showman

Congrats. to all the winners and hope Finglas RPC have continued success with their shows, and entries stay on the up . Well done to all

After their brilliant result last week at Dublin, Timmy has just phoned to let me know that at the Portavogie show to-day they gained BIS, BOS and Most Points . I believe the cock that was BIS to-day was also the same pigeon that gained BIS at Dublin. I have seen and handled this pigeon and he's an absolute stunner. Maybe I'll go to see Keira & Timmy tomorrow and get a few photos , and post them on site,so you can all see him !!

Judges will compare 2 birds side by side if the colours are the same. Also shows held at say club level where the pens may be tiered, the fanciers will take a long look at their pen allocation and decide where to place each of their entries. Years ago I had a blue w/f cock (Pure Dordin bred from a pair of directs) which when in a top pen looked far too showy, but I soon 'caught on', and always placed him in a middle or bottom pen after that. Wish I had a pound for every card he won after that !!

Question. If at the larger shows there was for example the following : Class 1) Young bird flown 2010 (flown certificate may be required) Class 2) Likeliest young bird. Would this cater for both parties ?

Apologies for starting a new thread, but I didn't want to post on the previous thread regarding judges and what they look for, as I thought it was beginning to go in a different direction. The keeping and breeding of so called 'dipped' pigeons has never given the majority any problems, but when it comes to their appearance on the show bench , there is an ever increasing un-ease both with their presence and the awarding of any prize which may come their way. Many have put forward the argument that it's down to the judge to 'sort them out'. This, as we know, does not work, and has its' own flaws. In itself it brings an added pressure onto a judges shoulders, being now mindful that if they come across these 'dipped' pigeons in a class, as to how to treat them, and the perception of their peers at their decision. Fancy pigeons are governed by a set standard for each variety, so judges can work to that standard. Racing pigeons, show racers and these 'dipped' pigeons do not have any standard to work to, and so we all keep and produce the type that we deem is the 'ideal' for whatever purpose we intend. Ask a fancier to now judge these, and all he can do is give his opinion. Nothing more, nothing less. Yes, we have all seen 'dipped' pigeons, getting the better (forgive the expression)some believe, of good, honest and succesful racing men. But surely that's not the case...all they did was give their opinion on the day, thus carrying out the duty they were engaged for. I think we would all agree with the adage that 'everyone is entitled to their own opinion' So where do we take this now ? To remove classes from shows titled 'Likeliest' would likely to be detrimental on 2 levels. Firstly, it would have an adverse effect on birds entered and this may result in the show not being a success both numerically (birds entered) and financially (monies accrued). Secondly, and probably more important, if these classes were removed from shows, those keeping and cultivating these 'dipped' pigeons would have lesser opportunity to partake in their beloved showing, thus gradually forcing them into a position where they 'shut up shop' and leave the hobby. Something which, as fellow fanciers, we would not want to happen. So rather than make life difficult for all concerned, how do we progress this situation ? Is it now time that this particular cultivar of the racing pigeon should have its' own classification (especially at larger shows)? In effect, this is what happened to the show racer, and it has long become an accepted variance on the racing pigeon, with its' own following of dedicated and passionate fanciers. The hobby of keeping pigeons, in whatever facet, is one we have all freely chosen dependant upon our own individual interest. Should it be racing, exhibiting or purely keeping whatever breed we choose just for our own 'back garden' enjoyment. The advancement of time,and a difference in lifestyle and priorities, has seen many changes in every aspect of pigeon keeping, most unfortunately have been to its' detriment. We are part of what is now fast becoming a minority hobby, and without turning this into a 'pigeon politics' debate, we now more than ever have to respect and moreover support and encourage every individuals chosen path. I am a 'showman' and am proud of it. This is the path I have chosen to walk. I don't look up to racing men nor down on fancy men or vice versa....I look them all straight in the eye and give them the respect, as fellow fanciers, they deserve. We, as a pigeon fancying hobby, are constantly under external pressures which may make us analyse our future involvement. The fancy can well do without losing more of its' ranks, and maybe we should now look upon this as being a real opportunity to help expand a new avenue in pigeon fancying, and with little thought and adjustment may well be the way forward to both accomodate and support those who have chosen the 'dipped' pigeon as their chosen path.

18 x 6 is a fair decent size for a loft. Now, if you leave it at 8ft deep, my first concern is the birds may become a bit flighty because of the available space they have. I have had sections at both 8ft and 6ft deep, and I would be very reluctant to have them 8ft deep again. In simplistic terms, I believe a corridor can help with the day to day management of your birds. Feeding and watering can both be achieved in a corridor if the relevant receptacles are used, so you don't have to go among the pigeons to carry out the simple tasks. So, if you must have an 8ft deep loft, I would suggest to have a corridor, which will make things easier for you, and help you keep your birds under better control. OMO.

Any particular area ?

So sorry to hear of this mate, and I hope the culprits are soon rounded up.

Internet Explorer.....is Google Chrome free, or do you pay for it ? Cheers Paul.

Copy of Dave Allens' The Widowhood Year for sale. Book is in excellent condition. £30.00 including post to UK. Interest by PM's please.

If you make your boxes 28.5" x 14.5", you can easily get a block of 4 boxes from 1 sheet of 8 x 4 chipboard or plywood.

As my old Grandad used to say......'there's something afoot..and it's more than 12 inches'.

Well done to Brian and his team of helpers. It's great to have a show where you get the 500+ entries. Best wishes mate, and continued success for the future Paul.

Just want to send my sincerest congratulations to my old mate Timmy Mawhinney, showing as T & K Mawhinney, on his outstanding result to-day at the Dublin Show. 38 cards won !! To crown it all, they were Best in Show, Best Opposite Sex and won Most Points. It was announced by the organisers that winning BIS, BOS & Most Points had never been achieved by a single fancier before. Well done Timmy & Keira on yet another outstanding performance at Dublin.

You expanding already Chris ? The bug must have bitten you well !!

Unemployed for the last 20 months.

Anthony Bolton style !!!....the best photographer ever . IMO.

Some nice youngsters there Chris, and a big well done for your first year breeding !! All of them appear to be in good nick, and once you get that last flight up, you're ready to go !!

Try a few drops of lighter fluid on cotton wool.

Very nice, presentable loft Walter, much the same type of design I have in my mind for the show racers. Unfortunately, I have some 'old fashioned' ideas about ventilation. As I said, my new loft will be very similar to yours, I will however have the ability to close the sections off from the 'bay' at the front in winter, because a cold wind or breeze coming into the loft will strip show condition in no time, yet I'll still fit a low level louvre (doesn't have to be big) for each section with 1/4" square mesh behind to prevent me old rodent mates from visiting!! All in all a very nice loft Walter, which you can be well proud of,and I sincerely wish you every success in your endeavours. PS Thanks for posting the picture, because now I can see the idea I have in my mind !! Cheers mate

Looks very impressive, but where do you get lots of fresh air from...or have I missed something ??

Thinking of starting a website for the 'bits and pieces' I make...nestboxes,perches for pigeons ; breeding cages for canaries etc. Does anyone have any details or experience with 'free' websites , like are they really free ?? Who is the best etc, etc. I've had a bit of a Google search, but like most things out on the Web it's a bit of a nightmare sussing whats the best etc. Any help, as usual, would be much appreciated. Paul.

I have for sale another book from my collection...Winning Naturally by Alf Baker. In very good / excellent condition. £40.00 including post to UK. By PM please.

Hi folks, Just wondered did anyone have pictures / plans for a 'bull box' Thanks. Paul.

About 7 or 8 years ago, I purchased an Old Hand pigeon product which from memory was called Pigeon Dip. It came in a plastic container, and you emptied the contents into about a gallon of warm water. You then dipped each pigeon in and I found it to be excellent for prolonged lice control. I also remember it having a very 'soapy' feel and the birds took about 3 days to fully dry out !! Have tried to find some more, to no avail. Any help or info. would be much appreciated.