Peckedhen

I put my youngsters on the loft floor when their tails are as long as my thumb (about 1") the cocks will continue to feed them. It helps bring on any any whose parents are poor feeders as they all get their crops filled. I never put less that six down, I don't know why, but when you put a several down together they don't get scalped.

There must have been some underlying illness going on Rachel. You cared enough to make his last days comfortable, safe and hunger free so don't beat yourself up about it. Thank you for trying to help him. Sue

The pigeons are mine and my OH has nothing to do with them (if he can help it). I'm still not racing despite many folks trying to persuade me to...I don't think that I could stand the stress of loosing them. :

Three sources..... I got most from a gentleman who advertised in BHW, unfortunately I can't remember his name but these were , without a doubt the best ones. I got a pair from Dennis Sanders and a couple of hens from Mike Edgerton.... don't know if these names mean anything to you. :-/ :-/

I've never heard of Portsmouth Whites but thanks mate. :)

I don't know him but he was recommended to me when I was buying white pigeons.

Aw Phil, she is beautiful. What have you called her? Makes me feel quite broody - think that I'd better stick to squeakers though. :)

You're right Phil, a great present for both you and your wife. Enjoy your daughter now that you have her home at last. Sue

Aw Gail - I guess that I'm used to it now, after 28 years I should be. My OH reckons Interflora have let him down again this year!! ;D ;D (and he's invited his best friend for a meal tonight!!)

Before we married, I was treated to roses, chocolates and card, the works. The first year after we wed, I produced his card on the 14th and he said, "Oh, do I still have to bother with those things now we're married?" Needless to say, he hasn't had a card since! ;D (and neither have I :()

I tried to use crisp boxes but I didn't feel they were very secure when stacked. These look just the ticket.

Congratulations Wiley. So, no silver spoon for your little lad - a scraper instead huh? ;D Sue

Ah! Definitely a Woodpigeon Rachel.

;D ;D ;D LOL Give it a go Lee and see if it works. I've tried it but, most of the time, I can't decide if they are frowning or smiling. ;D

From Pigeontalk.com (1)Take a questionable (sex) bird and put it in a pigeon crate with a known cock or hen and watch the reaction. (2)Cradling the bird in both hands, run a forefinger along the keel bone (runs down the mid-linefrom the breast. At the end of the keel bone there's a space, then, toward the vent, 2 small thin bones will come together in a "V". If you can fit a small finger between where they come together, you have a hen(this is where the egg passes). If they are only 1cm-2cm apart, you have a cock. Older hens and cocks are easier to sex this way-it doesn't work well with babies. (3)MOST hens look more feminine or fine around the head/necks & bodies are generally more compact. Cocks are thicker in the neck and are more masculine looking & generally a little bigger bodied.Older cocks have larger wattles. (4)1 to 3 days after hatching: look at the sqeeker's ventwhile holding the little guy in your hand: a smile is a boy, straight or frown is a girl (don't ask me why, ask God!) (5)Behavior: cocks are more aggressive, hens are usually more passive. (6)Nesting: Cocks set from 9-10 a.m. to sunset (male is more aggressive, better to drive intruders away), Hens set through the night.

Without a doubt, I find the easiest way is when they've laid an egg.

I got a couple of heart shaped ones from here: http://www.nepigeonsupplies.com/catalog.php?page=2&category=Carriers%20%26%20Baskets they shipped quickly but the postage was about the same cost as the baskets. A cheaper way is to buy wicker baskets (I bought picnic ones), spray them white or eBay where someone has spray painted them for you. http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/?_nkw=wedding+release+basket&_sacat=0&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=heart+basket&_osacat=0 Sue

Thanks for the comments guys, I appreciate them. Sue :)

I think that they are cocks - the wattles on my older Logans are like these, whereas the hens wattles don't seem to be growing so much. :-/

I've sent you a PM Rachel.

Tragic. Why would anyone leave a young baby alone with dogs? I wouldn't even leave my old trusty lab with a baby. :'( :'(

I am taking orders for 2009 pure white Logans. These are quality birds and won't disappoint. Several members had babies from me last year and can testify to their quality. First round already sold and ready to go in a couple of weeks, parents laying again now. £25 per bird. If interested please PM me. PARENTS 2008 young bird 2008 young birds - I will take photos of this years babies when they are a bit more photogenic.

Stick a dummy egg under he,r along with the one egg. She's more likely to sit the 18 days and also, the dummy egg gives the young baby something to lean against and helps reduce the risk of splayed leg.

I did have. But, I'm on a new laptop now and they were on the old one which died. I posted them on the old forum - I wonder if the Webmaster still has access to it?

But what a lovely way to go! ;D