Peckedhen

Hi Bruno, one cock is 04, the other is early bred 05 so they should be sexually mature? The hens are 03 and 04.

Thanks. So I lock them in for how long? If I open the box will one of the unpaired cocks cause trouble if it decides to go in? :-/

Any ideas what I should try next? I now have two birds sitting in a nest bowl in the young bird loft - OK, they're in the wrong place but at least I know they are a pair! In my other loft I have three nest boxes waiting (but closed) at the moment. There is a shelf with a small grid on either side of the loft. I have two cocks in here which have each a side. On Monday I put in, what I hope are, my two new hens............ a fancier friend came to help and he was expecting the cocks to spin and bow to the hens..........they did not react, except to chase the 'hens' off their shelf. :-/ One 'hen' stood its ground and took the grid,( the cock now perches on the wood at the side) So, I'm not even sure that I have two cocks and two hens (though the guy I bought the hens from said that he was 100% certain they are). Now what do I do? Just wait and let nature take it's course? Leave the established pair where they are? This pigeon lark is WAY harder than it says in the books! My friend has paired his 60 birds with no problem but mine have him stumped! :-/ :-/ :-/ :-/ A very confused Peckedhen. :-/ :

Nope. They wouldn't home from far enough. If I took them out of sight of the loft, they got lost! ;D Bonny faces though -they must have got them from the fantail parent. I haven't found any homing birds that are so pretty - they all seem to have the typical racing pigeon face. Should I duck now I've offended all you racers who think your birds are beautiful!? :-/ Peckedhen.

I think this was what my first lot of birds were Snowy. They had tails longer than a racer but certainly not fantail. There were also bits of feathers growing in all directions right down the legs. :-/

Thanks. Vet next week if it still hurts him. :-/

A bit OT but, is it usual for moved birds to have wet droppings - I've noticed this every time I get new birds - wet and a brightish green colour. It lasts a couple of days or so then they seem to clear up. Am I doing something wrong? :-/

No change yet Westy. :-/ If he didn't fly to me I doubt that I would have noticed - maybe I fuss too much! :

Hmm, a fancier friend is coming next Tuesday - he'll take a look.

Not sure Bruno - I noticed it a few days ago but I wasn't worried because (don't laugh) I thought it might be to help him grip when treading the hen! He has one on each foot, the hen has nothing!! They have become more angry looking now and he is limping so I think they hurt him. :'( I don't know if the skin is broken. I'll have a closer look tomorrow and see if I can get a better photo - apparently I should have pressed a button for a close up! :

I've checked out Bumblefoot - I hope it isn't, it's not too easy to treat. A corn? Maybe worth a try with the kerosene. :-/

Way to go!

Talk about one problem after another!! My fantail has developed growths on each of his (don't laugh - I don't know how else to describe them) index fingers. I wondered if the freezing weather caused it - he's outside in the dovecote but the other fantail is fine. I think that it is sore because he is limping but he will let me touch them without squirming?? It's not in focus but may help: Peckedhen. :-/ :-/

How very sad at this time of the year. :'( :'( My thoughts and prayers are with Rachel and her family. Peckedhen xx :K)

http://web.icq.com/friendship/swf/0,,16961_rs,00.swf Love it. Peckedhenx ;D

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all. Peckedhenxx :K) :K)

I wish Speight! I'd only had them six days when I left the sputnik open! I managed to get one back with help from Bruno , but I don't know what happened to the rest.

Congratulations Ross and a big thanks to all concerned in setting this up. Great fun. Peckedhen. :)

I might be in a position to offer a pair of birds myself now.........First I thought I had 3 hens and 1 cock but now it seems I have three cocks and one hen!! I've ordered two more hens so, with three pairs I should have some chance of something!! I will need the first two lots of young but I'm told once they start I'll have no problems!! Then there's the garden fantails which may or may not be a pair! But, do you think someone will want garden fantails with lopsided tails or white Logans? Sorry to be sooo vague, it's all so new to me but, I enjoy the forum and have learnt a lot from it. I'd like to be able to do my bit. If it all goes pair shaped and I don't get any young then Bewted has offered a pair for me. Peckedhen

Yes Speight, it says that now but I was still able to bid in the early hours of Christmas Day!! :-/

I wish we had some!! Peckedhen (overgrown kid! ;D)

Did anyone else bid on PigeonAuctions.co.uk? The auction was supposed to end at 6pm on the 24th but it still seemed possible to bid up until 25th.:-/ I bid on two birds (on behalf of a friend) and I think that I was the highest bidder :-/ I haven't heard anything since and, despite emailing the webmaster, have had no reply! Not a very good start to a new business! Anyone know what's going on?

My birds are stamped three times Speight. The trouble is, being white, the red stamp shows through! I also bought some of the coiled rings but, I'm saving these for the young birds.

WOW!! Some project Hyacinth! Do you not have problems with Herons?

That's a relief Bruno. They do seem to be fine.