showman

Surely the best precaution we can take at the moment is to adhere to the ban. Let's for one moment take a step back and look at the bigger picture. If this avian influenza contributes in any way to the pandemic people are suggesting, do we as pigeon fanciers want any facet of our hobby to be charged with aiding its' spread ? Difficult as it may be, let's put our 'needs' on the back-burner for a while, and look to the welfare of our fellow man. Pigeon keeping in whatever guise we follow has had its' troubles before, and we seem to have come through them, as we will this time. But this time it could be DEADLY serious for us as well. Peoples lives could depend on our actions.

Surely the best precaution we can take at the moment is to adhere to the ban. Let's for one moment take a step back and look at the bigger picture. If this avian influenza contributes in any way to the pandemic people are suggesting, do we as pigeon fanciers want any facet of our hobby to be charged with aiding its' spread ? Difficult as it may be, let's put our 'needs' on the back-burner for a while, and look to the welfare of our fellow man. Pigeon keeping in whatever guise we follow has had its' troubles before, and we seem to have come through them, as we will this time. But this time it could be DEADLY serious for us as well. Peoples lives could depend on our actions.

Caught a bit on the BBC Northern Ireland news to-night. There was a short interview with a spokesperson from the Dept. Agr. who says that following the ruling from the EU, they (Dept.Agr) were drawing up plans to impose the resulting ban on shows, sales etc. Will keep an eye on things over here, and try to keep you all posted. Maybe we could all meet in chat room say at 10.00pm so we can let others know what we've learned today ? Paul C.

Agree with you both Jimmy/Fifer......short ban will be OK, but if it goes the way I suspect it will.......pigeon/bird keeping is in for a really terrible time ahead

Following the publication of the 'banning' notice from Europe covering all of the EU member countries, all shows and sales which were to be held in the next couple of months are now cancelled. Unfortunately, Clockman, Edinburgh will have to cancel, as with us at the Dunoon International. In fact this ban will leave us with no classic shows except Blackpool, all will suffer the same fate. Personally, I think this 'temporary' ban is just the tip of the ice-berg. I can see the ban being prolonged to cover the year 2006 in its' entirety. As we all know the greatest movement among pigeons, is during the racing season, and you think Brussels will give us the all clear in two months time, just at the time when they expect cases of Avian flu to increase ?? With respect to your posting Kaybee, I'm going to be more interested in what the reaction is from PETA, not the RSPB. Paul C.

Has this idea died a death ?? Just thought I would post something to bring this back up the 'index' list a bit.

Hi Robert, Greetings from the Emerald Isle, and sincerest welcome to the 'Forum' A great bunch of people on here, always willing to listen and give of their advice. I hope your association with the forum is long, helpful to you, but most importantly......enjoyable. Best wishes, Paul C.

If you ask me, Doo, you've got way too much time on you hands. But on the bright side, it keeps you out of the way, in that office of yours. Rest assured 'the better half' is probably glad you're not under her feet........as usual. Cheers mate. Paul C.

Great looking set up Ashley. Best wishes and every success for the future. Paul C.

Just a wee note Jimmy to say how much I enjoyed the verse in your previous posting. It is spot on. Paul C.

I remember when I was racing I was loath to train or race youngsters in the month of August because this was when the occurence of solar flares increased. Paul.

PROPOSAL FOR SHOWS 7 shows (classes) as per my previous posting. Forum members can submit 2 entries per class ( 1 photo per entry ) 1st Show.....CLASS : Young Cock or Hen - Racer Photos to be submitted Saturday & Sunday 5th & 6th November Members polling to take place Monday 7th - Thursday 10th November Webmaster to issue result of class Friday 11th November This will give interested parties time at the weekend to take photos in daylight ,if they so desire, and post in the evening.Members would then have 4 days in which to cast their vote, thus giving time to forum members to vote at leisure, being respectful of their available time, due to work commitments etc. Paul.

The structure of the show I proposed was intended to bring together the 3 most popular disciplines of pigeon keeping today viz : racing, fancy and show racer, in a very simple format. Maybe I've lost the plot a bit Hyacinth, but can I ask the question...why would we need to run 2 'shows' ? Surely as pigeon fanciers we should actively pursue every opportunity to strengthen the bond between us all by encouraging such a coming together. I fear 2 'shows' may not have that desired effect !! Paul.

I think what we need to bear in mind as we put forward our ideas, is that this on line 'pigeon-show' can only be looked upon as a bit of fun, nothing more, nothing less. By its' nature, an on line show is ludicrous, and proves nothing. Think about it.....how can you attempt to make rational comment about a pigeon of any variety just by looking at a picture !!! By sub-dividing the disciplines, we would end up with a fair number of classes, which will drag the whole thing out for too long.I take it we'd like to have it wrapped up by Christmas !! I take your point, Beautyhomer, regarding the flying breeds, but as a 'purist' when it comes to 'proper'shows, I would be the first to object to show racers being classified as just Old Birds viz : Class 6. My first cry would be that yearlings should not be in the same class as older birds.Lets keep the whole thing sweet and simple to see how it goes, and as they say over here, a bit of 'craic'. My opinion Paul.

Like the idea Webmaster, although unsure about classes. Having looked at the many postings on this forum, there appears to be the 3 facets of pigeon keeping represented viz; racers, fancy pigeons and show racers. Your suggestion is based on 8 classes with a final 'winners' class. Fine, but how about this for a suggestion : 1.Young Cock or Hen - Racer 2.Young Cock or Hen - Fancy Pigeon 3.Young Cock or Hen - Show Racer 4.Old Cock or Hen - Racer 5.Old Cock or Hen - Fancy Pigeon 6.Old Cock or Hen - Show Racer 7.Final class - Winners from each of 6 classes above. With this we won't have any problems with inter-breed classes, and a fairer playing field would be maintained. For example, when it's the turn of class 2 to appear, we the 'polling judges' can only cast our vote purely for a fancy pigeon, and that bird in turn shall progress to class 7. At the conclusion of the poll for the 6 classes we will end up with 6 entries for class 7 viz; 2 racers, 2 fancy pigeons and 2 show racers. As you yourself would now realise, your suggested classes will produce a minimum of 3 racers for the final class as it sits, and could result in a final class of 8 racers. Again, Webmaster, like yours, mine is only a suggestion. In Sport. Paul.

Hi Bruno, In fact in your last posting you happened to list two pulses !! Peas and beans are both pulses, and to keep it simple pulses are mostly another name for the seeds of pod bearing fruit/vegetable plants viz ;peas,beans,lentils etc. The only book I know where various grains are pictured and summarised is in 'Keep Your Pigeons Healthy' by Leon Whitney ( unfortunately they're in black & white ) Another good read is 'Feed To Win' by Andre Christiaens......especially the bit on powdered milk !!! Sincerely, Paul.

Like this idea of an on-line show. Carl's suggestion re-judging is worth taking a look at . Someone should start a new thread with this idea. Paul C.

Nice pics Matty. Lofts look a real treat. Sincerest best wishes for next year. Enjoy your birds. Paul

Maybe when you're thinking of these groups, a small consideration should be paid to those who show pigeons as well, be they show racers or fancy pigeons. The followers of these aspects of pigeon keeping may also like to use the forums this site could generate, and be part of the great hobby that pigeon keeping is, whatever avenue of its existence they pursue. Also consider those who keep pigeons purely for their love of the bird, and do not seek competition in any form. A humble suggestion. Paul.

Terrific advice from Doostalker, Deeman. Take note ....especially the second paragraph. Agree with this 100%. Paul.

This is what keeping pigeon is all about DEEMAN. Many ways of doing things, and at the end of the day....who is right, and who is wrong? Agree with Jimmy White, that you probably are best cleaning the loft regularly, until such times enough knowledge has been gained to allow you to try a deep litter system. Hopefully not to complicate things in your mind, Pigeon Man has a point in what he is saying, but I would suggest he has the experience to know if a deep litter system will work or not. My experience is that a good deep litter system depends on 2 factors : climatic conditions and the design of loft. Not knowing either of these, I would tend to clean regularly rather than take a chance on deep litter. Again, as Jimmy White has said.....only my opinion !!!!!