Roland

Agree with Owen in regards a damp loft ... one should put a salt pot in and check that it can run free after a couple of days or so. However, I personally can't see wet pigeons causing a damp enviroment. Then again with good air 'CIRCULATION' and not just airy, a loft is never damp. must come in front and HIT the back and then go out of the top in the MIDDLE. Thus circulation. Yes many say and build a loft where it comes in the front bottom and supposedly goes out at the top of the back. Means a draught through at best. Definately no circulation. However if out most of the day :-/... Or sitting in front of a wire mesh ... :-/

Well it's not one of the three wonders of nature. Which are, A. A hen drinks water, but doesn't pee. B. A rabbit doesn't drink water - captive ones ommitted of course be cause on they inviroment we keep them in - but does pee. And C. a donkey s$its a square turd out of a round ar$ehole ;D ;D ;D ;D But many predators do not drink water ... Not drinking water means B.O.P can't combat the effects of salt. Thanks to the RSPB and RSPCA for enlightening us and bringing back past paerts.

See the same often published / printed. Mind if you in the East side, it has some merit I guess ;D ;D

True. That's why salt depresses them to say the least. Use to pour salt on any carrion. hence the demise of of the B.O.P and co etc.

Natural 'Mongrels' So that is their' strength.

had some great birds of a guy. Done well. In all his years he had hardly if ever treated. Motto being if poorly and other not ... get shot. Breeds great immune and constitution. Any hada dozen off him and he told me never to treat for canker etc. etc. But after a few weeks I did.... gosh worst thing I ever did. they went down like flies. Was remarking to another great 'Wizard' just this past Sunday and related this to him. Shaking his head he said, You went and distroyed the immune system. Birds are great at healing and taking care of themselve... you open the flood gates... soon be that they rely on these 'Uppers' too readily. Yes of course there are times when you need to assist a mite I guess. By nature knows far more than we ever will. indeed we don't even know, let alone understand nature. like lice etc. these are great for feathering ... this country cleans them up, others abide the natural good they do.

Notive with the stock birds as soon as it rains they are out in it. They have a loft, and a flight. THEFlight is just wire meshed roof. I put boards over sometimes in winters. But can't see why really. More a 'For me' thing I guess. But then I've done piddly dip this past season :-/

Well simply I trained in all weathers, regardless of High winds, heavy rain etc. etc. Birds out 365 days a year too. Ole timer said to me, 'If they go down into the fields or whatever when the rain is too much an soaked, they learn, soon up and homeward bound. Makes them determine and soon you only have what every body wants. If not trained, then on race days they won't come. After all we are suppose to be training them! :-/ This makes them birds of good constitution, the hard race / distance birds .... but I don't toss them in the rain if racing that week - end because it takes the edge of them'. Last while I've molly coddled and took it real easy. Not so good. JMO Besides if conditioned the rain soon drips of and are dry in no time.

Was more thinking that the reply is out of order. Not the content of the Advertisement. Simply put, if one puts up for sale etc. they should accept that they will get a wide and varied selection of questions and imputs. A simple remark back to the guy such as 'Hey mate, don't mind queries if your inteested in buying, but don't see the relevance of them if your not ... so let those that are interested ask their own questions'. Nothing to do with the Ad, just the of hand rebuff I think was uncalled for. Everyone to their own, and as Pigeon-man isn't bothered don't see it being an issue worth dwelling on.

Think this was uncalled for and in bad taste. For example through his posts I have been informed, enlightened a bit as well to say the least, indeed I have now through his and Mavericks posts etc. a different take and slant of these birds in regards reality. Red Mark you are after all on a 'Public Domain' and this invites commets good or bad. Didn't see any heading saying, Only kind comments allowed that will swell my kitty! :-/ Did you have any particular hole in mind?

Well strange it must be for me then. Joyce is not only a soul mate, but a great friend, and wonderfull support in most things, and times of frouble. When down and out, she comforts me. When out of order she's forgiving and gently puts me to ease and right. When best to listen, she remains silently knowing... Yet when she speaks I honour her wisdom. Never quick to fault but always uplifting. She keeps a clean and tidy abode, and cooks superbly. We have raise good children that are a credit to us both. Washes and irons, and cares for so much, sooths when i'm ill and nothing is ever too much trouble. Naggs she does not and never moans ..... Gosh she must be worth a bloody fortune lol ;D ;D Mind, I'm happy with what I've got.... Wish she could say the same lol ;D ;D

A little linseed and Canary seed two days afterwards. Cleans them out. A little booster if so desire. But most weeks a little such seed should be given.

Ah ... now comes the hard part, to stay up there. Every time you win, good flyers try harder lol.

Oh yes. Many strays have won, set up lofts and even bred National winners. let's face it, it is a world beather till lost. One that will build a team of winners from, up till 5 minutes before it is lost lol.

Never realise that Wings. But will take on board of course. Mind having said that isn't it about time a Heading was put up endorsing all the good parts and things regards our sport! :-/ :-/ must be someQ Hence why we still indulge every week :-/ :-/ :o Gosh, thinking of what brings on that gloomy feeling again lol ;D ;D ;D

"Think about what we as a hobby have to offer to someone considering joining the hobby? Spend 35,000 to get started, go to the club on Friday nights and listen to fights, arguments, gossip and people being bad mouthed, no one will listen to anything that you would like to contribute and if you do say something, someone will probably make you feel stupid for doing so. You will be expected to do more than your share of work and you will be expected to keep your thoughts to yourself. You cannot know anything and whatever life experiences you may have, are worthless in the pigeon racing hobby. Great sales pitch!" Written via a Canadian. Why bother, just sign up as a member of a forum and save time and money. No travelling, nor the cleaning out lofts and purchase of birds. - Going out on cold evening to club meeting for us 2% that still do - Petrol on fuel and needn't bothering to ask, read up on or even try going spending time effort and money to improve your stock or ratings lol ;D ;D ;D Yep certainly some advert for enticing new members to take up our so - called sport lol ;D

Unikon says 'You can't lose a bird timing in. States that if 4 / races and even training it does the lot :-/ :-/ :o

Regardless, there is certainly no need to surly a good result for a good cause. Frank and all well done.

Very very pleased for you mucker. i hope it is the first of many1

Let me tell you where I am. After my sad lot with one thing or another over the last 3 -4 years and then losing 14 of the 16 youngsters last sat - my whole race team on their' first race - had one back around Tuesday and another today I am more than peeved off. the two back look well. Well I decided to pack up... then not to, then I will, I won't... etc. etc. Two pins either way. Fears I will want to start again a mite down the road after being around pigeons for 50 years on and off haunt me. I am sitting on that bridge where a train is coming towards me from one way and a naked Bo Derek is running towards me from the other. I don't know whether to jump for it :o... or toss my self off lol ;D ;D I thought of selling all of my birds for a tenner each, everything to go to the P.O.B and all of our cause. Worth a tenner? :-/ Well all e stock birds are bred in the purple and cost a flipping lot like lol. Now I have decided that last years late breds I bought in as stock and the couple of pairs of stock birds of 2 and 3 year of age will actually decide for me. I also have a few yearlings and 2 y/o's not raced, around 10 in all, trained to 50 miles. These will go 200 and 250 miles as trainers in the next few weeks, as they have been well kept and had the odd chuck. I expect at least 80% to fare well. If not …. Hence I left the door open all afternoon and some stock birds walked in and out. Over the next few days they will have all been out and most likely flew around. Once up in the air and orbitting, they will decide to stay or go! If enough stay, and I feel they will combined to make an 'Old Bird' race team I will most likely carry on. If not, then I would struggle to be interested again and every thing will go to raise a little for the P.O.B. Except my ET timer never used. set up yes, but didn't even get to use it. So would be after getteing a % return on that.

quote=6459]Gutted for you Kev, please report it to the RPRA Hawk watch to add to the figures. Asked, and then pressed as to just what the idea was for and how was these reports going to help his RPRA fanciers, his members that pay his wages. Mr Bills was at a loss. He did state that it was really only to benefit new Starters and to forewarn them of the losses they should expect in their area :-/ :-/ :o Yes! he was pressed again about What Action' if any. Didn't know of any etc. Yes he was told a few home truths again. Seems a he had a few other silly ideas . Indeed a few other ideas that were way out of line and useless, and was told why they were stupid.. etc. etc. etc. So now you have in a nut shell any and every help you can expect from Mr Bills and the RPRA other than to ask the RSPB for guide lines. We know the RSPCA and the RSPB guide lines, which incidentally are very effective and very good and do work a treat. Which is Mix salt with lard - or as they say said goose fat, which costs but a small price from supermarkets. Rub this solution into their’ backs and some on the breast before every training or letting out. Even racing as it doesn’t affect their flying at all. It is legal as of now, and indeed had RSPB backing.... no doubt they realise that they shot themselves in the foot and are A. hoping we all forget - and 99% won't do - and B. They will legistrate against it soon.

Now that is my type of looking pigeon. Looks like a voilet eye, but I am far from an expert, but with a yellow according to some, this could well be a great breeder I've no doubt. - I suppose it has been, but not read the thread Yet! We miss Albear here of course in that and many other regards. But I have often said '...wouldn't it be nice to have a loft full of birds that not only raced well, but were pleasing to the eye'. Another bonus surely. Out of my pocket range of course, but still nice.

Wilkinson crates. But really I believe a flat shelf is great. Just make a few shapes of squares using bricks. old cost nowt. New costs 7p each. This keeps them more alert and content in that they are more natureal. Just a gap between the bricks of 4 inches... out of pecking distance JUST when on their bricks. This really works the best. Easier and quicker to clean too.

If I was to do a Widowerhood or a widowhood I would be inclined to just race the hens on Widowhood. Racing the cock birds is called Widowerhood.