peter pandy

About time someone asked her difficult questions.

In my experience when I have started training with the basket it stopped them from running and they will get more experience from running than you can ever get from the basket. But they are your birds and you do what you are comfortable with. All the best..

In my loft there are 22 nest boxes without fronts and 8 boxes have nests I also have 6 inches of deep litter "AUBIOSE" which is hemp stalk chopped up and 20 pair of birds prefer to burrow into it and nest there. They build where they like and are never disturbed but once they have reared and lay again they will be on china's until they either lift or are set down for anything I fancy a go at. I dont wish them to rear all the time as it cannot be beneficial to them but nothing is set in stone where I am concerned a long as they handle the way I want them to. They tore into the savoy cabbage yesterday and to-day had a vitamin supplement 2 drops ABIDEC to 1 litre water. If its rccommended for babies then thats good enough for me..

If you feel you wish to continue with V/L it might be better being nearer the Artic Circle to give them Start + with it having a higher protein content every day allowing them to muscle up. Maize wont put muscle on the keel !! OMO

Sorry I never replied earlier as I was at the Jubilee in Glesca to-day having samples taken from my knee with a six inch nail !! They said they were using a needle but it certainly did not feel like it..Regarding Test kits I bought 6 at Blackpool £10 each from Belgica and that included test fees. Postage to them is only £1.20 1st class and service is second to none. Used them for years..

Belgica De Weerd. 01206 842221 Costs £10.00 and that includes the tests.

Have the same problem and have replaced a youngster a dozen times back where its supposed to be so what can we do as you want to encourage them to build. LOL

Two Yearling Cocks still to come from yesterday so does not look good for them and thats a liberation site they have been to umpteen times without problems. I cannot say it was to cold yesterday as it was 9c with little wind so no chill factor in fact it was quite pleasant in the sunshine and some were home in 40 minutes. Regarding my misdemeanor in race distances LOL I thought Roye was in Belgium so thank's Novice for enlightening me but that is where she will go if she keeps to her 40 day cycle and the Bassas leave her alone.

Well I suppose it had to happen ! Took all the Cocks for a 25 miler and been hit hard. They have been coming in ones and two's all afternoon with the last one at 20.00 hrs missing Primaries in both wings and back torn. Still have 6 to come from 30 sent. Bloody sick as a parrot so will open a bottle of malt tae droon ma sorrows.

Naw Stevie she is 2 year old and only sent her as she was looking so good I could not leave her at home, Strike while the iron's hot. The other 24 were Yearlings and Late breds all Hens.

Her next race will be Newark 235 miles if she lays to plan then Buckingham with the SNFC a fortnight later finishing her season off at Roye. "The best laid plans etc". In the Loft the birds were given a warm bath and the salt block which they only have access to on a Sunday. I lost 10 babies on Saturday when Cocks abandoned them although all was ok first thing in the morning so it was hastily putting singles into the nest where the Cocks went back on them !! Makes you wonder what goes through their heads and if they are telepathic knowing their Hens would be returning shortly..

Cheers Mate.

How do you get a race sheet or is their no pools and ETS only ?.

How did it go with you to-day Derek ?.

Well I sent 25 Hens mostly Yearlings and Late Breds to 85 miles Otterburn for their first race and had them all home.. My first timer was 8 minutes behind the Armadale winner with 700 + birds from that club. I suppose I have to be happy with the performance they put in against birds with a lot more experience. The Hen I timed first was feeding a 4 day baby so will be set up later in the year for a 400 miler. I will have the Cocks training this week and they will go into a 110 mile race for the start of their programne with the following week all into 150 miles as they should be cleaner with finishing rearing and on dummy eggs. Congratulations to all who have won this week especially the Convoyers who gave us great returns in the cold North West winds.

1040 if yir lucky

Sitting in the garden with a cloudless sky watching the birds go about their business over my 500 Dafodills and Narcissus with Hover flies darting to and fro I contemplated the peacful surroundings and wished the world was a happier place when I was brought back to reality when wee Mary's wet washing slapped me on the back of the head waking me from my reverie. MM' how many to send this week with the forecast, I was reminded off last weeks when I declined instead of sending !!. It looks as if I will be sending my Yearling and Late Bred Hens and they will just have to perceiver..

After reading the reports in to-days papers it would appear Rangers had a lackadaisical attitude towards the game and being a supporter of my local team "The Bairns" this attitude has done them no favours in their endeavour for promotion. :emoticon-0179-headbang:

Well done lewis great read and well thought out.

Aye right Davy, ye canny get near the kitchen fur yer auld man scoffin !! Kin ye no feed him afore ye take him oot ?.

Hi Davy, Did not send last week but intend to be at Armadale on Friday night wiv a couple so will see you then.

The same 28 Hens as yesterday at 30 miles again to-day and all home jig time carrying out the same procedure as yesterday..

24 Yearlings and Latebreds Hens at 30 miles to-day and although they came gappy, they all made it in the sunshine.. For those following my Posts you will have noticed that they have either just hatched or in the throes of doing so and will wonder what I am up to ? Well I put the Cocks out at 08.00 and locked the trap. At 11.00 I started basketing all the sitting Hens as they should have fed the babies prior, When they were all basketed and in the car I opened the trap and the Cocks went in and straight onto the nest. No youngster or hatching eggs chilled and off I went happy in the knowledge that all was well. On my return I had to wash out the cover under the grills on the bottom of the basket as the droppings were huge with them sitting 16 hours. 5 Minute job with the hose..

Egg shells littering the loft floor this morning so I am looking for a good hatch rate with the hope of a champion amongst them. Well we all live in hope dont we !!. At least with the longer day light hours they wont go short of anything.

I am scheduled to upgrade from 7 to 10 to-morrow night and wonder if I am doing the right thing ?? Any feed back would be appreciated.