicken layers pellets and maize with various additions as the season progresses and the race distance increases. A deep litter of rough sawdust and dried droppings is used on the floor of all sections and the perches and nestboxes are rarely cleaned, but because of the dryness of the loft any droppings soon dry up and crumble so that there is no discernable build up of droppings. The birds certainly looked and handled well on this back to nature system. The loft can be summed up as having “a place for everything and everything in its placeâ€. Very neat, tidy and efficiently managed.

you`ll no see that hawk again ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Pigeons killed in allotment fire Jimmy Stephenson at the remains of his pigeon lofts « Previous « PreviousNext » Next »View GalleryADVERTISEMENTPublished Date: 01 December 2008 A PIGEON fancier has been left devastated after a suspected arson attack at his cree saw more than 100 of his birds burned alive. Jimmy Stephenson, who has had pigeons at the allotments in Hawthorn Street, Easington Colliery, for 43 years, discovered the wreckage in the early hours of Sunday morning. The fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Jimmy, 72, of Stewart Street, Easington Colliery, broke down in tears as he spoke about the blaze. He said: "I have not slept at all overnight. "I have paid people a lot of money for them – it's thousands – but you cannot put a value on them. "I just cannot believe someone would do this. How would they like to be in a fire and not able to get out? They're not right in the head." Allotment holders say this is the third arson attack on the site in a fortnight, with structures containing quails and livestock being destroyed. Jimmy added: "I was dreading it. Every time I saw the fire engine going past I thought it might be me." In the latest incident, two fire engines from Peterlee were called to Jimmy's allotment at 12.05am on Sunday. Eight firefighters battled the blaze for almost three hours, with flames raging about up to 40ft in the air. Two crees were totally destroyed, killing 102 pigeons and there was also damage to a greenhouse and a polythene structure where Jimmy keeps vegetables. Jimmy, who has travelled the country racing his birds but more recently had been concentrating on building up a family of Jansen pigeons, said: "That's it for me for me now, I'm finished. "It would be too expensive to start again, I built those crees myself and I could not even begin to build them again." Crew manager Mark Garrett, of Peterlee Fire Station, said: "It was well alight, flames were 30ft to 40ft in the air. It was an area of 90ft by 60ft. We could not see anything, the whole structure had gone. It was destroyed and collapsed in on itself. "We used two jets to put out the fire." Detective Sergeant Cliff Down, of Peterlee CID, said: "This was a man's life's work and we want anybody with any information to come forward." Anyone who has any information can call Durham Constabulary on 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

checkthis thread jack. http://forum.pigeonbasics.com/m-1228251792/s-new/#num3

dont see the attraction myself.

Oldest pigeon living: The world’s oldest living pigeon is the former racing pigeon Old Man, who was born on Feburary 16, 1980, and is owned by George E. Seagroatt of Shrivenham, Wiltshire, UK. A true racing pigeon, Old Man won his first race in 1981, competing against 2114 other birds

who has the better racers.

When reading recently of that great 800 miler, 'Riley's Duchess', in the British pigeon press I was full of admiration for that and all those other great and gallant pigeons who fly against the odds and conquer mile after mile into the islands of Britain and Ireland. Pigeons like the immortal 'Per Ardua' who flew single up from Gibraltar to Gillingham at a distance of 1,098 miles when only a young bird. Really, I don't think any of us has fully grasped the outstanding achievements of our thoroughbreds in such fabulous feats. The reality confirms the true blue blooded nature of the pigeons and their health. But within the heart of all there must exist a unique love of home by the pigeons involved whether its a return to a palatial structure or a back yard shed! Here I have in mind those who have conquered the extreme distance from Spain into for example central Ayrshire- 1,010 miles. W. G. Davidson led the way in the 1,000 miles tests when his grizzle hen 'Faith' held the Scottish record for a time after homing in 8 days to Stevenson. Then there was Henry Mair (who I believe was three times successful recording an arrival) with 3rd position into Scotland in one of those attempts followed by outstanding performances in 1976 when the Scottish 1,000 mile club sent 138 pigeons and two made it in race time. A. Stewart of Carnoustie winning on a 236y.p.m. velocity, followed by A & A Taylor of Dundee on 155 y.p.m.velocity. Thirty three birds were recorded after the close of the race and the first Ayrshire bird verified was a Red Chequer Cock bred and raced by R & H Kennedy of Irvine to be 5th, H Mair was next in at 23rd with W. G. Davidson 33rd. Of course one must recall and never forget 'Barcelona Blue': 1000 mile record breaker in 1958 (SURP 50 13315) and 'Barcelona Triumph': 1000 mile record breaker 1959 (SURP 52 2345) and of course Jim Moffatt’s '266', 1000 mile record breaker 1963 (SURP 58 ML 266) But the best of all perhaps amongst these great racing pigeons was the red chequer cock known as the 'The Conqueror'. Bred and raced by Alan Raeside, of Irvine, who covered the 1,009 miles in just over 2 days with an amazing 687y.p.m. velocity, which represents 24 m.p.h. and registering as the record holder. Alan also had a grandson of the 'Conqueror' recorded from Palamos. Magnificient pigeons! And in Ireland there are the great exploits of 'Barcelona Bluebell' bred and raced by the Mairs Bros, of Ballyclare, and that gallant bird of Anthony McDonald of Coleraine,Co.Derry, who in their 1000 miles plus journeys from Barcelona crossed two waters, that is, the English Channel and the Irish sea to arrive safely at their home lofts. The latter are outstanding specimens of the art and science of the sport of marathon Pigeon racing and when released with thousands of birds from the mainland of Europe those who reach the Western Isles must be outstanding representatives of the thoroughbreds of the sky because of the strong pull of the drag and the physical configurations that the pigeons have to conquer as well as the enormity of the distance. Perhaps what is required for our thoroughbreds of such endurance quality is a type of Western Isles Agency to promote the development of the marathon racer. A crazy thought ? Perhaps! But I believe that the marathon challenge is due a reawakening amongst the British and Irish pigeon racing fraternity. A belief based upon the English successes from Dax (the insularity is disappearing) and it is in our nature to reach for the stars, to dream dreams that never were and say- why not?

The Kipp Strain of Germany - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In my series of insights into a number of strains of racing pigeons it was not my intention to do an in depth study of each strain. Perhaps the concept of 'insight' is an important aspect here because it implies the personal that is my own personal perception and interest which as such may be in opposition to the traditional definition of what constitutes a strain. But I believe that my definition of a strain is as valid as any other and it constitutes the end result of a committed and dedicated owner/owners of a loft/lofts of racing pigeons rationally bred and raced. That is in relation to breeding a close form of the latter based upon the best of bloodlines with the resulting product tested via the basket. Thus as we have seen in other articles the strain makers begin with one or more families and ends up even with required crossings with a product which they can call 'their own' In our pilgrimage so far we have looked at some well known strains and some not so well known if at all. But if the breeding and racing management produces achievements of a high order at national and international level then our insights are warranted. That is why our latest subject is the Kipp strain of Germany. For their results in the land of their birth and internationally are phenomenal: (A) 1st Nat. Marathon Champion - 1985 - 1986 - 1996 - 1997 - 1998 - 1999- 2000; ( 1st Int. Perpignan hens 1988; 1st Int. Barcelona 1998; 1st Int. Marseille hens 1999; 1st Int. Barcelona hens 1993; © 1st Nat. Barcelona hens 1995; 1st. Nat. Barcelona hens 1997; 1st Nat. Barcelona 1998; 1st Nat. Marseille 1999; (D) 1st Nat. Ace pigeon long distance 1999. And at all levels they have succeeded for what's shown here is but the tip of the ice- berg. Yes this father and son partnership of Althornbach, Germany, have over the years molded a strain of outstanding long distant racing pigeons whose base contain the blood lines of Ko Nipius/Jan Aarden, Cattrysse, Stichelbaut, and Piet de Weerd amongst others. Inspite of this the English speaking world knows little or nothing about them. Although I must admit that the language barrier contributes towards this reality and the modest demeanour of the partnership. In fact the pigeon sport scribes should and must for the good of the sport get beyond the cultural barriers or an aspect such as language and bring the great international lofts and strains of all nations into the flow of knowledge and interest. It will be for the benefit of the sport over all for there are strains out there other than those of Holland and Belgium. And as implied the Kipp strain is too good to be unknown for results alone confirm that it is one of the top modern strains in Europe today. But this status did not derive out of the blue so to speak but amounts to years of commitment by fanciers of astute ability at the managerial activity of the sport of long distant pigeon racing. One of their outstanding birds is the so called 'Night Flyer', a mealy cock which arrived at 2.28am from Perpignan to take 4th national and 5th international in 1985. Yes one of the phenomenal few who keeps ongoing to reach their homes in the middle of the night. Perhaps what we are witnessing in recent decades with the night flyers is the first signs of an evolutionary mutation in the sport of pigeon racing. Resulting from the intensified breeding and racing of master pigeon fanciers of the likes of the Kipp's. Ah some will say I'm crazy but then the moon landings first appeared in the old 'Dan Dare' comics of my childhood and they are now a fact. Through the growing awareness of strains such as the Kipp's representatives of the latter will cross national boundaries and through crossing with the help of pigeon genetics strains will emerge that will continue to make us marvel at the flying feats of the thoroughbreds of the sky. Perhaps by then we will have night races but whether that could be defined as a 'good' is questionable.

Below are the Mark Caudwell Van Reet Dynasty, winning against thousands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “CHAMPION 44†1st Club 1st Fed Poole 5,004 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Salisbury 3,783 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Marlborough 2,426 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Newbury 1,298 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Salisbury 4,189 Birds 1st Club Marlborough, 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Windrush, 1st Club Warwick, 1st Club Cheltenham, 1st Club Marlborough, 1st Club Windrush, 1st Club Salisbury, 1st Club Marlborough, 1st Club Salisbury. Winner of the 2002 RPRA Regional Sprint Award. “Champion 44†Winner of 20 x 1st and an RPRA Award “CHAMPION MR PRESIDENT†1st Club 1st Fed Warwick 4,552 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Windrush 5,092 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Salisbury 3,202 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Newbury 1,712 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Marlborough 2,578 Birds 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Salisbury, 1st Club Newbury, 1st Club Salisbury, 1st Club Warwick, 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Salisbury, 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Salisbury. Winner of the RPRA Regional Sprint Award 2004 and Winner of the RPRA Over-All Sprint Award 2004. “Champion Mr President†RPRA Sprint Champion 2004 “CHAMPION APACHIE†1st Club 1st Fed Buckingham 1077 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Marlborough 2,622 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Salisbury 4,955 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Warwick 5,556 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Newbury 1,885 Birds 1st Club 1st Fed Newbury 1,472 Birds 1st Club Buckingham, 1st Club Salisbury, 1st Club Warwick, 1st Club Salisbury, 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Warwick, 1st Club Poole, 1st Club Windrush, 1st Club Salisbury. Winner of RPRA 2003 Regional Award. Finishing 2nd Over-All. Sire and G/Sire to a host of winners through to Federation Level. “CHAMPION UNLUCKY†One of the most consistent racer for Mark Caudwell winner of 9 x 2nd Federation and 3 x 1st Federation. “Champion Unlucky†Winner of 3 x 1st Fed and 9 x 2nd Fed. Sire of Lot 13 in Armagh (Unlucky for some)

mate of mine has direct son from white cheeks,keeps him for stock,nothing off him yet

Do people on this forum think that there is enough done from clubs,feds,unions etc and all other different partys for to attract new fanciers to the sport,and whats the answer.

would first bird be a sprinter or distance?

draw and Celtic to win 2-0.

what bird looks better.

has this loft moved yet??

A-10 B-6 C-3 D-2 E-4

Thanks IB.

everone must have big gardens.

Hi folks, Some help needed is there anyone on this site who rent there land for there pigeon lofts from west lothian council{or any other council} could you please tell me rates and how long a lease you have on the land. :-/ :-/

what would be the ideal time for a new fancier to get young birds for 2009 season.