FoxesFan4Ever

Hi all, Well, let my Jack Russells out about 5am this morning and the female Vicky wouldn't stop worrying an old hoover pipe. I had a feeling there was something in it so I stuck the hose in and flooded it out and next I know she has a dead rodent in her mouth. Not sure if it's a mouse or a baby rat but I am sure it won't be the last we see. Still, at least she hasnt killed any of my birds this time so it's a start on the right road. Happy New Year to all...except the vermin community!!!!!!

What is wound powder plz?

Hi all, It's -2 here at the mo and could well get colder over the weekend although it is a lovely clear morning, just cold!!!!. Is there any positive or negative effects from flying my birds out in weather like this? I had my cocks out yesterday and they seemed fine but its definitely colder today. Thanks all!!

Hi all, Well, I didn't take any cards which I am comfortable with as I got into pigeons to race not show. However, now I have tried it I really enjoyed it. I had a great time and gained a ton of experience and advice which will help a lot with the next one I enter which I will do for sure. Thanks for the interest. All the best.

It's just a small local one. It's a challenge laid down by the South Road club I'm in to the neighbouring North Road club.

Hi all, I am putting some of my young birds in a show today. I have never done it before so not sure what to expect. Will enjoy myself anyway and will let you know how I get on (whether you care or not) All the best

Hi all, A friend of mine has been asked by her dad for a book or dvd (preferably a dvd) on long distance racing. He has been racing for years so I think he is looking for recent new ideas rather than the basics he will know already. Any recommendations please? Thanks guys.

If that doesn't work try lard. I went under a lorry when I was a kid, got my hair covered in engine oil and my mum shifted it with lard and shampoo. All the best

Hi all, I know all councils are different but can anyone tell me how far from a house a loft should be please? I only have a smallish garden which is already quite full with my other loft but I am getting a new one fro my stock birds and will be wanting to put an aviary on it as well. I have 3 options, 1 is quite close to my house and the next door house but has the advantage of already being concreted , 2 is likely to block light from the old peoples bungalows and 3 will back onto the local park which is probably the best but I dont want the local dwarves disturbing the birds by throwing stuff etc although have to say we dont get a lot of hassle really round here. So, as ever, all advice gratefully received and thanks in advance

Hi all, Does anybody know if Norplex is still available and if it is where I can get it from please? Thanks all

Hi all, Have decided to use V perches for my hens. Can anyone advise me as to how much room is needed between them please? I am talking heightwise on the posts. Thanks all

Hi all, OK as far as work is progressing, (see My Loft Alterations thread for details if you want) I have taken down all the boxes and perches I had up and removed the half arsed partition I put up last year. I have also taken out half of the corridor and just about to do the other half because the 3 doors I need wouldn't have fitted in the sections as they were. So now I need to rebuild the corridor with 3 doors which isn't a problem but I am wondering whether wire mesh will be as good as dowelling to keep the birds in. I don't have a problem with using dowelling but will the time and effort (and expense) involved in doing the job right be worth more than just a good loooking loft? If the only benefit is cosmetic value I am thinking the mesh will be just as good. Any thoughts?

Chris, Once again you have shown by word and gesture what a great guy you are. I will give you a bell over the weekend to sort out the other thing too. Thanks

Hi all, OK so I have decided to make more sections in my loft. Currently I have an 18ft x 9ft which is split into 2 equal sections. I am looking to make 3 or 4 sections for next year and would appreciate if any1 can guide me as to how to do it. I am thinking that 4 would be best so that I can have Cocks, Hens Young Birds and Stock Birds. In the future I hope to have Stock in a totally different loft but that isnt an option this time. So can any1 help me with either a guide to how to make partitions although the bigger problem is how to fit the doors or a link on how to do it. The loft includes a 2.5ft corridor and 2 sliding doors on the front with a trap on each door although I am considering removing them from the doors and just having 1 trap in a more central position. I think I have explained what I am doing ok but if it is unclear please say so and I will try and elaborate. Any and all advice and help will be appreciated. Thanks

Hi all, Was checking my birds this morning and I noticed a few have really raggy tail feathers and I have no idea why. It looks like they have something eating them. Any idea of what is doing it and a suggested cure please? Thanks in advance

Thank you both. Sadly the little un died, being much smaller than it's nestmate in the first place I suspect it had other issues anyway but still a sad loss.

Hi all, Lost a female the other day after she appears to have been stamped on. The bigger issue though is that she and her mate were feeding 2 young uns. Now the cock seems to be refusing to care for them and the smaller one is incredibly weak and cold. I have moved the bigger 1 to a pair with only 1 chick approx the same age and they seem to have taken to it fine.The small one is struggling though although I have placed it with feeders and I want to know if I can hand feed it and if so what with. If your only response is to put it in the bin, please dont trouble yourself. Thanks in advance for any real help.

Hi there, Is it ok to take birds off eggs for training tosses? They wont be going far, I just wanna know how they handle it, whether they will stress etc. Thanks all

Not answered my PM yet and its been 6 minutes!!!! Do I win a fiver???

Not sure how well it works but I know a couple who swear by old teabags soaked in lemon juice for keeping cats away. I used teabags soaked in PLJ on my old loft and rarely saw a cat and they never got near the loft but since I got the 2 Jacks I don't have to worry anymore. (kiss of death or what?) Cheap and easy though so might be worth a shout for you. Good Luck

Hi all, In conversation with a friend yesterday the subject of grit came up. The point about giving grit whilst giving any medicines was discussed and I was just wondering what other members think. Straight yes or no answers please. Should grit be given when giving any kind of meds to the birds whether preventative or curative?

That is what I was wanting to do. I am sorry my question caused so much hassle for the mods, it wasnt meant to. Thanks to all who took the time to answer.

Hi all, I am going to run electricity to the loft from the house. All the local hardware stores however refuse to give me any advice because it is against the health and safety rules. (How stupid is that?) Anyway I would think that 2.5mm Twin and Thread would be sufficient for my needs with a Surge breaker of course but I would like some concrete advice before going ahead. I will eventually be looking to run ETS, music, lights, a laptop and possibly a heat source. It is highly unlikely that I would run them all together but I should be looking to be geared up for that eventuality. Thanks all

Hi all, I am thinking of getting a microscope to keep an eye on things and catching any new problems as early as possible. However with so many models out there I wonder if someone can recommend a good make. I want to be sure I can get enough magnification but I don't want to be paying over the odds for unneeded features. As ever, thanks for all the help.