showman

Unfortunately, Ron, pigeon racing is going through a very serious and difficult time at present, and there is no way in this wide world will it ever change......that is, until its' possible demise. The good old days of racing pigeons as a bit of sport, and a great hobby have gone in the main. To the sports detriment, we ourselves are the guilty party. Two main problems have to be addressed (1) Human factor and (2) Money (1) Pigeon racing has now become infused by lies, backstabbing, bickering,bad conduct, one up-manship, deceit, illegalities etc, etc. Just have a look through some threads on here that were locked because things were getting way out of hand. The modern era has brought this about in most, and all hobbies / sports have suffered. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I agree, but some don't know what parameters an opinion should be limted to. A good majority on this site share the view to promote pigeon racing, but there are a few who have the ' I'm alright Jack attitude'...which absolutely stinks and will always divide us. (2) Through its evolvement over the years, we are now confronted with a multi million pound world wide business, and not just a great hobby. Business thrives on one thing, and one thing only....money. No money ....no business. We are nearly all guilty of subscribing to this, as its predominence has slowly but surely crept up on us. So what's the cure you ask...simple....there isn't one !!

Agreed !!

Brilliant idea....best wishes to all concerned.

I thnk Black wf & pjc have summed it up. Try not to lose sight of the fact you should be in pigeons to enjoy them. This is something which is more difficult to obtain than perceive !! The only one great thing with distance racing is patience. Remember the young pigeons you buy / breed have to last you a considerable time,and it's time they need to develop, both mentally and physically. Don't rush them into it, and personally I wouldn't give them the 'distance' until they are at least two years old ( yearlings have a tendency to go 'off plumb' on occasions ) So keep your system simple, and give them time !!

Can any of the guys/gals in N.I. tell me what is the procedure / cost of having electric wires marked / 'corked' ?

Speechless !!!

Well bid for it then, and stop mucking about !!

That's one !!

Unfortunately....none of the above !!

Just wondered Alf....why did you choose the colours as shown on your avatar ?

I sincerely wish you all the best with your new set up. Paul

Great looking loft Steve...I take it the loft is 12 x 6 and two sections ?

Hi Lindsay After much thought these past few months, I am thinking about a return to racing pigeons again......with new loft, birds etc. having to be purchased. I was made redundant back in February this year, and the cost of my return scares me a lot !! Not too bad when it comes to a loft, as I will build this myself, but when it comes to birds....oh boy...that's something else !! I have it in my ind to try the Dordins, Sions or similar as these were the families I was brought up with, and I also like a showy looking pigeon too. A mate phoned me yesterday and said there were Dordins in the BHW at £50.00 a pop.....and whereas a few months ago I wouldn't have thought twice about it......but now I can't see that happening !! Like yourself, I won't deny the birds are probably worth it....but the cost of getting new stock is very, very worrying, plus the fact you don't want to appear like 'Lipton's Orphan' when you go to buy stock !!

Definitely worth another chance....don't worry about fret marks.......individual birds will fret over different things. Set it by, and wait for next year, and treat it with a bit of thought.......don't keep flogging it up the road until you do lose it....proves nothing !!

The last time I saw these was actually in B&Q as a greenhouse accessory

Just wondering.....will this be liable to a donation to PB ?

That's one of the facets of Tam's venture......any eventualities...they're his pigeons.....you can't say a thing !!

Not quite the same though is it Andy ?

He certainly 'dangled the carrot' , and quite a few did take a bite !!

Nowhere did I knock his venture....I simply pointed out that I believe it to be a shrewd move !!

You're not thinking pjc.........just put your expenses up a bit.....hey presto...new loft !!

LOL. LOL.

Not a problem pjc...bung it on here...give a bit of incentive, like a cash back deal....deal done...free racing !!! The only thing I would suggest you do.......have two one loft races....to cover you for old & young bird season !!

I saw this thread last night re : Tams One Loft Race, and I thought it was probably the shrewdest move, by an individual fancier, that I have ever seen !

On your second point, Bruno1, surely it's the site that has been protected, and not it's members ! " " third point, If 'we' don't protect anyone who has broken the forum rules...what's the problem in naming this person ? Maybe I'm too thick to understand all this !!! Sincerely Paul