Tony C

this old man is feeling very very old lol. Take care.

A winters tale http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yreAsYTUJuM

Thanks Andy

I believe crates made after a certain date had to be made to new EU directive regarding the transport of livestock, crates made pre this date are still ok to use.

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I think it was a site email created in the early days, you could sign up for a personal email ending in @pigeonbasics.zzn.com

Hope he does coz he's sworn not to pick up the award from Sepp Blatter.

Perhaps an alterative http://www.interpigeon.com/products/167588_plg_water_treatment_250ml.php

An old post by IB I believe: Posted 26 August 2006 - 15:01 PM A recap for the benefit of those who may have missed the original post. This is an extract from the 'Dutch Pigeon Transporter Study' commissioned by the NPO [Dutch Homing Union] and carried out by a Dutch Animal University in the 1990s. The findings from this study led to the design of their new transporter vehicles. The study proved that during dehydration, the birds lose water (obviously) but don't lose electrolytes. It also proved that given access to as much water as it wanted, a bird's hydration levels recovered and were normal after 30 minutes of it drinking. Note that these are scientific experiments, their findings have been published as individual papers and as a book. The 'pp' references below are to the pages in the book. Optimal Temperature Levels for Racing Pigeons Housed under Transport Conditions: The Role of Water Availability and Age. Abstract The effect of water availability and age on the optimal temperature zone for pigeons aboard the transporter was studied. The upper critical temperature (UCT) was estimated based on body heat production, body weight & composition losses. 40 groups x 15 young birds, and 40 groups x 15/18 old birds were studied over 23 hours, exposed to ambient temps between 15C and 39C, with or without access to water. On the optimal temperature zone, age had no effect while water availability had strong impact. Birds with access to water had no UCT. Variation in weight loss occurred above 32.1C; Water deprivation caused dehydration, and deaths occurred at 39C. Body heat production increased by 0.16% per degree C above 32.1C (UCT). Above 32.1C body weight loss increased by 1.3% per degree C. The resultant dehydrated state from water deprivation and heat exposure may increase bird losses. Results pp16- Heat production significantly affected by ambient temperature and bird�s age. YBs 0.36% higher than OBs. Water availability had no effect. Body Weight loss significantly affected by ambient temperature and water availability. No upper critical temperature was found with birds having water availability, while 32.1C estimated for birds without water. Variation higher in young birds 23.8% than old birds 21.2%. Mean Body Weight (dry matter, breast muscle) significantly affected by interaction between ambient temperature and water treatment. Upper critical temperature 32.1C for water-deprived birds, higher temperatures, dry matter increased by 0.83% per degree C. i.e. most of the water lost came from the bird�s breast muscles. Humidity: 70% up to 35C; 64% @ 37C; 56% @ 39C. Respiration quotient 0.74, unaffected by exposures. Hematocrit (Hct) values (Dehydration causes higher values) significantly affected by bird�s age: YBs 55.7%, OBs 53.6%. Water deprivation tended to increase Hct by 1.2%. Hematocrit explanation Hematocrit values decrease when the size or number of red cells decrease, and if red cells increase Hematocrit increase values. Fluid volume in the blood affects the hematocrit. Pregnant women have extra fluid, which dilutes the blood, decreasing the hematocrit. Dehydration concentrates the blood, increasing the hematocrit. Chapter 1 Discussion pp20-22 Water availability and the �thermoneutral� zone � (optimal temperature zone) Water deprivation lowers the upper critical temperature to 32.7C. (YBs died at 39C) With water availability, no increase in these values was seen below the upper limit at 37C. With water availability and increasing ambient temperatures a decrease in heat production values was seen until 20C was reached, and remained constant at higher levels. 20C can be regarded as the lower critical temperature. (LCT) At high ambient temperature levels birds resort to mainly water evaporation for heat loss to maintain normal body temperature. Water deprivation prevents repletion of body water reserves. This results in an increase of 1.3 % body weight loss per degree Centigrade above 32.1C and reaches 16.2% body weight loss at 39C, over a 23 hour period. The physiological consequences of this weight loss (dehydration) are: a rise in body temperature; blood high viscosity (�thickening�); �drying out� of the breast muscles through water extraction; and death when the body weight loss threshold reaches 18%. The combined effects of the temperature level and the time birds are exposed to it determines the mortality rate. Heavier birds are affected more. Smaller birds appear better able to cope with hot environments where water is scarce. During flight, decreased blood viscosity promotes blood flow thus reducing the load on the heart. Therefore dehydration will adversely affect flight performance, and the bird�s capacity to get home. Also during flight, body temperature increases by between 1.5C and 3C, and water loss exceeds water production. Starting the flight with depleted water reserves will cause the pigeon�s body to overheat (hyperthermia). In horses, hyperthermia decreases the time to muscle fatigue. Age and optimal temperature zone p23 Optimal temperature zone for transporter: 20C to 32C for all ages. Some parameters were different for different age groups. Body heat production was 5% higher in young birds than old. Young birds have higher energy requirements for growth processes. Young birds also had a higher variation in mean body weight losses, may be down to lack of experience. Old birds easily adapt to an already familiar environment. Hct values significantly higher in young birds 2.1%, possibly linked to the higher body heat production, requiring a higher oxygen supply. UCT is 32C. Variation in body weight loss increases above this. Water deprivation increases heat production, body weight loss, dry matter content of the breast muscles and mortality at temperatures above UCT. The resultant dehydrated state probably reduces the flying capacity of the pigeon and increase bird losses. Chapter 3 pp43-57 Duirnal Variation in the Thermoregulation of Group Confined Pigeons in Relation to Ambient Temperature and Water Deprivation. Abstract p43 The thermoregulatory response of a group of pigeons to water deprivation and their ability to recover from the resultant dehydration was examined. Groups were deprived of food, and exposed to constant temperatures of 23, 31 or 37C over 48 hours. A 24-hour dehydration period was followed by a 24-hour recovery period during which heat production and body temperature (Exp1) and evaporated water loss (EWL) (Exp2) were measured. Combined results gave an estimated dry thermal conductance during lights on and lights off periods. EWL indicated UCT between 31C and 37C. At 23C and 31C, water deprivation did not affect body temperature, EWL or heat production. At 37C water deprivation increased body temperature and reduced EWL from 8 hours after exposure began, onwards, whereas heat production was not affected. Within 30 minutes of re-hydration the effects of previous dehydration disappeared. Dry thermal conductance increased with ambient temperature. At 37C conductance of dehydrated birds was lowered. Introduction p43 From a welfare viewpoint, not only the momentary effect of adverse conditions on the pigeon�s thermoregulation is of interest, but also its ability to recover. Dehydrated pigeons almost fully replenish body water reserves within 30 minutes when given access to water. [/b] Discussion p54 Effects of water deprivation During dehydration period, the effects of water deprivation on body temperature and EWL depended on ambient temperature and exposure time. Total heat production depended only on ambient temperature. At 23C and 31C, water deprivation did not affect thermoregulatory parameters. At 37C, body temperature increased, and EWL decreased, possibly due to osmotic trigger to save body water levels. Dehydration results in increased serum electrolyte and protein concentrations, and osmotic stress reduces respiration frequencies which causes a skip to behavioural thermoregulation to maintain normal body temperature. Increase in Body heat and decrease in EWL developed from 6/8 hours after start of water deprivation, at 37C, birds had evaporated 3.9% of their body weight as water, total body water content assumed @ 65%. heat exposed pigeons become dehydrated during lights off even when water is available. Recovery from dehydration p55 Within 30 minutes of taking water ( drank 7% of body weight = mean weight loss ) body temperature and body weight returned to normal. EWL recovery was slower.

Some peeps would like to get as many youngsters out of their stock to put on the darkness. The earlier you pair the more rounds you'll get for this. IMO it's a waste of time, money & energy, 9 times out of 10 the later youngsters beat these early bred youngsters.

Getting of the bog seat, a dodgy Vindaloo last night.

I fear more cold Schnapps could be arriving by Tuesday!

I would say a huge majority of fanciers don't know what goes on behind the scenes e.g. costs, logistics. A postal vote on these could damage a Federation big time if not all the facts are known. At an AGM where only members present can vote at least propositions can be debated before a vote is taken.

Yes Micky was. Might pay you to ask on the Pipa website.

Thanks for sharing Delboy.

email him and see if he has an agent over here petergyselbrecht@hotmail.com The Gyselbrecht's use to have one a few years back.

Better than thimbles http://forum.pigeonbasics.com/topic/66015-t3-clock-inserts/page__p__832648__hl__click__fromsearch__1&?do=findComment&comment=832648

In order to bring about further integration with the Single European currency, all citizens of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland must be made aware that the phrase 'SPENDING A PENNY' is not to be used after 31st December 2013 .... From this date onwards, the correct terminology will be: 'EURONATING'. Thank you for your attention.

NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER, WHOEVER HE MAY BE! Come all ye fair young maidens and harken unto me, Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be. Randier than a sailor who's been six months at sea, Never let a cricketer's hand an inch above your knee. First let's take the paceman, pure speed from first to last! My darlings do be careful; his balls are hard and fast. Then there's the medium pacer, his balls swing either way; He's really most persistent and can keep it up all day! And watch for the off-spinner, girls, another awkward chap. If you leave him half an opening, he will slip one through the gap! Then there's the wily 'slowy', pure cunning is his strength; He'll tempt you, then he'll trap you with his very subtle length. So ladies, do be careful, your mothers would agree. Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be. And what about the opening bat, his struggles never cease! He has only one ambition, to spend all day at the crease. The number three is a dasher, he seldom prods and pokes. When he goes into action, he has a fine array of strokes.. And do beware the slogger, not content with one or two; When he arrives at the crease then only six will do. Then there's the real stonewaller, girls, he knows what he's about; And if you let him settle in, it's hard to get him out! We come now to the last man, I hope this will not shock, He doesn't mind if he's last man in, as long as he gets a knock. So, darlings, do be careful, and be well warned by me: Never trust a cricketer, whoever he may be. And watch the wicketkeeper, girls, he's full of flair and dash; And if you raise your heel, he'll whip them off in a flash. If you take the field with the captain, you had better know the score; Or he'll have you in positions that you never knew before! The cricket commentator is a nasty sort of bloke, He watches all the action and describes it stroke by stroke. Even the kindly umpire, who looks friendly as a pup; You'll quickly find you've had it, when he puts his finger up! So, darlings, please remember and repeat it after me: NEVER TRUST A CRICKETER, WHOEVER HE MAY BE!

PMSL

he's lesser known for been in the Bash Street Kids gang

Thruppenny bit ......... half a crown comes to mind

Looks like I'm in for a bumpy transatlantic flight

A bit off topic: The amount of eggs a hen will lay in a lifetime is determined the day it hatches out of the egg, it is regarded this figure is between 50-80. Consequently the more eggs you take from a hen a year determines the age she will stop producing.